VidCoder: Alternative HandBrake GUI for Windows

[RandomEngy]

VidCoder has moved to GitHub (https://github.com/RandomEngy/VidCoder)

VidCoder (http://vidcoder.net/) is an alternative GUI for HandBrake on Windows.

http://engy.us/pics/main.png (http://vidcoder.net/)

As far as the encoding goes, it's full-featured: It's got all audio, video and container formats, filters, advanced x264 options, subtitles and chapters.

However it goes beyond the standard HandBrake GUI in some areas. I've been able to call directly into the HandBrake core libraries, rather than wrap the CLI as the current Windows client does. The result is I get instant static previews of the source material, just like in the Mac version. The preview instantly reflects changes in resolution, pixel aspect ratio and cropping. Other advantages include the ability to pause and resume an encode and the removal of those pesky console window popups at the start of every job.

Beyond the tighter integration to the core libraries, I've overhauled the entire UI, including the workflow and preset system.

You'll need .NET Framework 4 (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=e5ad0459-cbcc-4b4f-97b6-fb17111cf544) (only the Client Profile is neccessary).

I'd appreciate any feedback, posted to the GitHub site.

http://engy.us/pics/preview.png (http://vidcoder.net/)

Interested in translating VidCoder to your own language? Help out at Crowdin. (http://crowdin.net/project/vidcoder)

[odditory]

I like this encoder a lot based on the test encodes I've done so far, and since the core handbrake devs seem to favor the Mac version, the Windows version doesn't get as much attention and that's where VidCoder comes in. It's definitely a lot more "tight" than the HB windows GUI, you won't see a DOS window for the encoding status nor a separate queue window - all these are in the same window since it's not just a front-end to the HandbrakeCLI like regular HB. I like the preview ability, since it's a major omission from HB's regular windows version but present on the Mac version.

it's got auto-updating built-in which is nice, and the updates seem to be coming pretty frequently. this is arguably the easiest to use x264 encoder GUI for windows out there right now. keep up the good work!

[Inspector.Gadget]

Looking pretty good. I haven't used Handbrake recently, but if the HB devs have implemented the x264 tune/preset system in their GUI (e.g., a selectable Tune "Film" option rather than just deblock etc. sliders) you should consider doing it here. Otherwise, perhaps you could further improve on Handbrake's default GUI by doing so. Thanks!

[stax76]

Wouldn't be .NET 3.5 Client Profile be sufficient? That's the highest included in Win 7. Do you use any 4.0 features?

[RandomEngy]

I use IntPtr.Add (as a convenience) and there's a bug about data binding to radio buttons that's fixed in 4. There's also the nice stuff like named parameters and more useful overloads on stuff like Path.Combine(). Also I figured I'd just go with 4 out the gate so I don't have to worry about a framework upgrade for a while.

Looking pretty good. I haven't used Handbrake recently, but if the HB devs have implemented the x264 tune/preset system in their GUI (e.g., a selectable Tune "Film" option rather than just deblock etc. sliders) you should consider doing it here. Otherwise, perhaps you could further improve on Handbrake's default GUI by doing so. Thanks!

All the advanced options are the same as what you'd see in the HandBrake GUI. I'll look into the --tune option.

[flebber]

Encoding with Vidcoder now. I have used handbrake lately to do some encodes. I will be trying to create some now that fit the below specs.

Only one thing interface wise, when I had finished choosing my profile settings there isn't a "close" "finish" button to return to the main screen. Not major in the least. Oh and vbr for AAC and MP3 would be a sweet addition.
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp60/samsung_hd_tech/Fileformats.jpg



Cheers

[odditory]

Does the big red "x" in the upper right hand corner not work for you to close the settings?

personally i'd prefer that the ESC key also close it, but that's just me.

[flebber]

Does the big red "x" in the upper right hand corner not work for you to close the settings?

personally i'd prefer that the ESC key also close it, but that's just me.

no doesn't bother me, i was just looking for a save and close option.

[Przemek_Sperling]

My impressions are very positive.The interface is IMO better than the original. And big thank you for eliminating the CLI window :-)

Some random thoughts:
- I have problems with subtitles (it also applies to Handbrake svn 3036 and 3154). Sometimes I can make them, sometimes (usually...) not which depends on the movie. What interesting it does not apply to the burn in subs. Handbrake 0.94 works without a hitch.
- the green progress bar could show how much of the job has been done (percentage)
- the destination selector could add mkv and mp4 extensions to the file if such container has been selected in advanced mode
- please make similar mechanisms of default calculating movie resolution like in avi.net. I know from my experience that most my inexperienced friends have problems with these calculations. avi.net assumes that the width of the encoded movie equals to the width of the source (like 704 or 720 in case of DVDs) and height is calculated this way to be in
proportion to the movie (like 1.78, 2.35 etc.)

