DigitAl56K
15th June 2005, 06:12
It's finally here! w00t!
Today, June 15th, we're excited to announce the official release of DivX 6!
DivX 6 marks a new era in DivX history. Where before DivX was simply a codec technology, today we expand the DivX universe and add the DivX Media Format to our media ecosystem. Bringing with it advanced media features such as alternate audio tracks, multiple XSUB(tm) subtitle streams, XTAG(tm) video tags, chapter points, interactive video menus with scene selection, multiple titles and more, the DivX Media Format creates a true home theater experience both on and off the desktop.
Since 2002 we have been working with scores of consumer electronics manufacturers around the globe to develop certification programs to enable reliable interoperability and guarantee a high quality viewing experience with DivX content. In the last year, all of this hard work has really paid off for the worldwide digital video community. The DivX Certified partner list now boasts 198 hardware manufacturers, with over 500 DivX Certified product models. Last year over twenty million devices shipped into retail channels, which meant that anyone could walk into their nearest electronics store and pick up a DivX DVD player. The Philips DVP642, priced at less than US $70, stole the show and hit Amazon.com's #1 spot for Electronics many times throughout the year.
For us, the DivX Media Format is the next step on the path to bringing the movie experience we all dream about to life in millions of devices around the world. Over the past three years we've been working with manufacturers behind the scenes to build support for the new advanced media features of DivX, like alternate audio tracks and subtitles, which can be played in certified devices on sale today. Now we are working closely with those same manufacturers to ensure that full support for other advanced features like menus, scene selection, surround sound, video tags and chapter points will become available in DivX Certified devices in the near future.
To illustrate just what DivX is now capable of, take a look at a couple of the DivX media files already using the new advanced media features: Revelations, a film by Star Wars fans (http://trailers.divx.com/torrents/Revelations.divx.torrent), and an all new, souped-up Last Man Standing (http://trailers.divx.com/torrents/LastManStanding.divx.torrent). You'll need a BitTorrent client (http://www.bittornado.com) and a copy of DivX Player 6 (http://www.divx.com/divx/create) to download and play these. Notice also that the ".divx" file extension is used to refer to DivX media files, whereas DivX AVI files still use the ".avi" extension [Al: Cheesy branding insert courtesy of Bez ;)].
So how do you create your own DivX media files? After spending the past few months locking down our format specification, the DivX 6 SDK is undergoing heavy development and will include all the tools, libraries, documentation, and APIs necessary to create DivX media files manually, or to build this functionality into your own applications. We previewed parts of the SDK in February through our DivX Labs website (http://www.divxlabs.com), including tools such as the Fuse sample application that were necessary to rebuild our original Last Man Standing demonstration clip. As soon as the SDK is completed it will be released through DivX Labs with a free license for non-commercial personal use. In the short term our Mac platform manager, Adrian (a.k.a. "fluffy"), is currently turning his hand towards documenting and publishing the core toolset required to produce fully featured DivX media files. It is also possible to use the new DivX Converter application to create DivX media files that feature automatically generated scene selection menus, chapter points, alternate audio tracks, multiple subtitles and video tags.
In the near future expect the following line-up:
DivX Helium codec (Out now!)
DivX 6 codec Beta (Macintosh OS X platform)
DivX Media Format core tools and documentation
DivX 6 SDK
Support for surround sound audio
And now without further ado, on to the DivX 6 product lineup!
DivX 6 codec
http://images.divx.com/divx/DivXCodec.gif
The DivX 6 codec sets a new standard for DivX video quality. Working carefully within the constraints of DivX Certified device compatibility, the intrepid members of the DivX Advanced Research Centre (DARC) have significantly raised the bar over the DivX 5. The DivX 6 codec is capable of producing equivalent quality to DivX Pro 5.2.1, and DivX Pro 6 delivers at least a 20% improvement above that. The free version of DivX codec has changed such that it now produces only DivX Certified video, and we've added some nice features to the free version like bi-directional coding so that anyone can create high quality DivX Certified content. All features remain available in DivX Pro, and we're continuing the 6 month DivX Pro trial offer for everyone, which you can optionally select during installation on the Installation Components screen.
