A slightly noob question

[An IP BreAKDoWN]

I didn't know where I should post this, since my question is on x264 I thought I should post here than on the Newbies forum. This is the first time I am encoding with x264 on the command prompt and I can't seem to figure out why I can get the first pass done but not the second.

Here is what I try and do:

cd desktop\x264

x264.exe --pass 1 --bitrate 3500 --stats episode-001-trim-test.stats --level 4.1 --preset veryslow --tune animation --demuxer avs --output NUL episode-001-trim.avs

So it makes the .stats and the .mbtree just fine, then I try to make the mkv.

x264.exe --pass 2 --bitrate 3500 --stats episode-001-trim-test.stats --level 4.1 --preset veryslow --tune animation --demuxer avs --output NUL episode-001-trim.avs episode-001-trim-test.mkv

When I do this it shows that it encodes all the way then it says its done and I look in the folder and there is no mkv to be found. I've tried many alterations, mainly switching the output mkv with the input avs, however x264 keeps saying that it couldn't open the mkv so I'm lead to believe that my ordering is correct. I hope there is just a noob mistake somewhere in the syntax but I don't know for sure.

If anyone has any suggestions or knows whats going on I'd appreciate you helping me out.

[amtm]

You have "--output NUL" in both lines so you are writing nothing out in either pass.

[Asmodian]

I hope there is just a noob mistake somewhere in the syntax but I don't know for sure.

Yep ;)

x264.exe --pass 2 --bitrate 3500 --stats episode-001-trim-test.stats --level 4.1 --preset veryslow --tune animation --demuxer avs --output episode-001-trim-test.mkv episode-001-trim.avs

"--output NUL" means don't make the output, only a good idea for the first pass where you don't want the video (just the stat files).

[An IP BreAKDoWN]

So would it be:
x264.exe --pass 1 --bitrate 3500 --stats episode-001-trim-test.stats --level 4.1 --preset veryslow --tune animation --demuxer avs --output episode-001-trim-test.mkv episode-001-trim.avs
I thought you had to do the NUL on windows. Though eliminating it does make sense.

EDIT: it came out perfect thanks again guys!!

[amtm]

Yes, you have to do the NUL on Windows... to not write out a file. Hence why you would only use it on the first pass.

[Guest]

I didn't know where I should post this, since my question is on x264 I thought I should post here than on the Newbies forum. Wherever you post please use a proper thread title! Failing to do so may leave you at risk of strikes if it continues. Thank you.