MKVcleaver : GUI for mkvextract with batch support v 0.7.0.2

[sheck]

I wrote a utility that allows batch extraction of data from MKV files. Idea came from using OGMcleaver. However OGMcleaver did not work with MkvToolNix v3, so I wrote this.

Get the files here: my site (http://blogs.sapib.ca/apps/)

If the above link does not work, get the file at videohelp.com page (http://www.videohelp.com/tools/MKVcleaver)

Put exe file into a directory from where you want to run it. When it starts up, all the needed files will be extracted into the same directory. Read help file for further info and on how to use.

[Keiyakusha]

Looks nice but is it possible to demux FLAC as RAW stream and not in OGG container?

[sheck]

Not right now, I will add it. Keep checking back, I will post when it's done.

[Inspector.Gadget]

Looks great so far. I second Keiyakusha's suggestion, and I wonder whether it might make sense (from a "batch" perspective) to have rules that can be set in a separate pane: always extract FLAC without an ogg container, always extract all audio tracks of a certain language, etc.

[sheck]

Looks great so far. I second Keiyakusha's suggestion, and I wonder whether it might make sense (from a "batch" perspective) to have rules that can be set in a separate pane: always extract FLAC without an ogg container, always extract all audio tracks of a certain language, etc.

Regarding tracks of a certain language : not sure how it would work, since a lot of files don't even have the language flag set. However, please elaborate more on your rules idea.

[Inspector.Gadget]

As I understand it, MKVCleaver uses mkvtoolnix, which in the mkvextract binary can take commands like --no-ogg, --fullraw, etc. Maybe it would make sense to build something into MKVCleaver where a user could set a preference that would cause MKVCleaver to always pass the --no-ogg command when dealing with a FLAC track? This sort of thing could quickly become a pain in the butt to maintain if you were to build in every available option, but perhaps things like (for example) always dumping timecodes or CUE sheets could be controlled by a toggle switch? I think the availability of such a rule for the most common/used options makes more sense than setting it per-track, which might interfere with the goal of your useful batch application.

[sheck]

As I understand it, MKVCleaver uses mkvtoolnix, which in the mkvextract binary can take commands like --no-ogg, --fullraw, etc. Maybe it would make sense to build something into MKVCleaver where a user could set a preference that would cause MKVCleaver to always pass the --no-ogg command when dealing with a FLAC track? This sort of thing could quickly become a pain in the butt to maintain if you were to build in every available option, but perhaps things like (for example) always dumping timecodes or CUE sheets could be controlled by a toggle switch? I think the availability of such a rule for the most common/used options makes more sense than setting it per-track, which might interfere with the goal of your useful batch application.

I see. I will add all the switches that mkvextract can take and allow user to right click on first Audio and Video tracks and set these options through right click menu in the right pane. This will apply to all files in the left pane. How's that ?

[sheck]

OK, I added option to extract raw FLAC. Right click on the first Audio in the right pane for options. See help file for more info.

I'm not sure if anyone want --raw and --fullraw options added. Post in this thread if you do.

[Inspector.Gadget]

I see. I will add all the switches that mkvextract can take and allow user to right click on first Audio and Video tracks and set these options through right click menu in the right pane. This will apply to all files in the left pane. How's that ?

Brilliant :thanks: .

[ron spencer]

thanks!!!

[ron spencer]

does not work says mkvinfo and/or mkvextract did not report a version number.

why is this? Both files are in same folder.

[sheck]

does not work says mkvinfo and/or mkvextract did not report a version number.

why is this? Both files are in same folder.

These files don't have to be in the same folder as MKVcleaver. Extract MkvToolNix anywhere you want (all the files, not just the ones you want) then start MKVcleaver, click "Locate MkvToolNix..." button and select the folder where you extracted MkvToolNix package.

[sheck]

I updated file to version 0.2.0.1. Minor gui fixes. This won't affect functionality.

[ron spencer]

These files don't have to be in the same folder as MKVcleaver. Extract MkvToolNix anywhere you want (all the files, not just the ones you want) then start MKVcleaver, click "Locate MkvToolNix..." button and select the folder where you extracted MkvToolNix package.