Here's a feature rundown for the tech-heads among us:
Support for the DivX Media Format is enabled in third-party media players. In this first rev of our DivX Media Format filters we have tested against Windows Media Player 6.4 through 10. "What the *&#!?" I hear you cry. We have also begun development for several other popular players, but many of these are not directly compatible with our filters yet. Better support in other players will follow as we release the DivX 6 SDK. If you are a developer please get in touch (http://forums.divx.com/eve/ubb.x/a/cfrm/f/899102432) so we can hook you up with what you need.
When you play DivX media files you should see a DivX toolbar icon popping up in your system tray where it is possible to select audio tracks, subtitles, chapter points, video tags, and change playback settings. From the toolbar you can also access the DivX Menu Navigator control. The DivX Menu Navigator makes it possible to use both mouse and key control for navigation in most players.
The DivX 6 decoder includes enhanced post-processing that is both optimized for PSNR and faster than that of the DivX 5 decoder.
We've redesigned the DivX codec encoder interface to better group related items and enable easier navigation. Gone are the popup wizard dialogs of yesteryear! The encoder window also has smaller dimensions, which will be a real boost for those of you still crazy enough to be running at 800x600 ;)
The encoding mode breakdown has been reworked to include modes ranging from Fastest through Insane quality to better balance encoding rate versus video quality. Most modes feature rate-distortion optimization and visible quality differentiation.
We have added Extreme and Insane quality modes to the encoder. Extreme quality will give you production quality video, but for those who always want the absolute best, Insane mode enables all the internal bells and whistles to guarantee the maximum video quality.
DivX codec now includes PSNR optimized H.263 quantization for superior retention of detail when compressing the picture.
4MV search is enabled in Portable, Home Theater, High Definition and Unconstrained profiles, allowing for better quality at lower resolutions, improved sharpness and reduced ringing artifacts.
Multiple consecutive bi-directional coding is enabled in High Definition profile. All bi-directional coding now uses the packed schema. Up to two consecutive B-VOPs are enabled in High Definition profile, and up to three are enabled in Unconstrained profile.
The VBV for Portable profile has been changed to take advantage of real-world DivX Certified portable devices enabling higher video quality. Video created under Portable profile in DivX 5 codec is fully compatible with the new VBV model.
The Encoder Feedback Window now includes a Lite version that consumes less space on the desktop and allows you to monitor progress during encoding. It's possible to switch between the Lite version and the full Feedback Window, and from the Feedback Window Lite you can set the process priority incase you want to do some other work while encoding. The Feedback Windows does introduce some impact on encoding rate, and we will be addressing this in future.
The entire team would like to thank all of you who helped us with the Plasma and Fusion programs; your contributions have helped make DivX 6 what it is today. For the adventurous among you, we're keeping things rolling with DivX Helium (http://download.divx.com/labs/DivXHeliumBuild1612.exe), a future research codec which can be installed atop the DivX 6 codec to enable experimental optimizations for dual core, HyperThreaded, and SMP CPUs. For more information check our our preliminary results over at the DivX Labs website (http://www.divxlabs.com).
DivX codec is featured in the DivX 6 Create Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/create).
DivX Converter
http://images.divx.com/divx/DivXConverter.gif
DivX Converter is a new easy-to-use drag-and-drop application for creating DivX video. Simply drag your file onto the DivX Converter, click Convert, and you're done! DivX Converter creates files using DivX Certified profiles so they are guaranteed to play in your DivX Certified devices.
DivX Converter outputs DivX media files with various features depending on the source you want to convert:
Using the DivX Converter MPEG-2/DVD Plug-in, you can drag-and-drop unprotected VOB files and configure which audio and subtitle tracks you would like to preserve in the DivX output. You can optionally choose to fit the output file to CD, or prepare it for a multi-file DVD (2000MB).
When you drag and drop multiple files with matching resolutions and frame rates onto DivX Converter you can optionally join them together to produce a single DivX media file that includes an automatically generated scene-selection menu with chapter points.
When you drag and drop one or more files onto DivX Converter you can perform batch encoding. After each file is encoded it will appear in your DivX Movies folder.
