ASF Multiplexer beta-testing is needed [Archive]

Dmitry Vergheles

28th March 2005, 13:07

There is an alfa version of SolveigMM ASF Multiplexer that needs to be tested.
http://www.solveigmm.com/files/SMMASF_2005_03_28.zip

The muxer allows the user to multiplex any pre-compressed or raw audio/video streams (DIVX, H264,MPEG-2,WM, etc.).

It takes to the input a video stream as a framed structure (i.e. one DirectShow Sample has to contain an integer number of Video frames).
Such a video structure is supported by most video encoders.

Input audio/video samples have to have valid time stamps.

As for H264, currently it only operates with Moonlight H264 Encoder. In spite of Encoder mediatype the muxer wtites to an ASF file a mediatype with fourcc - AVC1.

For operating SolveigMM ASF Muxer the Windows Media Format 9.0 Runtime has to be set up.

There are DirectShow graph types the muxer can be tested within:

File Source-> AVI Splitter [DivX]-> SolveigMM ASF Multiplexer
[AC3]->

File Source-> MPEG2 Demuxer->MPEG2 Decoder->Moonlight H264 Encoder-> SolveigMM ASF Multiplexer
[MPEG1]->-------------------------------------->

etc...

Any suggestions,notes, bug reportes are really appreciated.

Dmitry Vergheles

6th April 2005, 07:49

There is a new version being tested of SolveigMM ASF Multiplexer.
http://www.solveigmm.com/files/SMMASF_2005_04_06.zip

It has been improved operating with MPEG2 and H264 streams.

Since there is still no an official mediasubtype for H264, the multiplexer allows an user to set mode - "Treat input video as H264" and disregarding an input subtype set one with own fourcc (AVC1,H264,X264,VSSH, etc). It is necessary to use it with various H264 decoder/encoders.

http://www.solveigmm.com/files/ASF_MUXER_PPAGE.GIF

azsd

6th April 2005, 14:34

x264 in avi,connect avi splitter stream00 to SMM multiplxer,if check "treat input as H264",ther result asf file can't play with mpc,if uncheck it,output asf can play with mpc.
avc in nero mp4,connect from nero mp4 source video to SMM multiplexor,if check "treat as H264",the result asf can't play with mpc,if uncheck,the graphic can't be play.

all targets unplayable with wmp.

Dmitry Vergheles

7th April 2005, 07:54

Hello azsd,
thanks for your report.

x264 in avi,connect avi splitter stream00 to SMM multiplxer,if check "treat input as H264",ther result asf file can't play with mpc,if uncheck it,output asf can play with mpc.
It is a 100% bug.

all targets unplayable with wmp.
Windows Media Player 7+ requires decoders to bo either VCM or DMO for ASF files playing, therefore I don't think it is the muxer bug.

As for AVC in Nero MP4, we can't repeat the situation with an unplayable file for the present.

azsd

8th April 2005, 09:29

sorry,I haven't described my syetem info:
Windows 2003 std vol,
DirectX 9.0c,
SDK April 2005
Windows media player 9,
Mplayerc v 6.4.8.4
Nero Splitter/Nero AVC file source and Moonlight mp4 splitter installed.

BTW I have not so many tabs as #2 post in muxer property dialog

http://my1993.com/PpsDES/Cap/4SMuM/SMMmuxer_128c.png
with pin conenction:
http://my1993.com/PpsDES/Cap/4SMuM/remux[1].PNG

:D an smaller mp4 files here:

http://my1993.com/PpsDES/Cap/4SMuM/[LoveHina][H264_680k][Nero]vol6v2.mp4

Dmitry Vergheles

21st April 2005, 12:02

A new verion being tested is available (2005.04.21).
http://www.solveigmm.com/files/SMMASF_2005_04_21.zip

there have been fixed some bugs, including
x264 in avi,connect avi splitter stream00 to SMM multiplxer,if check "treat input as H264",ther result asf file can't play with mpc,if uncheck it,output asf can play with mpc.

There is no more restriction for a video to be frame based for H264 and MPEG-2. The muxer is able to receive H264 and MPEG-2 as a bitstream.