I have done that...mkvtoolnix is installed in my programs folder. Still get the same error message popping up about the file not found. I also re-downloaded the package and extracted...same error

[RiCON]

Excellent substitute for MKVExtractGUI.

Thank you very much for making it.

[XhmikosR]

I'm having the same issue ron spencer is having. I'm using one of the latest prelease versions of MKVToolnix 3.0.0.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/2025/1912010155043.png

Other than that, you've made the links in the About window open with IE. They should open with whatever browser is set as the default one in the system, Firefox in my case.
Also how about saving your program's settings in a INI file instead of the registry?
And maybe a warning that MKVcleaver is going to extract some files?

Nevertheless, thank you for the time you've spent on this program.

[ron spencer]

Ok...I have tried this on 4 machines....2 at home, 2 at work. Program works on 1 at home and 1 at work. Same errors occur on the ones that do not work. Bizarre. All are XP SP3 with all updates to Jan 2010.

Something is funny somewhere in the coding I think. Perhaps ini file is better for settings so we can see what is going on.

Nice app though!!!


thanks for your time.

[sneaker_ger]

Try downgrading to the official/stable 3.0.0. Doesn't seem to work with the pre-releases.

[stax76]

I wonder what's up with many GUIs written with AutoIt recently instead of VB.NET for instance. Biggest problem might be understanding OOP and AutoIt has many automation built in that require WinAPI calls in .NET that are also a bit difficult if you don't know C and COM+.

[war59312]

Hi,

Nice app. Job well done.

Lots of usability suggestions though.. In fact if most if not all of these are not fixed then I cant recommend it, as it can get way to confusing.

Any how, on with my suggestions...

First, please have it remember window location.

Second, disable "The Extract Tracks" button until at least 1 track is selected.

O.K when "installing" how about instead of some warning. Simply when the user double clicks on it, instead of just extracting to current directory. Create a new directory called MKVcleaver and then move itself to that directory and then execute main exe. Can be done simple enough with cmd line.

If I were to check a parent check box the checks boxes under it should be checked too, and visa verse. Does not do that now, it should.

As mentioned already by XhmikosR, about links should open in default browser, not just IE.

No way to select all? If I drop in my folder with 10,000 plus videos there is no way to select/de-select all. Nor a range, using shift key. Would be nice. Sames with "Tracks to Extract".

"Remove selected files from list" button should only become enabled if a file in the list is highlight. I should be able to right click on a file and do this too.

Sames goes with right clicking on a file, only show "Get Detailed Info" if a file is selected. In fact at the moment, if you do that and you did not first left click on the file it shows the previous file information. Whoops.

And that option should only show up if you select the movie then since it does nothing if selected the video or audio part. Never show an option to the user they cant even use.

Unless of course you plan on adding separate detailed info about the video and audio parts?

Middle mouse clicking a file should display "Detailed Info".

O.K "Tracks to extract" is nice but why show every single one by default? Perhaps only show ones that have been selected under "Files to process" by default and add a little check box "Show All" to enable all of them.

While processing you disable all the buttons so why not gray them out then too. Why is video option "Convert H.264 tracks to AVI files" not locked and grayed out then.

It's forgetting my output directory, remember it please. Currently it defaults to same location as folder, which I don't use. Annoying having to set it every time.

And I agree please store settings in a .ini, .cfg, etc. file so it's portable instead of storing in the registry. Though it seems no options are saved here. It forgets "Filename options" and "Video options" every time.

It crashed on me one time extracting an audio track, unable to reproduce at the moment though. Don't see any errors logged though.

Don't un-check options just because of an error. For example if I simply check "Timecodes", "Cuesheets", "Chaptrs", and "Tags" under "Tracks to extract" and don't pick any file to process and then click the "Extract Tracks" button, you then get an error and after clicking "OK", all your options you previously had checked no longer are.

Same thing happens if you cancel processing, that is all selections go bye bye. Well at least files to process remain checked.

