Using CCE to encode Avid sequences

[AniFarsh]

Avid Xpress DV comes with the option to Export to DVD. However, the result is far then perfect. Some suggest to export as QT reference file and encode using Tmpeg Enc (with the help of QTReader.vfp), but my experience with it was bad (Tmpeg crashed), and besides I prefer CCE.
So I found that if I want to convert Avid (DV Xpress in this case) sequences into SVCD/DVD using CCE you need to take the following steps:
1. Export the sequence as QT reference file
2. Write the following AVS script:
LoadVFAPIPlugin("*:\***\qtreader.vfp","QTReader")
video = QTReader("***.mov")
video = video.ChangeFPS(25) #PAL
video.FlipVertical #For some reason I got it flipped
3. Then use VFAPI-CONV (the reader) to convert the avs to avi
4. Use CCE or Tmpeg to convert the files

[DDogg]

AniFarsh, there was a user around for a while with a similar problem. He complained of a hazy look from the QT reference file. We tried to help, but it did not work out well :rolleyes: Nevertheless, I would like to understand the best method to suggest to future Avid uses so I have a question for you.

1> Can Avid export via any VFW codecs that are installed? Specifically via the huffy lossless codec if installed?

[AniFarsh]

My first reaction was "sure you can", but I checked it out and was very much surprised to see that the huffy puff, although installed is not listed in the export codec list.
In any case, in my opinion, the method I suggested is far better, bacause you don't over-encode the material, and you don't spend a lot of disk space and time (like when you're using a lossless codec)- the QuickTime is a reference file, meaning it points to the original media files you have in your Avid "OMFI media files", and the VFAPI is also a reference file (especially if you're not using audio, and in a lot of cases this is done in a different process, and in any case you can export it seperately, to AC3 for example, and encode it and then mux).
This means that throughout the process you never create a duplicate/encode/recompress, until the mpeg2 encoding. You're using a reference to a reference of the original DV quiality medias (or SDI, or whatever, if you're using Avid Symphony) which saves time and space.
It is a bit complicated because you need to use AVS and I was very annoyed with it at first, but it overcomes the problem I had with the QTReader and Tmpeg

[DDogg]

Your solution is excellent and one I would have suggested except for the "hazy" comment made by the other user. I don't know diddly about QT reference files so I thought an intermediate file might be the answer. Perhaps that was just a one off problem for him.

Your reply shows you clearly know your stuff, so I would expect you would have mentioned any quality/"hazy" defect if it existed. I guess we can just point Avid users to this thread as a reference thread. Thanks for taking the time to write it up! :goodpost: :thanks: BTW, makeavis or link2 should also work as an alternative to VFAPI convert if desired. Also, if you have ProCoder available you may want to try it. On these type of source files (interlaced DV) many say it is superior to CCE. Personally, I certainly feel that is a correct statement.

[AniFarsh]

It took me some time to obtain it and test it, and you are right - ProCoder is definitely a superior encoder.
thanks for the tip! :D