[RandomEngy]

If you fiddle with the Encoding settings and close the window, your changes will still be persisted and will apply to any encodes that you make. You can go back and revert or save the changes later.

- The idea for ESC to close the settings window is good. I'm also planning on having Ctrl+S do a save.
- Like the idea of having the percentage displayed on the progress bar. I'll add that.
- Adding the correct extension based on the encoding settings is also a good thought.
- VidCoder does do automatic resolution calculation. Just make sure that Keep Aspect Ratio is checked. Choosing Loose or Strict anamorphic should also work.

[Przemek_Sperling]

Thank you!

I have one more suggestion, expressed by my friend. Can you make VidCoder be able to open iso image files like Fairuse Wizard did? My friend stores films in this way and she asked if this feature can be built in. I do not know how FairUse did it (the program was open source but AFAIK there were some problems with the sources, however, there were independent compilations like these made by Celtic_Druid). 7-Zip opens the files and it is open sourced so vidCoder could use the 7-zip libs.

[Washka]

Oooo, great util. I try to encode small clip from MTV 720x576 to my mobile phone Nokia N86 8MP res. 320x240 as MP4 (x264)
first clip was encoded with 234 FPS but second clip with 25.2 FPS average. :confused:
Both are captured same day as MPEG2


edit:
anamorphis was on Loose and that slow down encoding like 100%
edit 2: Well. Mpeg4 FFMpeg 540 FPS and much better for phone.
:)
That`s it :P

[acrespo]

I can't load a DVD in Videocoder.
When I click on DVD/VIDEO_TS Folder of Source combo box the window "Search Folder" only show Desktop and Windows "drivers" folder. I don't know if it's because i have brazilian portuguese version of Windows Vista Ultimate SP2 here.

[m110s]

Target size in video/quality is broken.
Encoding same movie with HandeBrake gave mi exact size but with Vidcoder it missed a lot.
Also, IMHO, visual appearance could be better. I prefer clean and simple look something like Simple x264 Launcher.
Keep on good work and I'm waiting for new verson to test it.

[RandomEngy]

VidCoder 0.4.0 (http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/releases/view/44624) is out.

Added the keyboard shortcuts I was talking about.
As well as the automatic addition of the correct extension.
Also queuing up multiple video files or titles at once.

acrespo: I'll see if I can repro that.
m110s: Thanks for the report; I'll look into that. I've mostly been using the constant quality.

[flebber]

Vidcoder crashes when trying to analyse this source file.

Format : Flash Video
File size : 15.8 MiB
Duration : 3mn 47s
Overall bit rate : 583 Kbps
Encoded date : Thu Apr 08 19:42:29 2010
rating : none

Video
Format : VP6
Duration : 3mn 47s
Bit rate : 500 Kbps
Width : 480 pixels
Height : 360 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate : 30.000 fps
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.096
Stream size : 13.6 MiB (86%)

Audio
Format : MPEG Audio
Format version : Version 1
Format profile : Layer 3
Mode : Dual mono
Duration : 3mn 47s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 96.0 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz
Stream size : 2.60 MiB (16%)
Writing library : LAME3.97 (beta)

Edit
Using version 0.4

[RandomEngy]

If it didn't give you a stack trace then it probably died somewhere in the HandBrake core. Does the same file fail to load in the official HandBrake GUI as well?

[flebber]

If it didn't give you a stack trace then it probably died somewhere in the HandBrake core. Does the same file fail to load in the official HandBrake GUI as well?

I have just used handbrake 0.9.4 and it loaded and encoded the file normally, no error.

[Przemek_Sperling]

I have just used handbrake 0.9.4 and it loaded and encoded the file normally, no error.

The thing is that AFAIK VidCore is based on the dev core rather than the stable one. It has some pros and cons.

[RandomEngy]

Yeah, I've been working off the latest SVN. When it reaches a release point I'll leave the core files at a stable point. Unfortunately, this means that without the file I don't know whether it's due to it being a dev build or from the C# interop. :(

[Przemek_Sperling]

I have to confirm what flebber already noticed - v.0.40 is pretty unstable. Besides of the crash during the analyse there are some crashes during the encoding.
And also one more remark - VidCoder 0.40 behaves like an app which must run in realtime. It horribly slows down apps which run concurrently, which is irritating, e.g. YoWindows (screensaver) opens in nearly a minute, closes even more sluggish.

[MovieFan81]

Thanks for the GUI.
seems nice, i will try soon!