Why cant I change the size of the main window, nor maximize it? GUI display issue? Fix it, then please. Indeed a bit screwed up if you force maximize using task manager. Should not be too hard to fix?

O.K enough for now. Thanks for looking into all this.

Take Care,

Will

[sheck]

Ok...I have tried this on 4 machines....2 at home, 2 at work. Program works on 1 at home and 1 at work. Same errors occur on the ones that do not work. Bizarre. All are XP SP3 with all updates to Jan 2010.

Something is funny somewhere in the coding I think. Perhaps ini file is better for settings so we can see what is going on.

Nice app though!!!


thanks for your time.


Strange. I will look into that.


Hi,

Nice app. Job well done.

Lots of usability suggestions though.. In fact if most if not all of these are not fixed then I cant recommend it, as it can get way to confusing.

Any how, on with my suggestions...

First, please have it remember window location.

Second, disable "The Extract Tracks" button until at least 1 track is selected.


Remembering window location is not hard to implement, but what's the point ? Well, if many people want it then I will.

The button should be disabled until at least one track is added. This must be a bug, I will look into it.


O.K when "installing" how about instead of some warning. Simply when the user double clicks on it, instead of just extracting to current directory. Create a new directory called MKVcleaver and then move itself to that directory and then execute main exe. Can be done simple enough with cmd line.

What is the point of that ? Copy the main exe into the directory where you want to run it from and it will extract everything there. Why double work ?


If I were to check a parent check box the checks boxes under it should be checked too, and visa verse. Does not do that now, it should.

Tha's not hard to implement. I will review this.


As mentioned already by XhmikosR, about links should open in default browser, not just IE.

This is because MKVcleaver uses IE COM object. There is always gonna be IE on any Windows OS, but Mozilla, Opera, etc. I'm not sure. Even though a lot of people use Mozilla, I would need more people to ask for this. I'm not gonna spend my time working on something when majority of people don't care about it. Using IE won't kill anybody...


No way to select all? If I drop in my folder with 10,000 plus videos there is no way to select/de-select all. Nor a range, using shift key. Would be nice. Sames with "Tracks to Extract".

There is: press Alt+Shift+A to select all and the same to de-select all.


"Remove selected files from list" button should only become enabled if a file in the list is highlight. I should be able to right click on a file and do this too.

I will look into that.
Removing files by right clicking is unnecessary, select a parent check box and click the button. Again, double work is not needed.


Sames goes with right clicking on a file, only show "Get Detailed Info" if a file is selected. In fact at the moment, if you do that and you did not first left click on the file it shows the previous file information. Whoops.

I'm working on it. It seems to be a problem with TreeView API in Windows. Right clicking does not select an item for some reason.


And that option should only show up if you select the movie then since it does nothing if selected the video or audio part. Never show an option to the user they cant even use.
Unless of course you plan on adding separate detailed info about the video and audio parts?

This is because, I don't know how many items you're going to add. Imagine, 1000 items and 1000 controls created for those items. It's not very efficient. I hear what you're saying though. I will see if anything can be done in an efficient manner.


Middle mouse clicking a file should display "Detailed Info".

I will think about it.


O.K "Tracks to extract" is nice but why show every single one by default? Perhaps only show ones that have been selected under "Files to process" by default and add a little check box "Show All" to enable all of them.

Because it's a batch processor. Again, no need for double work.


While processing you disable all the buttons so why not gray them out then too. Why is video option "Convert H.264 tracks to AVI files" not locked and grayed out then.

So you can toggle it while it's processing and don't have to cancel. It's in the Help file. Please read.


It's forgetting my output directory, remember it please. Currently it defaults to same location as folder, which I don't use. Annoying having to set it every time.

It will forget it if you restart the app. Because it's a batch processor, there is no guarantee that you will need to use the same directory as last time. If enough people find this annoying I will change this behavior.


And I agree please store settings in a .ini, .cfg, etc. file so it's portable instead of storing in the registry. Though it seems no options are saved here. It forgets "Filename options" and "Video options" every time.

The settings file might be a good idea. It forgets all the options, because it's a batch processor. There is no guarantee that you will be using the same options every time, then it will be annoying to change them every time if the app remembers everything.


