AVI/MPEG2 to Xvid

[Cunhambebe]

Hi there. I've been around here for a year. Now I'm about to begin converting some of my AVI/MPEG2 files to Xvid. In fact, I use Newtek's Lightwave 3D to render my space scenes and I'd like to share them with other users at the Newtek's forum. I've read some tutorials but the one I found on this specific subject is definitely outdated. So here are my questions (hope all of you can help me):

1.Basically, what's the difference between VirtualDub and VirtualDubMod? - Since I do have VirtualDubMod, is that possible to convert MPEG2 files (sound included) as Xvid - or even Divx?

2.Divx or Xvid, which one is better? (sorry because this may be a silly question)

3.Do I need other codecs as I convert AVIs/MPEG2s (that includde sound) to Divx/Xvid?

4.I understand that only AVIs and MPEG2s that include sound files willl be converted of course as Divx and Xvid files includding sound files - I mean, is there any way to convert/join NTSC video stream (being MPEG2 or AVI)and AC-3 files as a single Divx/Xvid file????

5.I have a guide (from Divix official website) on how to convert MPEG2/AVi as Divx with VirtualDub - Can I also follow that guide to convert as Xvid?
Thanks in advance.

[Baldrick]

1. virtualdubmod supports mpeg2 input(virtualdub does not) and you can add several audio, subtititle streams.
2. xvid.
3. yes, you can join divx/xvid video with ac3.
4. yes...but the xvid settings are not the same.

or use autogk, it supports mpeg2 and avi input. you just specify output size and encode.

[Cunhambebe]

Thank you very much for helping, Baldrick.

3. yes, you can join divx/xvid video with ac3.

- What codec should I install for this? - Does autogk already have it to let me convert as Divx/Xvid + AC-3? Can't I do the same thing with VirtualDubMod instead?

I 've just installed Divx Pro and I'm having a hard time trying to convert a 40 MB MPEG2. The converted file size is about 10 MB and the quality is not that good that I was expecting (in fact, very poor, full of artifacts)...If I can't fix that or if this is the real general quality and size for regular Divx files, I don't see why a lot of people say Divx is amazing, etc...
Thanks in advance. Hey ho...anyone else to help me with this?

PS: I've tried encoding one MPEG-2 as Divx with both VirtualDub-MPEG2 and VirtualDubMod. Single pass is working but as I set a Multipass encode, both applications pop-up a warning sign: "cannot start video compression; the source image format is not acceptable (error code-2)"I just wonder why? Do I need an AVI instead of an MPEG2 file????
THKS

[Cunhambebe]

It seems things are starting to get better. I've encoded the MPEG2 as Divx, MP3 compressed on the 2nd pass. Now I realize that I have to encode for the 1st pass and then repeat the operation for the 2nd pass. Am I right?????
By the way, from 44 MB, the final file is 4.2 MB. Definitely, I don't think the quality (at least the quality level I've got here) is worth encoding as Divx.
I installed Gordian Knot....plus a dozen codecs, but I can't encode anything there - later I've realized I had just installed the update file lol. My pc is a mess. Anyone else to help me encoding my MPEG2s as Divx???? THANKS

[Cunhambebe]

It's funny how I answer my own questions: some people should be aware that Divx official guide is a bit confusing, so here's what I've found out:
We'll use VirtualDub-MPEG2 because there you can set options for the audio file.

1.Warning screen problem shown above - "cannot start video compression; the source image format is not acceptable (error code-2)". The Divx guide is confusing as for the one who reads it for the first time may think that for the first and second passes, it wouldn't be necessary to render (or save as) Divx each time, and that's why the warning screen. It appears because there's no **.log file.

Encoding and disabling the audio file for the first and second passes...

2.So, for the first pass disable audio - if the original file has audio (check no audio);
3.Set the Variable Bitrate Mode to 1st pass;
4.Select and save the log file as DIVX (or give it any other name)> OK > finally save the video file as AVI - I mean render it (give it a name such as XXX, for instance). After the end of the encodign process, open the folder and you'll notice both files (DIVX.log and the other one, XXX).
5.Without closing Virtualdub, select Video>Compression> Divx Codec;
6.Set the Variable Bitrate Mode to "Multipass, nth pass" and repeat the operation (Select and save the log file with same name, here for instace is DIVX). Save as AVI (give the same name, XXX). OK no warning screens with error messages anymore. For the 3rd and last pass, without closing VirtualDub, Select >Audio>check both Source Audio and Full Processing Mode>Select Audio once again> Compression (choose MP3 128 KBits/s);
7.Select Video>Compression>Divx>Update Log file (same name)>OK>Save as AVI (same name, file will be rewritten).
That's it.....I converted a 44 MB MPEG2 as a 3,85 MB Divx; quality is poor but much better than Windows Media Video (despite the fact I woudn't use it to backup my DVDs). Now I'm going to try Xvid....

[Cunhambebe]

Just tried Xvid...is great! By the way can someone pelase tell me if there's a place aorund here or anywherelse on the web to share (upload) our OWN PRODUCTIONS as Divx or Xvid (no P2p)? I said our own produtions. I authored a DVD with a video on the Northen Shores of the State of Saint Paul and I'd like to share it with other users since (nothing illegal here)

[Cunhambebe]

I've made some tests converting MPEG2 to Xvid with VirtualDub. Here's what I've found.

1. Usually set VirtualDub as Fast recompress; if you've captured video from your cam and want to convert as Xivd, check Full processing mode.

2.You can use the default settings for Xvid (Simple @ L0) or you can try (AS @ L5) - single pass or 2 passes. If you prefer this last choice (AS @ L5), press button <more>; on the open Profile Guide, Do Not Check <Quarter Pixel> and <B-VOPs> - leave them unchecked. Most players such as WMP and Divx seems not to be compatible with these options (for instance: colors are distorted when the file is played by WMP; Divx Player on full screen, play them in kicks). - Please someone corrects me if I'm wrong.

3.You can add some VD filters such as the following:
On VirtualDub bar, select <video>,<filters>. Choose these ones:
-Resize: do it at 640x480, so if someone one day decides to go once more from Xvid to DVD, it can be easily re-resized;
-Deinterlace (mode: blend - the best one)
- you can try also null transform (what's it for??? lolll)

4. If you're encoding audio along with the Xvid file, go to <Audio>, <Full Processing Mode>, <Source Audio>, <Compression - Choose MP3 and set it at 128 kBits/s>. Otherwise if you're going to mux audio later, choose this time: <Audio>, <Full Processing Mode>, <No Audio>.

5. Convert you MPEG2 (needs VirtualDubMPEG2 or VirtualDubMod - this versin seems no to have audio options) or AVI (regular VirtualDub) choosing single or 2 passes.

6. For the ones muxing audio, this can be done later adding AC-3;
7. Muxing subs with the video file (soft subs): I'm about to find out a way to do that.