This feature permits to use the muxer with MPEG-2 TS/PS demuxers directly.

f.e.
Src (MPEG-2 )->MPEG-2 dmx [vid] -> ASF Muxer

pieroxy

22nd April 2005, 14:09

Hi,

Would this muxer allow AC3 or DTS content to be placed in an ASF file?

Thanks

Dmitry Vergheles

23rd April 2005, 12:28

hi pieroxy,
fisrt time you asked me about dts on hydrogen I was thinking you meant "decoding time stamps" :)

Yes, the muxer operates both with AC3 and DTS audio. You can test it by yourself :)

In the nearest feature we are going to prepare a number of ASF sample files to be available on solveigmm.com containing various audio/video data.

pieroxy

25th April 2005, 08:25

"Yes, the muxer operates both with AC3 and DTS audio. You can test it by yourself"

Great! :) I've been looking for that for ages now... Can you tell me how to do it then? I tried with Graphedit to render a dts file, then to connect it to the ASF muxer but the graph wouldn't run... :(

What did I miss ? :confused:

Dmitry Vergheles

25th April 2005, 11:36

I tried with Graphedit to render a dts file, then to connect it to the ASF muxer but the graph wouldn't run...

Could you upload somewhere a small part of the DTS file the muxer fails with?

pieroxy

25th April 2005, 15:26

I will upload that tonight and post the link.

pieroxy

25th April 2005, 23:01

There ya go:

http://www.palmdrive.net/smmasf/

Sorry about the slow connection and the big file... All I could do tonight.

Dmitry Vergheles

26th April 2005, 14:52

Hi pieroxy,

The main problem is that your DTS file is just raw DTS data. I mean there is no information about audio (BitsPerSample, SamplesPerSec, etc.) Such information usually set Demuxer or Splitter. Muxer can't multiplex data without format information.

I've tested the muxer with DTS file in WAV format. It worked properly.
And I was able to play the resulted asf file with DTS by ffDshow audio decoder.

How do you play your DTS files in DirectShow? What software palyer/decoder do you use?

pieroxy

26th April 2005, 15:40

I use WMP10 and the ac3/dta file reader by valex (unreleased yet). This reader does read the file and pass it on perfectly to AC3Filter. Why is additional information needed? sample frequency & other infos are obviously in the dts stream from the start...

How did you put the dts file in a WAV format? I tried various different things over there but couldn't get it through...

Dmitry Vergheles

26th April 2005, 16:07

There are the audio samples I'be tested the muxer with:

Source (DTS in WAV) 19Mb:
http://www.solveigmm.com/files/Murder_Mystery_CD_DTS.wav

Result(DTS in ASF )19Mb:
http://www.solveigmm.com/files/Murder_Mystery_CD_DTS_ASF.asf

ASF files to be played properly with GraphEdit and ffdShow and within WPC.

The muxer doesn't parse audio content (currently at least) therefore it needs correctly filled mediatype.

Could you please give me your source filter for testing, probably it provides the media type (I tested your file with usual file source filter) and the problem in the muxer?

I didn't put DTS files to WAV, I had them within WAV already. But probably dts2wav (hypercubemx.free.fr/html/download1.html) utility can do this.

Dmitry Vergheles

26th April 2005, 16:12

One more thing.

if your DTS source parser fills mediatype correctly you can write WAV file by means of the graph as follows:

FileSource(DTS parser)->WAVDest->File Writer

WAVDest is the filter to be shipped as DirectXSDK sample and it has to be compiled before using.

pieroxy

26th April 2005, 20:03

I successfully converted these files to WAV, but they didn't play in WMP... Of course, the resulting ASF (which I generated successfully) did not play either in WMP. It played fine in Graphedit however.

I am running Media Center at home. The whole point of embedding AC3/DTS in an asf file is for me to be able to add these files to my media library and tag them properly. If WMP cannot render them, I don't see the point of making it an asf from the start... AVI/WAV are enough (at least for me).

AC3 in WAV worked however... As well as the original dts stream in WMP. Weird.

Any idea?

Dmitry Vergheles

27th April 2005, 14:21

what decoder do you use? if ffdshow what version?