DivX Converter can convert the following file types:
DivX 3, 4, 5, 6 (.divx, .div, .avi)
MPEG-1 (.mpg, .mpe, .mpeg, .m1v, .dat)
MPEG-2 (.vob, .ts, .m2v) (Requires optional DivX Converter MPEG-2/DVD Plugin)
DV (.dv, .avi)
AVI files (.avi)
Windows Media Video (.wmv) (Fixed frame rate only)
AVISynth (.avs)
*Note: You must have the proper video and audio decoders to play the file you are trying to encode.
DivX Converter is the ideal way to get started in the world of DivX and requires no technical knowledge of codecs or encoding tools. If working with DivX has always been out of your reach, give DivX Converter a spin. A free 15 day trial of both DivX Converter and the optional DivX Converter MPEG-2/DVD Plug-in are included as part of the DivX 6 Create Bundle.
DivX Converter is included in the DivX 6 Create Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/create).
DivX Player
http://images.divx.com/divx/DivXPlayer.gif
In addition to supporting DivX 3, 4, 5 and 6 video, including DivX VOD files and services, DivX Player 6 now includes fully integrated support for the advanced features of the DivX Media Format:
DivX Player supports DivX media files that contain multiple titles. Add special features or bonus materials to your files and experience them in all their glory.
DivX Player enables direct navigation of interactive DivX menus for a true home entertainment experience.
DivX Player supports up to eight subtitles per title. Language defaults can be set via the player preferences.
DivX Player now supports up to eight audio tracks per title. Language defaults can be set via the player preferences.
DivX Player can read and navigate chapters in a DivX media file allowing you to skip straight to your favorite parts of the movie.
DivX Player can read and display video tags, providing detailed information about your favorite movies
DivX Player now takes less time to load on most systems, so you can start watching all your favorite DivX movies faster than ever before.
The right-click menu and user preference screens have been significantly reworked to facilitate access to DivX advanced media features, preferences and new decoder features.
The DivX 6 decoder is included for improved playback performance and video quality.
DivX Player tips and tricks for the power user:
Use the middle mouse button or mouse wheel to gain quick access to advanced features of DivX media files.
Pressing the 'M' key allows you to jump to and from the main menu for DivX media files that include menus.
Hidden feature: Hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift and press 'A' during playback to enable old-school ASCII rendering of your favorite movies!
DivX Player 6 is included in the DivX 6 Play Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/play) and the DivX 6 Create Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/create).
The new DivX product bundles
DivX 6 is available through two new product bundles: the DivX 6 Play Bundle and the DivX 6 Create Bundle. The DivX 6 Play Bundle contains everything you need to playback all types of DivX video, including the new DivX Media Format. The DivX 6 Create Bundle contains the DivX codec and DivX Converter enabling easy creation of DivX media.
DivX Pro and DivX Converter are sold together in the DivX Create bundle - when you purchase one through DivX.com (http://www.divx.com/divx/create/buy) you'll get the other free.
Upgrades
Upgrading to DivX 6 is easy. Here's how it works:
If you purchased in the last 30 days
If you purchased between May 15th 2005 and June 15th 2005 we will be sending you a free serial number for DivX 6 via e-mail. DivX Pro 5 customers will receive a serial number for the DivX 6 Create Bundle, and Dr DivX customers will receive a serial number for the DivX 6 Create Bundle with MPEG-2/DVD support. DivX Pro 5 customers will be able to purchase the DivX Converter MPEG-2 DVD Plug-in at a discount price by following the instructions in the e-mail.
All registered customers
If you purchased before May 15th 2005 you can access upgrading pricing through our upgrade page at DivX.com (http://www.divx.com/divx/create/upgrade/). Upgrades prices are up to 75% off the regular pricing after you enter your old serial number. Our accountants wouldn't actually let us give it away for free, but this is the next best thing!
A note on supported operating systems
DivX 6 series products are unsupported on Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition and can not be installed on these platforms.
The doctor is out.
As we release DivX 6 to the world we also acknowledge the departure of Dr. DivX (http://www.divx.com/divx/drdivx). The good doctor has moved over to private practice, servicing the stars of Hollywood, and even with good health insurance he's too expensive to put in our cart these days.