[RandomEngy]

Well, hopefully getting a stable release of the HB core will help the stability issues. Also it would help if I had a source file that caused a crash so I could see if I can isolate what the problem is.

In the next version I'll add in lowering the CPU priority during encodes, that defaults to below normal and is customizable.

[Washka]

Can u add in Audio at Sample Rate "Same as imput or As is."

[Washka]

I try to recode this video :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_fCqg92qks to mp4 FFMPEG 2pass for my phone and crash just when u press stat.

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: APPCRASH
Application Name: VidCoder.exe
Application Version: 0.4.0.0
Application Timestamp: 4bdca10e
Fault Module Name: hb.dll
Fault Module Version: 0.0.0.0
Fault Module Timestamp: 4bd23e06
Exception Code: c0000005
Exception Offset: 0005647d
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.272.7
Locale ID: 1033
Additional Information 1: 0a9e
Additional Information 2: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789
Additional Information 3: 0a9e
Additional Information 4: 0a9e372d3b4ad19135b953a78882e789

[RandomEngy]

I was able to convert the video to MP4 FFMPEG just fine using the 640x480 MP4 source from Youtube. Which source were you using?

[Washka]

Same that from Youtube. I reinstalled, restarted windows and it was worked fine.
I encoded few music videos from some Original Music DVD with AnyDVD installed and that was working perfect. All 23 Songs converted in few minutes. Some of them with 350 fps 2 pass in x264 this time.

[Mary H]

I've been trying out this new app today, looks very promising! Created two MKV files from 4-5 minute test files (MKV and M2TS). Very easy to use, excellent results.

However, I'm unable to open any DVD folder structure from the hard drive. Tried several different ones, always with a "Vidcoder has stopped working" error.

Tried on 2 computers, both with Windows 7. One has Ultimate x64, the other Professional x86. Same results on both.

[RandomEngy]

Washka: You can download the video in several formats in youtube: varying qualities of .flv and .mp4 are available. Which one did you get?

Mary H: Could you post the encode log? I'll see if I can repro this as well.

[RandomEngy]

New release: 0.4.1:

Changes:
* Marks system as "working" to prevent computer from sleeping during an encode.
* CPU priority changed to BelowNormal during encodes.
* Encode percentage displayed on progress bar.
* Added additional options for custom format auto-naming: {preset}, {date}, {time} and {quality}.
* Fixed crash on re-opening settings window.
* Fixed crash on adding SRT subtitles.
* Fixed null reference exception on some batch encoding.
* Fixed exception when HandBrake logs an empty line.
* Fixed video encoder not updating on revert or change of preset.

Should prompt you to update next time you close VidCoder.

[Przemek_Sperling]

Well done! Thank you!

[flebber]

Updated to 0.4.1 and my previous issue with flv files http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1396513#post1396513 and the new version has resolved it. I have just completd a successful encode. Like the progress bar to . good stuff.

[ehushagen]

I just want to thank you for this amazing front-end! I'm in the process of converting my TV collection from DVDs to my NAS, and the ability to choose multiple titles from the DVD rip has been a lifesaver.

Out of curiosity, is there a way to increase the gain when using faac? The resulting audio's volume is noticeably quieter than when I used the Nero aac encoder with MeGUI.

[RandomEngy]

I don't think the HandBrake API exposes audio volume controls at the moment. I'll keep an eye out for it though.

[ehushagen]

Alright. In the meantime I'll continue using ogg audio, as it plays back at a higher volume.

[lilhobo]

hey i encoded with MPG4 settings but the VLAN player doesnt allow for searching in the mp4? if i tried to watch inthe middle, he video restarts from the beginning

[RandomEngy]

VidCoder 0.5.0 (http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/releases/view/47922) is out. Should auto-update when you next close it.

* Adds a Completed Items list, where you can check up on the encode time, status (Succeeded/Failed) and play the finished file by double-clicking.
* Also added Apple presets, but the advanced x264 options are wrong for the iPad preset... just delete them and it should be fine; will be fixed in the next patch.
* Fixed a few more bugs, updated the folder picker dialog, added peak framerate control, and added the smart title picking from Handbrake (can pick out the correct title from a bunch of scrambled ones).

lilhobo: That's odd. Does it happen with all source material you try?

[fAy01]

AAC Audio encoding is really bad can you fix that!

NS93_[SAMPLE].mkv
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?knqojyzmzmy

NS93_[SAMPLE][VidCoder].mkv
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?onizmqqamfy

[Darkwhisperer]

Im aware this is more of a Handbrake issue, but I'll throw it out there anyways...

x264 has been using presets for encoding speed for a while now. Is it possible to get a list of vidcoder x264 settings that match up to the presets? IE If I want to encode similar to "slow" preset, then I must set option 1 to x, and option 2 to y, etc...