It's difficult to say why WAV not to be played in WMP, but to play ASF files with WMP the decoders have to be either ACM or DMO object.

So, ffdhow is ACM (video for windows) and theoretically it suitwindows media requirements.

Actually I'm able to play above ASF file with WMP, but there are some troubles with rate. It sounds very slow.
Up till now I don't investigate whether it's a muxer problem or decoder one.

And original dts stream plays by WMP based on your DTS file source and DirectShow decoder.

If you want to repeat my situation:

my FFDSHOW decoder version is - Mar 25 2005, though it seem not to be official version the last official one (ffdshow-20041012) doesn't allow to play asf whithin WMP at all.

And in the codec properties has to be set Uncompressed - "all supported" feature to permitt the connecting with PCM mediatype.

pieroxy

2nd May 2005, 13:49

I am using AC3Filter to decode my dts/ac3. Is that not going to work?

Dmitry Vergheles

3rd May 2005, 12:36

What version of AC3filter do you use? Could you please refer to the link with your version? I have v.1.01 a. It doesn't work even in GraphEdit. Moreover this version seem to be DirectShow filter and this means it will not operates within WMP with ASF.

pieroxy

3rd May 2005, 15:43

Thanks. I'll try it out with ffdshow.

Dmitry Vergheles

3rd June 2005, 09:02

There is a new version being tested of SolveigMM ASF Multiplexer.
http://solveigmm.com/files/SMMASF_2005_06_01.zip

The archive also contains the muxer application
http://solveigmm.com/img/ASFMuxerApp.GIF

azsd

23rd July 2005, 09:51

failed when mux x264 encoded mp4 files.

avc stream demux by haali media splitter.

Dmitry Vergheles

26th July 2005, 03:39

Hello azsd,

Thank you for the info.
Does the failure occur with muxing video only?
Could you please upload a fragment of such mp4 file?

azsd

26th July 2005, 13:17

http://my1993.com/PpsDES/Midori/pal3op%20[nr][x264_aac][wide]trim.mp4
either only video stream or video+audio pin connect has same message on play button click:

---------------------------
GraphEdit
---------------------------
This graph can't play.

(Return code: 0xc00d0806)
---------------------------
OK
---------------------------

HookedOnTV

7th August 2005, 23:41

What are the advantages of using ASF encapsulation? Does it offer error handling similar to mpeg2 transport streams? Can audio/video sync be maintained after stream errors?

Dmitry Vergheles

11th August 2005, 06:02

What are the advantages of using ASF encapsulation? Does it offer error handling similar to mpeg2 transport streams? Can audio/video sync be maintained after stream errors?

Hi,
Actually there are no unbiassed advantages of ASF over MPEG2 TS. Transports stream much more flexible and powerfull streaming standard.
ASF doesn't seem not to have error handling, though a/v sync after errors it have to keep sinc of frames are time stamped.

But in spite of TS power, Microsoft ASF license fees are lower than MPEG lA ones, and in some microsoft solutions it is possible to use ASF only.

cinemania

16th October 2005, 11:26

Hi !

I have a problem maybe you can help me !

I want to open a wmv file and i got this message

"Fail to build Directshow filter graph"

But the filter is installed.

any idea?

Dmitry Vergheles

17th October 2005, 13:19

Hi !

I have a problem maybe you can help me !

I want to open a wmv file and i got this message

"Fail to build Directshow filter graph"

But the filter is installed.

any idea?

Hello cinemania,

Do you mean you try to open wmv file with SolveigMM ASF Muxer test application?

If this it the case, can you render and play this file in GraphEdit ?

Valeron

6th December 2005, 10:50

Hi, Dmitry~

Probably 2 bugs report
1. I've try remux wmv3 stream in mkv to asf with your muxer but met failure in the last few minute, the asf is not integrity. A 4 mins 14s input clip, I've only got 3 mins 46s output asf. The file size told me too.
The output asf can be partly palyed, but when I try seeking it, the decoder feedback me some bad frame with big blocks(something like part of the neighbor frames) overlayed on it. But it doesn't last for so long then backed to the normal picture(1-2s I think).