Enjoy this release,
- The DivX Team
Today, June 15th, we're excited to announce the official release of DivX 6!
DivX 6 marks a new era in DivX history. Where before DivX was simply a codec technology, today we expand the DivX universe and add the DivX Media Format to our media ecosystem. Bringing with it advanced media features such as alternate audio tracks, multiple XSUB(tm) subtitle streams, XTAG(tm) video tags, chapter points, interactive video menus with scene selection, multiple titles and more, the DivX Media Format creates a true home theater experience both on and off the desktop.
Since 2002 we have been working with scores of consumer electronics manufacturers around the globe to develop certification programs to enable reliable interoperability and guarantee a high quality viewing experience with DivX content. In the last year, all of this hard work has really paid off for the worldwide digital video community. The DivX Certified partner list now boasts 198 hardware manufacturers, with over 500 DivX Certified product models. Last year over twenty million devices shipped into retail channels, which meant that anyone could walk into their nearest electronics store and pick up a DivX DVD player. The Philips DVP642, priced at less than US $70, stole the show and hit Amazon.com's #1 spot for Electronics many times throughout the year.
For us, the DivX Media Format is the next step on the path to bringing the movie experience we all dream about to life in millions of devices around the world. Over the past three years we've been working with manufacturers behind the scenes to build support for the new advanced media features of DivX, like alternate audio tracks and subtitles, which can be played in certified devices on sale today. Now we are working closely with those same manufacturers to ensure that full support for other advanced features like menus, scene selection, surround sound, video tags and chapter points will become available in DivX Certified devices in the near future.
To illustrate just what DivX is now capable of, take a look at a couple of the DivX media files already using the new advanced media features: Revelations, a film by Star Wars fans (http://trailers.divx.com/torrents/Revelations.divx.torrent), and an all new, souped-up Last Man Standing (http://trailers.divx.com/torrents/LastManStanding.divx.torrent). You'll need a BitTorrent client (http://www.bittornado.com) and a copy of DivX Player 6 (http://www.divx.com/divx/create) to download and play these. Notice also that the ".divx" file extension is used to refer to DivX media files, whereas DivX AVI files still use the ".avi" extension [Al: Cheesy branding insert courtesy of Bez ;)].
So how do you create your own DivX media files? After spending the past few months locking down our format specification, the DivX 6 SDK is undergoing heavy development and will include all the tools, libraries, documentation, and APIs necessary to create DivX media files manually, or to build this functionality into your own applications. We previewed parts of the SDK in February through our DivX Labs website (http://www.divxlabs.com), including tools such as the Fuse sample application that were necessary to rebuild our original Last Man Standing demonstration clip. As soon as the SDK is completed it will be released through DivX Labs with a free license for non-commercial personal use. In the short term our Mac platform manager, Adrian (a.k.a. "fluffy"), is currently turning his hand towards documenting and publishing the core toolset required to produce fully featured DivX media files. It is also possible to use the new DivX Converter application to create DivX media files that feature automatically generated scene selection menus, chapter points, alternate audio tracks, multiple subtitles and video tags.
In the near future expect the following line-up:
DivX Helium codec (Out now!)
DivX 6 codec Beta (Macintosh OS X platform)
DivX Media Format core tools and documentation
DivX 6 SDK
Support for surround sound audio
And now without further ado, on to the DivX 6 product lineup!
DivX 6 codec
http://images.divx.com/divx/DivXCodec.gif
The DivX 6 codec sets a new standard for DivX video quality. Working carefully within the constraints of DivX Certified device compatibility, the intrepid members of the DivX Advanced Research Centre (DARC) have significantly raised the bar over the DivX 5. The DivX 6 codec is capable of producing equivalent quality to DivX Pro 5.2.1, and DivX Pro 6 delivers at least a 20% improvement above that. The free version of DivX codec has changed such that it now produces only DivX Certified video, and we've added some nice features to the free version like bi-directional coding so that anyone can create high quality DivX Certified content. All features remain available in DivX Pro, and we're continuing the 6 month DivX Pro trial offer for everyone, which you can optionally select during installation on the Installation Components screen.