It crashed on me one time extracting an audio track, unable to reproduce at the moment though. Don't see any errors logged though.

Might be a fluke. Logging is virtually non existent right now. If there is an error displayed, write it down and post here. Or even better take a screen shot.


Don't un-check options just because of an error. For example if I simply check "Timecodes", "Cuesheets", "Chaptrs", and "Tags" under "Tracks to extract" and don't pick any file to process and then click the "Extract Tracks" button, you then get an error and after clicking "OK", all your options you previously had checked no longer are.

Good point.


Same thing happens if you cancel processing, that is all selections go bye bye. Well at least files to process remain checked.

This behavior is intended. Because it is assumed that if you cancel processing then at least one file has been processed and the available information changed. Then there is no reason to keep the old settings. If people find this behavior annoying then post here.


Why cant I change the size of the main window, nor maximize it? GUI display issue? Fix it, then please. Indeed a bit screwed up if you force maximize using task manager. Should not be too hard to fix?

Tha's just me being lazy. I don't like to maximize windows, because I work with several of them at the same time and maximizing just makes everything extra hard. Again, if people want it to maximize, I will add it. Post here.

[ron spencer]

Try downgrading to the official/stable 3.0.0. Doesn't seem to work with the pre-releases.

Am using 3.0.0 stable....some weirdness going on

[sheck]

Am using 3.0.0 stable....some weirdness going on

Open command line, navigate to the directory where you have mkvtoolnix and run the following:


mkvinfo --version & mkvextract --version


Take a screen shot and post it here.

[MuLTiTaSK]

@sheck

the problems lies with mkvextract.exe not returning version info

[sneaker_ger]

@sheck

the problems lies with mkvextract.exe not returning version info

Exactly what happens here with pre-207 build. Stable is fine, though. No idea why it doesn't work for ron spencer with 3.0.0 stable.

[sheck]

@sheck

the problems lies with mkvextract.exe not returning version info

Hmm, I wonder why that is...

This is what I get on my system:

[stax76]

Instead of making a console output screenshot output can be redirected to a file, it works like this:

mkvinfo --version > aaa.txt

In Win 7 you can directly redirect to the clipboard:

mkvinfo --version | clip

The text can then be posted. Posting a attachment needs approval which can take hours or longer so file hosters are better used instead, it's also easier on the forum database which stores everything, posts, big logfiles and pictures. I don't know if big posts, logfiles and attachments are an issue for the forum hosting. A file hoster is smart and deletes files not requested for some time. Filedropper or mediafire would be such file hosters.

[sheck]

OK, try this then:


mkvinfo --version > mkvinfo.txt & mkvextract --version > mkvextract.txt

[MuLTiTaSK]

mkvmerge --version works with MKVToolNix 3.1.0 (bit.ly/8TxL8J)

[sheck]

Hmm, 3.1 version of mkvextract does not report version at all on my PC. This is weird. I'll have to change some code then.

@MuLTiTaSK

Is that an unofficial build ? Where can I get more info on that version ?

[sneaker_ger]

Same for me. It won't report a version.

It's an official build, get it here (http://www.bunkus.org/videotools/mkvtoolnix/win32/) and get info here (http://www.bunkus.org/videotools/mkvtoolnix/doc/ChangeLog).

/edit: filed a bug report.

[ron spencer]

no version of mkvextract gives me a version number...that is the issue. Why is it checked for anyway. Tried the V3.1 as well. It is the cause. How about not checking and just tell user at first run minimum versions are needed.

[sheck]

I'm working on fixing it, Ron. I'll post when it's done. There are going to be some other fixes as well.

[ron spencer]

cool...no rush really...just giving feedback.

cheers

[sheck]

This version has some fixes:

* Extract button is disabled til mkvtoolnix path is correct and there is at least one file added.
* MKVcleaver will only check if mkvextract.exe exists. No other checks done.
* Remove button will only be enabled if one or more files are checked.
* Path to mkvtoolnix is now stored in custom.ini file. No other settings are saved in this release.
* Settings are not reset, if an error occurred or if the cancel button was pressed and no files were processed. In all other cases settings will be reset.

