Xvid newbie

[techz]

So many options to choose from. I just understood what these XVID binaries are for, so which is a good recommended one for newbies? and how about a rough guide on 1 cd rips for xvid? the settings and all? there are just so many! I've tried to read so much, now Im all confused, this is why I was sticking to DivX, but the benefits of XvID Are just so many! I cant resist.

http://www.doom9.org/index.html?/gknot-main5.htm
this is the latest guide on doom9.org dated Nov 2003, i'll bet lots of options have changed sinc then, i think i will try using AutoGK first, but im concerned about installing both AutoGK and GKNOT on the same machine.

Many thanks for the help

[Ark]

All binaries are almost identical, they're made with different compilers, optimized for certain processors, with some added features as they are added to the CVS branch (where all the code of XviD is), but that's all.

If you want to learn, you have to take your time and try!
For a good start make a 2-pas encode with default setting of a short sequence of say, 1 minute, and slowly add features and watch results.

It doesn't take so much time and you'll start to have an idea on what options do quality wise.

The FAQ by Crusty is more up to date (do a search for it) if you want to check it out.

[techz]

I think I'll try Koepis Binary, seems popular, but it lists so many fixes everytime, im worried.

We just have to run the .exe of the Koepi build right?

[Ark]

Yes, the .exe is the installer.

Once installed you have to run an application like VirtualDub, but i think you already know what to do, it's like DivX.

[jon.schaffer]

Originally posted by techz
...but it lists so many fixes everytime, im worried.

Build 1.0.3 is a stable version. All the last fixes (since 1.0.0) are minor ones. You won't waste your encodes with it.


We just have to run the .exe of the Koepi build right?

It's an installer which sets the codec up on your machine. The encoder part of the codec is then accessible in software like VirtualDub/VirtualDubMod (I never used GKnot and do not know anything about it). The decoder part of the codec is used by player-software when watching a movie...

The default settings are already very efficient. To learn more, the better is to play around with all the options. Reading the forum will help you to understand these options, but don't use an option just because somewhere it is said "it's perfect". Trust only your eyes. That's why it's better to play around with the options and see the results. Test and learn by yourself...

EDIT: Ooh, Ark was (a lot) faster...

[niamh]

Just get a stable build, that way it won´t change every 5 minutes(it means a slightly older build that doesn´t have beta or alpha after it). Xvid installs like anything else, so no worries on this account, it won´t bite you. The defaults are good, and once you get used to it, you realize there isn´t that much you can tweak without making an awful mess :)
1st option, use autoGK, great idea, and they´re perfectly fine on the same machine.
Then you can try playing with GK, one tip, 1st pass and 2nd pass have to have the same common settings,( i.e. if you use chroma optimizer in pass1, you have to check it´s there in pass 2 settings.)

Very basic indications to get you started :
for both passes:
~profile@level = 5 >>> more : quantization , pick h263 for soft output, mpeg for sharper output (doesnt compress as well)
adaptive quant , qpel and global motion compensation are various helps towards compression, tastes vary greatly as to the output given by those....test yourself. note:you wont break anything by using them all together, and you wont break anything by using none of them either, it´s all safe :)
Bvops are B frames, keep it default (1,1.50,1 IIRC)

~zone options, keep chroma optimizer on, unless you encode black and white in which case, use greyscale instead. Don´t worry about the rest.

~ advanced options : precision 6, vhq 4, use chroma motion, max I-frame interval, 10 times your framerate(250 for PAL, though no big deal if left at the 300 default). Cartoon modes for cartoons, and don´t worry about the rest.

use discard first pass, as a rule, and that´s enough to get you started :) I hope that helps, and this isn´t gospel, just a very basic general setup, and note it´s pretty much the xvid defaults, which are very good.

2nd note: the more fancy options you tick, the less likely it is to play on a standalone divx player, so if it´s a concern, check its capability before you jump.

For all details on what it is and what it does, yes, check crusty´s FAQ it´s amazing.