2. Remux a wmva stream in wmv(yes, asf2asf), the process completely with no problem. But when play the file, MPC report me NO such video decoder found. I try both force 4cc to wmva or not. But it doesn't work at all! MPC report the stream with "wmva" 4cc. MS's decoder and ffdshow's VC-1 decoder(enabled it in registry) both don't work. Why the 4cc's already identified but can't connect to the decoder?

Hope these two bug would be fixed in the future version.

Dmitry Vergheles

7th December 2005, 14:49

Hello Valeron,

Thank you for your reports.
Could you please upload two samples of the both files you mention?

Valeron

10th December 2005, 16:32

@Dmitry:
Wait for a few days, I have to found somewhere to place the samples.

Razorholt

16th December 2005, 05:07

Hi Dmitry,

I also get the "Fail to build Directshow filter graph" all the time. Whatever I try to load, I get it ... :(

Thnaks,
-Dan

Razorholt

16th December 2005, 05:19

ok, got it. I forgot to register "SMMASF.ax"

- Dan

Razorholt

16th December 2005, 18:12

Can I convert an AVI file that contains b-frames to ASF? The process aborts after 1 minute or so.

Thanks,
-Dan

Dmitry Vergheles

21st December 2005, 10:35

Can I convert an AVI file that contains b-frames to ASF? The process aborts after 1 minute or so.

Thanks,
-Dan

Are you really sure you have an AVI with B Frames?
The ASF Muxer ability depends on what sequence video frames arrive to the muxer in.

Razorholt

22nd December 2005, 22:28

I suppose the audio was causing the problem here, so I decided to take another route to encode my MOV file to ASF:

AVS -> RAW (MeGUI). I includes 3 b-frames.
RAW -> AVI (AVC2AVI)
AVI -> OGM and muxing ac3 as well (vdubmod). I also set the frame rates back to 23.976 as AVC2AVI changed it to 25.
OGM -> ASF (SMMASF)

Can't be simpler than that, can it?

The only problem is that the file doesn't play smoothly. It's very choppy (or laggy if you will) while streaming. Could it be due to the b-frames?

Thanks,
- Dan

Dmitry Vergheles

20th February 2006, 16:35

SolveigMM Video Splitter 1.1 beta is shipped with SolveigMM ASF Multiplexer now.

http://www.solveigmm.com/img/vsplitter_small.JPG

By means of this filter Video Splitter allows an user to cut off any WMV/ASF movie portions in one pass.

Also AVI to ASF re-multiplexing is available in this version.

for more details see:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=788349#post788349
http://www.solveigmm.com/?Products&id=VideoSplitter

zambelli

2nd March 2006, 02:26

Hi Dmitry,

I tried muxing AC3 into ASF with the latest filter build available on your website and the filter seems to abort after muxing only 5 seconds of the source.

I tried raw .ac3 as source as well as .wav encapsulated AC3. The graph builds fine in Graphedit and I have filters installed to handle AC3 audio.

The log looks like this:
Log started. Output file: D:\Work\AC3.asf
Info. CPinAudio::Active. (0x00000000).
Info. CAsfChunkFilter::Run. (0x00000000).
Info. CPinAudio::BeforeRun. (0x00000000).
Info. CPinAudio::EndOfStream. (0x00000000).
Info. CPinAudio::BeforeStop. (0x00000000).
Info. CPinAudio::Inactive. (0x00000000).
Info. CAsfChunkFilter::Stop. (0x00000000).
Info. Total work time : 00 00:00:00.212. (0x00000000).

Can you try this AC3 sample and see if it works for you?
http://www.citizeninsomniac.com/download/AC3_2ch.ac3

If it works for you, can you tell me what AC3 source filter you're using?

Thanks!

Dmitry Vergheles

2nd March 2006, 11:21

Hi Dmitry,

I tried muxing AC3 into ASF with the latest filter build available on your website and the filter seems to abort after muxing only 5 seconds of the source.

I tried raw .ac3 as source as well as .wav encapsulated AC3. The graph builds fine in Graphedit and I have filters installed to handle AC3 audio.