Here's a feature rundown for the tech-heads among us:
Support for the DivX Media Format is enabled in third-party media players. In this first rev of our DivX Media Format filters we have tested against Windows Media Player 6.4 through 10. "What the *&#!?" I hear you cry. We have also begun development for several other popular players, but many of these are not directly compatible with our filters yet. Better support in other players will follow as we release the DivX 6 SDK. If you are a developer please get in touch (http://forums.divx.com/eve/ubb.x/a/cfrm/f/899102432) so we can hook you up with what you need.
When you play DivX media files you should see a DivX toolbar icon popping up in your system tray where it is possible to select audio tracks, subtitles, chapter points, video tags, and change playback settings. From the toolbar you can also access the DivX Menu Navigator control. The DivX Menu Navigator makes it possible to use both mouse and key control for navigation in most players.
The DivX 6 decoder includes enhanced post-processing that is both optimized for PSNR and faster than that of the DivX 5 decoder.
We've redesigned the DivX codec encoder interface to better group related items and enable easier navigation. Gone are the popup wizard dialogs of yesteryear! The encoder window also has smaller dimensions, which will be a real boost for those of you still crazy enough to be running at 800x600 ;)
The encoding mode breakdown has been reworked to include modes ranging from Fastest through Insane quality to better balance encoding rate versus video quality. Most modes feature rate-distortion optimization and visible quality differentiation.
We have added Extreme and Insane quality modes to the encoder. Extreme quality will give you production quality video, but for those who always want the absolute best, Insane mode enables all the internal bells and whistles to guarantee the maximum video quality.
DivX codec now includes PSNR optimized H.263 quantization for superior retention of detail when compressing the picture.
4MV search is enabled in Portable, Home Theater, High Definition and Unconstrained profiles, allowing for better quality at lower resolutions, improved sharpness and reduced ringing artifacts.
Multiple consecutive bi-directional coding is enabled in High Definition profile. All bi-directional coding now uses the packed schema. Up to two consecutive B-VOPs are enabled in High Definition profile, and up to three are enabled in Unconstrained profile.
The VBV for Portable profile has been changed to take advantage of real-world DivX Certified portable devices enabling higher video quality. Video created under Portable profile in DivX 5 codec is fully compatible with the new VBV model.
The Encoder Feedback Window now includes a Lite version that consumes less space on the desktop and allows you to monitor progress during encoding. It's possible to switch between the Lite version and the full Feedback Window, and from the Feedback Window Lite you can set the process priority incase you want to do some other work while encoding. The Feedback Windows does introduce some impact on encoding rate, and we will be addressing this in future.
The entire team would like to thank all of you who helped us with the Plasma and Fusion programs; your contributions have helped make DivX 6 what it is today. For the adventurous among you, we're keeping things rolling with DivX Helium (http://download.divx.com/labs/DivXHeliumBuild1612.exe), a future research codec which can be installed atop the DivX 6 codec to enable experimental optimizations for dual core, HyperThreaded, and SMP CPUs. For more information check our our preliminary results over at the DivX Labs website (http://www.divxlabs.com).
DivX codec is featured in the DivX 6 Create Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/create).
DivX Converter
http://images.divx.com/divx/DivXConverter.gif
DivX Converter is a new easy-to-use drag-and-drop application for creating DivX video. Simply drag your file onto the DivX Converter, click Convert, and you're done! DivX Converter creates files using DivX Certified profiles so they are guaranteed to play in your DivX Certified devices.
DivX Converter outputs DivX media files with various features depending on the source you want to convert:
Using the DivX Converter MPEG-2/DVD Plug-in, you can drag-and-drop unprotected VOB files and configure which audio and subtitle tracks you would like to preserve in the DivX output. You can optionally choose to fit the output file to CD, or prepare it for a multi-file DVD (2000MB).
When you drag and drop multiple files with matching resolutions and frame rates onto DivX Converter you can optionally join them together to produce a single DivX media file that includes an automatically generated scene-selection menu with chapter points.
When you drag and drop one or more files onto DivX Converter you can perform batch encoding. After each file is encoded it will appear in your DivX Movies folder.