To DO:

* Fix Get Detailed Info context menu
* Add ability to Maximize

Everything else will be added by majority requests.

[setarip_old]

@sheck

Hi!

This tool is impressive in its deceptive simplicity.

Have I missed something? Why is it that when extracting PSG subtitles, the resultant file is given an extension of ".unknown", rather than the typical ".SUP" - and doesn't include the language name in the title?

[sheck]

@sheck

Hi!

This tool is impressive in its deceptive simplicity.

Have I missed something? Why is it that when extracting PSG subtitles, the resultant file is given an extension of ".unknown", rather than the typical ".SUP" - and doesn't include the language name in the title?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but PSG is BluRay subs, right ?

In any case, open cmd and run this command mkvmerge -i "mkv file"

It will tell you which codec is used for PSG subtitles. Open custom.ini and add that codec and extension as described in help file.

Next time MKVcleaver will add the custom extension you assigned to it. You can do it with any codec that is detected as unknown.

As for the language code, it's because a lot of files don't have language codes set and so MKVcleaver doesn't add language to the file name. It goes by track # and track type for 100% compatibility with all files.

[setarip_old]

Thanks for the insight regarding commandline mkvmerge.

Regarding adding the Language name to the extracted stream title - Can't you adjust your program to pick it up if it appears in the left pane - and only use ".unknown" for those PGS streams that don't?

BTW - Dyslexia or old age (or both) - Of course I meant "PGS" and not "PSG" ;>}

[sheck]

Regarding adding the Language name to the extracted stream title - Can't you adjust your program to pick it up if it appears in the left pane - and only use ".unknown" for those PGS streams that don't?

Well I could. But hear my point: If you have several tracks that are the same language, for example, 3 English, then 3 Spanish and whatever else, then outputting the language is pointless, because you will have 3 tracks with the same language tag. How will you know which is which then ? That's why it goes by track # and track type.

I could be missing why you want this function. Maybe if you explain in detail what exactly you want, I could reconsider.

EDIT: I will add that if a lot of people would like languages in the file names.

[setarip_old]

Thank you - I was requesting the addition of the language(3 letters) to the track # and track type...

[sheck]

OK, I'll add it.

[setarip_old]

Thank you ;>}

BTW - Perhaps not stated because it's all too obvious but, you should let folks know that it works equally as well with single files as it does with batches...

[sheck]

Changes:

* MKVcleaver can now be maximized and resized
* Position and size settings are now stored in custom.ini
* Saving of position and size can be turned on and off by pressing Alt+Shift+R
* Track setting are now only reset if information about the files has changed.
* Remove button will be grayed out until at least one file is checked in the left pane.
* Extract button will be grayed out until something that can be extracted is checked in either left or right panes.
* Double right click on a file in the left pane to get detailed info on a file.
* 2-letter language tag can be appended to the end of audio and subtitle tracks.
* Language tag can be turned off and on by right click in the upper right corner of Filename Options box.
* Language tag option is saved in custom.ini file.

Everything else will be added upon either majority requests or my own whim.

[Caroliano]

It is crashing on me in the middle of extraction of subtitles, chapters and atachments of 26 files. The fist time it stoped answering on episode 9, when I tried to reproduce it, it crashed at episode 10. I'm using Win7 64bits, and MKVtoolnix 3.1.0. Here the crash report:
Assinatura do problema:
Nome do Evento de Problema: APPCRASH
Nome do Aplicativo: MKVcleaver0400.exe
Versão do Aplicativo: 0.4.0.0
Carimbo de Data/Hora do Aplicativo: 4b509352
Nome do Módulo de Falhas: ntdll.dll
Versão do Módulo de Falhas: 6.1.7600.16385
Carimbo de Data/Hora do Módulo de Falhas: 4a5bdb3b
Código de Exceção: c0000005
Deslocamento de Exceção: 0002e29b
Versão do sistema operacional: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
Identificação da Localidade: 1046
Informações Adicionais 1: 0a9e
Informações Adicionais 2: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Informações Adicionais 3: 0a9e
Informações Adicionais 4: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789

If there is something else I can do to help the debug, please say.

