Converting video to suitable files...

[IceD]

I've spent a week searching all over for info, installing and trying out all the programs I've come across. All I want to do is to be able to convert a DVD file (VOB apparently) into an avi or something, and edit in subtitles. But all the programs I've come across (especially in doom9 and the forum) requires me to go through an insane number of processes that I simply cannot catch on and remember. All this so I can input some text into a video... I think it's absurd, but anyways.

Recently I've come across what could have been my dream-come-true program - Sony Vegas 6. It simply does what I need it to do (super simple subbing), and the interface is just simple and easy. However, the program only supports certain video formats, which does not include DivX5 and XviD, which is what most of my (and probably numerous others) videos (not DVD, obviously) are based on. Well, it supports it, but all I can "see" is audio; there's no video support for DivX5 and XviD. It does however support WMV9, MPEG1/2 and DivX3, at least as far as I can tell. The problem? I cannot/don't know how to convert video into these files. Windows Media Encoder does not support DivX (crashes), and I have no clue about the other 2/3 formats (although I think the MPEGs require a rather large amount of space).

If anyone knows how I can approach this, please help.. Thanks. It's just this beginning step that I need to know. Would also appreciate if the process didn't require another insane amount of steps.. I'm going crazy trying to sort out all the programs and whatnot already T-T.

(p.s. For file sizes, I'm thinking around 200-400 per 30 minutes, sort of like DivX and XviD; I'm not looking to encode a 30 minute video into a 700 meg or more file.)

[unskinnyboy]

Do you want to hardburn the subtitles on the avi or do you want to keep them separate? For both, you can use a good beginner's tool called AutoGK. But before I go into that, let me hear what is your exact requirement reg: subtitles.

[IceD]

Hardburn, which is why I use Vegas.. Subtitle workshop, SSA and SRT and whatnot amkes life too hard =.=" The 97194729384 number of processes just to put in text.

[unskinnyboy]

OK, it is easy then. Just follow this (http://autogk.me.uk/modules.php?name=TutorialEN) guide to convert your VOBs into avi. This tool will hardburn the subs on the avi by default.

P.S: Had you properly used the search feature in the site, you could have had your question answered even without any help.

[IceD]

Used that before and it doesn't quite work for me. I want to make and personalize my own subs (which includes more than just subtitles), and the SSA, SRT and the tens of other formats and programs just make it way too complicated than I think it needs to be. I've tried the external subs (ctrl-f8) for AGK, but they never get in (tried SRT, SSA, vob and some other programs). But basically the programs don't have the flexibility that I want.

Vegas gives me the the interface that I actually enjoy working on (all that GK, Subtitle Workshop, Nandub, VirtualDub and whatnot is just too complicated for me to get used to. Adobe Premiere is way too complicated too. Ulead is crap, and Pinnacle doesn't want to install...). So I'm basically stuck on the first step which is conversion to WMV9, DivX3.. which I guess should've been the topic, instead of a whole bunch of text that makes everything so complicated and confusing =.="

(p.s. Trying out AGK for the 30+ time. Still doesn't work.)

Edit: Might seem like I'm getting a bit on the commercial/bias side, but of all the programs, only it has been able to satisfy me (aside from issues with format, which is what this whole post is about..).

[CWR03]

The full Gordian Knot can seem a little overwhelming at first, but once you learn it it's really pretty simple. It also includes everything you need to hard-burn the subs into the video, and since SRT subs are no more than a text document with time markers, it should be a breeze to make them. The guides are a bit confusing for the first-time user - I ended up playing with it until I had it figured out, and I'm in the process of writing an "Idiot's Guide to" for a friend. It's basically a "Click this, then this, type X number here," etc. I can send it to you when I'm done.

[unskinnyboy]

@IceD, Not sure how to help you out here since you have already deemed every single available method as 'complicated'. People here are only mostly experienced with the open-source GPL'ed tools and I highly doubt you would find an expert on 'Sony-Vegas 6' here. Atleast I haven't worked with it.

I just checked the homepage of this software here (http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.com/products/showproduct.asp?PID=965) and this costs >= USD $449.96. If you have afforded to purchase this software for this big an amount, why don't you call their customer support then? They are obligated to help you. If you haven't purchased this, then it is against the site rules to proceed any further on this.

If you would like us to help you on the tools which we consider are best suited for this purpose, please explain further on what you meant by "I've tried the external subs (ctrl-f8) for AGK, but they never get in. I didn't get you there. How exactly did they not 'get in'?

[IceD]

I deem them complicated because of the 40-50 times I've sat in my chair waiting for hours for a file to finish, there has been only once that a subtitle had actually "made it" into the video file, and that is no exaggeration (made from GK, though I have no clue how to do it again). I don't about you, but being absolutely frustrated would seem like a common reaction for not just me, which is why I've been experimenting with other tools.

Another process involving AGK and .SSA subs has just finished, and again, no subs. That makes it the 41st-51st time..

And so right now, I'm just looking for a way to encode files (namely DivX5 and XviD, since almost everything is encoded into it) to WMV9, DivX3 (GK can somehow do this, I think, which I'm still trying to figure out) or MPEG-4. Simple as that..

[manono]

Hi-

I'm also having a little trouble following this. As I understand it, you wish to use subs you've made yourself (in SRT or SSA formats) and have them burned into the video. You say you've tried with your homemade subs, and also with the standard subs in idx/sub format, but have succeeded only once in upwards of 50 tries.

OK. To use text based subs, you must have an AutoGK version that supports them. All of the recent versions support text based subs. You must also have "good" subs. That is, you can't have broken them during the creation/editing of them. I'm not positive about this, but I've read that if they open in Subtitle Workshop, then they're good. Personally, I much prefer to create and edit SSA subs using SubStation Alpha. After getting the SSA subs, if you wish to have them in SRT format, it's a simple matter to convert them using SubResynch (included with VobSub).

One other thing; I may be misunderstanding, but you say (I think) that you've been ticking the External Subs box, expecting your subs to then be burned into the video. It's not going to happen. Ticking the External Subs box (or the Forced Subs box), even after having added them to the video using the CTRL-F8 option, won't get them burned into the video. The External Subs box is for those that wish to keep the subs separate from the video.

Another way using GKnot; open the D2V or AVI making sure that the DivX 3.11 box in the upper right is checked. Set everything for the way you want it. Then go to File->Save And Encode. Hit the "Select VobSub Files" box. Beside "Files Of Type" hit the drop down box, select "Text Sub Files", and choose your SRT or SSA files. Test them out using the Preview. Then go ahead and encode. You can also use this method to test that your subs are good and should make it into the video when using AutoGK.

You might include a log file for one of the failed encodes so we can have a look and maybe determine where you're going wrong. Good luck.