VdubMod problem with mpa audio

[Cyberia]

I have a 3CD SVCD with mpa audio (224kb/s CBR) that I am trying to convert to xvid/mp3.

I have converted the video, but the audio is giving me fits. I don't want to re-encode it, I want to keep the original audio. I appended the three mpa files and the composite file plays OK in Winamp AND wmp. In BOTH applications the composite file has the correct timelength and plays to the very end.

But when I attempt to mux this file into an avi, it *appears* to work but the output avi file takes FOREVER to open and when it does it has no audio.

Also, if I try to add a wav wrapper to the compsite mp3 file (using WAVMP3) I get an error that the file is not a valid MP3. (but remember winamp and wmp are OK with it)

help

[fccHandler]

The explanation is simple; SVCD audio isn't the same as MP3 (MPEG Layer III) audio. The SVCD format specifies MPEG audio Layer II. If you want Xvid+MP3 output you have to reencode the audio.

But there is a way to avoid reencoding the audio. I don't know if it's been incorporated into VirtualDubMod, but my version (http://fcchandler.home.comcast.net) of VirtualDub can open the SVCD file directly, and it also has a (sort of) hidden feature that will write the unmodified Layer II audio into your AVI. Check the "Popup extended open options" box when you open the SVCD, and another dialog will appear. In that dialog, check the box which says "Allow audio direct stream copy."

There are side effects, though. For one, you won't be able to preview the audio in VirtualDub because there is no ACM decompressor for MPEG Layer II (AFAIK). Also, some players might not like your output AVI, but WMP should be OK with it.

[Wilbert]

there is no ACM decompressor for MPEG Layer II (AFAIK).
There's one listed in the AviSynth faq.