Can you try this AC3 sample and see if it works for you?
http://www.citizeninsomniac.com/download/AC3_2ch.ac3

If it works for you, can you tell me what AC3 source filter you're using?

Thanks!

Hi zambelli,

Thank you for detailed report. Really it is a bug reproduced.
Please try the new version:
http://www.solveigmm.com/files/SMMASF_2006_03_02.zip

zambelli

2nd March 2006, 22:00

Thank you for detailed report. Really it is a bug reproduced.
Please try the new version:
http://www.solveigmm.com/files/SMMASF_2006_03_02.zip
Thanks for the quick turnaround on that, Dmitry! The updated version works correctly now. Thank you!

Dmitry Vergheles

16th April 2007, 10:20

Hi folks,

If anyone has h264 decoder installed could you please download this small ASF file (465KB) and start it with Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher. File video fourcc H264, audio type is mp3.

http://www.solveigmm.com/files/doom/320k_trim.asf

The purpose to uncover existing h264 dmo or vcm decoders to be compatible with windows media player.

Any comments would be token with thanks.

Dmitry Vergheles

16th April 2007, 15:20

The first operating decoder is already found out
it is LEAD H264 Video CODEC (3.0) with DMO decoder.
many thanks to Alf_Zetas (http://forum.videoediting.ru/index.php?s=&showtopic=38692&view=findpost&p=338675)

We will appreciate if some more decoders are discovered.

Clown shoes

18th April 2007, 15:45

Dmitry Vergheles

18th April 2007, 16:19

Hi Dmitry, can I ask how difficult it might be for a tool such as yours to implement the muxing of a .VC1 into a .WMV container without the need for re-encoding. Or am I asking for something that is impractical. There is much discussion regarding demuxing to, but very little regarding muxing to.

Hello, in fact it is not very difficult, just requires some free time.
Some times ago I promissed on this forum to make VC1 parser for parser->muxer multiplexing scheme. Unfortunately I have not enough time to finish this parser. If there exists any VC1 parser/demuxer to deliver VC1 data frame based we could adapt our SolveigMM ASF Muxer to operate with such parser. Do you know someone?

Clown shoes

18th April 2007, 16:43

As I understand it the Elecard Mpeg demuxer will succesfully parse the VC1. If you could impliment such a function that would be excellent. To the best of my knowledge there is only one current workflow for muxing VC1 into WMV which is ridiculously impractical, involving authoring the VC1 to an HD-DVD, muxing the .evo into an .mkv and then using another tool to remux to WMV. The Scenarist step is 1. impractical for those who do not work in the DVD industry and 2. means the VC1 must adhere to HD-DVD spec, which specifies particular combinations of dimension and frame rate that may not be required.

kornesque

18th April 2007, 18:43

you're saying just .vc1, or vc-1 in an .evo? either way, haali's splitter should allow the vc-1 stream into asf multiplexer. i can't be positive about just a .vc1 stream, but i have no problem from an .evo. i'm currently muxing data (with re-encoded audio)from a vc-1/ac3 .evo to .wmv using haali splitter, sonic cinemaster decoder 4.2 and wmaudio encoder DMO. works well, one shot.

edit - i re-read your post and noticed you're discussing muxing an already demuxed vc-1 stream...sorry!

Clown shoes

18th April 2007, 19:12

LOL. Don't worry, I read your previous posts and was aware you had managed muxing from the evo, but presently Haali's splitter only allows muxing from the vc1 in very small chunks :(

Dmitry Vergheles

19th April 2007, 02:17

Dmitry Vergheles

19th April 2007, 02:18

If anyone has h264 decoder installed could you please download this small ASF file (465KB) and start it with Windows Media Player 9.0 or higher. File video fourcc H264, audio type is mp3.

http://www.solveigmm.com/files/doom/320k_trim.asf

The purpose to uncover existing h264 dmo or vcm decoders to be compatible with windows media player.

Any comments would be token with thanks.

The first operating decoder is already found out
it is LEAD H264 Video CODEC (3.0) with DMO decoder.
many thanks to Alf_Zetas (http://forum.videoediting.ru/index.p...dpost&p=338675)

We will appreciate if some more decoders are discovered.