It is an very handy tool. Thank you. :)

EDIT: I tried again, only from epi 9 onwards, and it crashed at the episode 10 again. If I extract only episode 9 or 10 alone, it does not crash, and the extraction goes fine. It also worked from episode 11 to 26 in batch mode fine. The problem I see is that episode 1-10 have only 2 subtitle tracks, while 11-26 have 3.

I'm asking to extract the first subtitle track in each archieve, and they are equal for all them. It should do what I ask, or at least give an warning.

[setarip_old]

@scheck

More often than not, when completed, shows "99%" rather than 100% and no statement "Finished"

[sheck]

@scheck

More often than not, when completed, shows "99%" rather than 100% and no statement "Finished"

It does go to %100, but you won't see it, 'cause it then clears the statusbar on finish. Statement "Finished" is not needed.

[setarip_old]

@scheck

If by "status bar" you are referring to the lower section of the window where the percentage completed appears, that is exactly the problem I am seeing.

Many times, although the process has obviously completed, the status bar stops and indefinitely stays at "99%".

[sheck]

It is crashing on me in the middle of extraction of subtitles, chapters and atachments of 26 files. The fist time it stoped answering on episode 9, when I tried to reproduce it, it crashed at episode 10. I'm using Win7 64bits, and MKVtoolnix 3.1.0. Here the crash report:
Assinatura do problema:
Nome do Evento de Problema: APPCRASH
Nome do Aplicativo: MKVcleaver0400.exe
Versão do Aplicativo: 0.4.0.0
Carimbo de Data/Hora do Aplicativo: 4b509352
Nome do Módulo de Falhas: ntdll.dll
Versão do Módulo de Falhas: 6.1.7600.16385
Carimbo de Data/Hora do Módulo de Falhas: 4a5bdb3b
Código de Exceção: c0000005
Deslocamento de Exceção: 0002e29b
Versão do sistema operacional: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.1
Identificação da Localidade: 1046
Informações Adicionais 1: 0a9e
Informações Adicionais 2: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Informações Adicionais 3: 0a9e
Informações Adicionais 4: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789

If there is something else I can do to help the debug, please say.

It is an very handy tool. Thank you. :)

EDIT: I tried again, only from epi 9 onwards, and it crashed at the episode 10 again. If I extract only episode 9 or 10 alone, it does not crash, and the extraction goes fine. It also worked from episode 11 to 26 in batch mode fine. The problem I see is that episode 1-10 have only 2 subtitle tracks, while 11-26 have 3.

I'm asking to extract the first subtitle track in each archieve, and they are equal for all them. It should do what I ask, or at least give an warning.

Well, I don't have Win 7 and MKVcleaver was designed to run on 32 bit OS. So, I can only guess as to what to do.

When it crashes, does it display some sort of error or just disappears ?

Since it is 64 bit, try running in XP compatibility mode.

I just tested it on my PC with files that have 3 subtitle tracks and 2 subtitle tracks and MKVcleaver did not crash.

Edit: eventually I will get WIN 7 64 bit for testing and design 64 bit version of MKVcleaver. But that day might not be in the nearest future.

[sheck]

@scheck

If by "status bar" you are referring to the lower section of the window where the percentage completed appears, that is exactly the problem I am seeing.

Many times, although the process has obviously completed, the status bar stops and indefinitely stays at "99%".

Well, yeah that shouldn't happen.

Could you describe exactly what you do and in which cases this happens, because I cannot reproduce this behavior ? On my PC the status bar is blank when MKVcleaver finishes.

[setarip_old]

@scheck

I have been testing its ability to extract subtitle streams with individual MKVs (NOT batches), as follows:

1) Drag & drop MKV file into leftside window
2) Click on "+" to expand the MKV's tree
3) Place a checkmark to the left of the "Subtitle track" lited in the tree in the leftside window
4) Click on "Extract tracks!" radiobutton