[jaa101]

I have VirtualDub2 64-bit (build 44282). I can open an interlaced MKV (mediainfo says: Scan type : MBAFF; Scan type, store method : Interleaved fields; Scan order : Top Field First) and then export video from it with no filters, using x265. The result is a progressive file with combing everywhere. My source is 720x576i25.

VLC plays the original correctly, automatically applying deinterlacing as appropriate, but it shows horrible combing when playing the VirtualDub output since it thinks it's progressive.

How can I get VirtualDub to generate interlaced output? I can find no settings on the output settings of VirtualDub or on its x265 (or any other) codec settings. I've even tried adding the deinterlace filter (duplicate fields, double frame rate) followed by the interlace filter (progressive frames, even field first) but still the output is definitely in progressive format, with combing in the frames. The VirtualDub file information window and the "image format" information available in its filter window say nothing about progressive or interlaced.

What am I missing? Surely VirtualDub can export interlaced video. Or am I stuck exporting the fields at double the frame rate and using some other tool to re-assemble them as interlaced video?

Thanks.

Edit: I've found one answer: select the x264 codec, click configure, and add the following in the "Extra command line (for advanced users)" box:

--tff

meaning top-field first. (I guess "--bff" would work too if you need this.) You get the warning "[!] x264 [warning]: interlace + weightp is not implemented" but it seems harmless.

So the question now is, why doesn't the x265 configuration box offer an "Extra command line" box?