Otherwise, awesome app :)

[JohnAStebbins]

Im aware this is more of a Handbrake issue, but I'll throw it out there anyways...

x264 has been using presets for encoding speed for a while now. Is it possible to get a list of vidcoder x264 settings that match up to the presets? IE If I want to encode similar to "slow" preset, then I must set option 1 to x, and option 2 to y, etc...

Otherwise, awesome app :)

x264 --fullhelp

[lilhobo]

no mp3 option?

[ehushagen]

There is, but only as long as you choose .mkv as your extension.

[JohnAStebbins]

There is, but only as long as you choose .mkv as your extension.
RandomEngy, handbrake has supported mp3 in mp4 files since march.
http://trac.handbrake.fr/changeset/3167

[lilhobo]

RandomEngy, handbrake has supported mp3 in mp4 files since march.
http://trac.handbrake.fr/changeset/3167

yeah but they might have taken it out along with xvid

[RandomEngy]

RandomEngy, handbrake has supported mp3 in mp4 files since march.
http://trac.handbrake.fr/changeset/3167

Cool, I'll add it in next version.

[lilhobo]

can we have legacy AVI container please LOL

[RandomEngy]

VidCoder is a HandBrake wrapper and HandBrake is not bringing AVI back. It's an outdated and difficult to maintain container format.

[RandomEngy]

Released VidCoder 0.5.1 (http://vidcoder.codeplex.com/releases/view/48721).

* Fixed Target Size functionality.
* Added Lame MP3 audio option when using MP4 container.
* Added ability to choose log verbosity and toned down the default logging verbosity from 2 to 1.
* Fixes x264 settings on the iPad preset.
* Made preset system more robust to encoding crashes.

[wpoulson]

Thanks Random Energy for the great product.
I have a question about the constant quality setting. First, what is the reason for the differing scale value between Vidcoder and Handbrake, since Vidcoder uses the Handbrake engine? The Vidcoder default is 20, I think, and if I recall correctly, I think the Handbrake default is 60.something. Is the Vidcoder default the exact same as the Handbrake default. In your opinion, is there any benefit encoding at a setting of 18 vs 20?

Also, for anyone out there that might be able to answer this question...I recently mass encoded a large number of video files with Vidcoder. Most of the files compressed by 50% or more; however, there were a few that compressed by very little. I know every file is different, but does this sound like an incorrectly encoded file? It seems like most encodings will shrink file size by 50-66%.

I had some problems when trying to pass-through DTS or AC-3 5.1. The file would show instantaneously completed, but there was nothing really done. As a general plan, I decided to encode to MKV and keep the original audio for anything above 2-channel and go ahead and convert to aac the 2-channel AC-3. I have been demuxing the original VOB and encoding the video only in Vidcoder and later merging everything together. Can you provide a few words on how to successfully accomplish everything in Vidcoder for passing through DTS or DD 5.1?

Thanks

Warren

[JohnAStebbins]

Thanks Random Energy for the great product.
I have a question about the constant quality setting. First, what is the reason for the differing scale value between Vidcoder and Handbrake, since Vidcoder uses the Handbrake engine? The Vidcoder default is 20, I think, and if I recall correctly, I think the Handbrake default is 60.something. Is the Vidcoder default the exact same as the Handbrake default. In your opinion, is there any benefit encoding at a setting of 18 vs 20?

You must have been using an old version of handbrake. The '60' setting is from a scale that represented the inverse percentage of the full range of possible RF values available from the encoder (x264 RF values range from 0-51). It's inverse because 0 RF is highest quality. This % scale was less meaningful then using the ratefactor directly, so the latest handbrake nightlies have eliminated the % scale. The conversion is 51 - (% * 51). So 60 is equivalent to 20.4.

Also, for anyone out there that might be able to answer this question...I recently mass encoded a large number of video files with Vidcoder. Most of the files compressed by 50% or more; however, there were a few that compressed by very little. I know every file is different, but does this sound like an incorrectly encoded file? It seems like most encodings will shrink file size by 50-66%.

No way to tell without more information about the sources. Activity logs would help also.

I had some problems when trying to pass-through DTS or AC-3 5.1. The file would show instantaneously completed, but there was nothing really done. As a general plan, I decided to encode to MKV and keep the original audio for anything above 2-channel and go ahead and convert to aac the 2-channel AC-3. I have been demuxing the original VOB and encoding the video only in Vidcoder and later merging everything together. Can you provide a few words on how to successfully accomplish everything in Vidcoder for passing through DTS or DD 5.1?


Sounds like a potential vidcoder bug. Again, activity logs would show us what is happening.