DivX Converter can convert the following file types:
DivX 3, 4, 5, 6 (.divx, .div, .avi)
MPEG-1 (.mpg, .mpe, .mpeg, .m1v, .dat)
MPEG-2 (.vob, .ts, .m2v) (Requires optional DivX Converter MPEG-2/DVD Plugin)
DV (.dv, .avi)
AVI files (.avi)
Windows Media Video (.wmv) (Fixed frame rate only)
AVISynth (.avs)
*Note: You must have the proper video and audio decoders to play the file you are trying to encode.
DivX Converter is the ideal way to get started in the world of DivX and requires no technical knowledge of codecs or encoding tools. If working with DivX has always been out of your reach, give DivX Converter a spin. A free 15 day trial of both DivX Converter and the optional DivX Converter MPEG-2/DVD Plug-in are included as part of the DivX 6 Create Bundle.
DivX Converter is included in the DivX 6 Create Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/create).
DivX Player
http://images.divx.com/divx/DivXPlayer.gif
In addition to supporting DivX 3, 4, 5 and 6 video, including DivX VOD files and services, DivX Player 6 now includes fully integrated support for the advanced features of the DivX Media Format:
DivX Player supports DivX media files that contain multiple titles. Add special features or bonus materials to your files and experience them in all their glory.
DivX Player enables direct navigation of interactive DivX menus for a true home entertainment experience.
DivX Player supports up to eight subtitles per title. Language defaults can be set via the player preferences.
DivX Player now supports up to eight audio tracks per title. Language defaults can be set via the player preferences.
DivX Player can read and navigate chapters in a DivX media file allowing you to skip straight to your favorite parts of the movie.
DivX Player can read and display video tags, providing detailed information about your favorite movies
DivX Player now takes less time to load on most systems, so you can start watching all your favorite DivX movies faster than ever before.
The right-click menu and user preference screens have been significantly reworked to facilitate access to DivX advanced media features, preferences and new decoder features.
The DivX 6 decoder is included for improved playback performance and video quality.
DivX Player tips and tricks for the power user:
Use the middle mouse button or mouse wheel to gain quick access to advanced features of DivX media files.
Pressing the 'M' key allows you to jump to and from the main menu for DivX media files that include menus.
Hidden feature: Hold Ctrl+Alt+Shift and press 'A' during playback to enable old-school ASCII rendering of your favorite movies!
DivX Player 6 is included in the DivX 6 Play Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/play) and the DivX 6 Create Bundle (http://www.divx.com/divx/create).
The new DivX product bundles
DivX 6 is available through two new product bundles: the DivX 6 Play Bundle and the DivX 6 Create Bundle. The DivX 6 Play Bundle contains everything you need to playback all types of DivX video, including the new DivX Media Format. The DivX 6 Create Bundle contains the DivX codec and DivX Converter enabling easy creation of DivX media.
DivX Pro and DivX Converter are sold together in the DivX Create bundle - when you purchase one through DivX.com (http://www.divx.com/divx/create/buy) you'll get the other free.
Upgrades
Upgrading to DivX 6 is easy. Here's how it works:
If you purchased in the last 30 days
If you purchased between May 15th 2005 and June 15th 2005 we will be sending you a free serial number for DivX 6 via e-mail. DivX Pro 5 customers will receive a serial number for the DivX 6 Create Bundle, and Dr DivX customers will receive a serial number for the DivX 6 Create Bundle with MPEG-2/DVD support. DivX Pro 5 customers will be able to purchase the DivX Converter MPEG-2 DVD Plug-in at a discount price by following the instructions in the e-mail.
All registered customers
If you purchased before May 15th 2005 you can access upgrading pricing through our upgrade page at DivX.com (http://www.divx.com/divx/create/upgrade/). Upgrades prices are up to 75% off the regular pricing after you enter your old serial number. Our accountants wouldn't actually let us give it away for free, but this is the next best thing!
A note on supported operating systems
DivX 6 series products are unsupported on Windows 98 and Windows Millenium Edition and can not be installed on these platforms.
The doctor is out.
As we release DivX 6 to the world we also acknowledge the departure of Dr. DivX (http://www.divx.com/divx/drdivx). The good doctor has moved over to private practice, servicing the stars of Hollywood, and even with good health insurance he's too expensive to put in our cart these days.
Enjoy this release,
- The DivX Team