MPEG-2 to Divx/Xvid

[xian84]

Hi all, my first post

I've been having problems with convert an mpeg-2 file 704x576 to divx or xvid. I've tried doing this in Vdub but it doesnt even open the file, i guess it doesnt support mpeg-2s?. I've tried using SUPER video converter but I lose the aspect ratio - ie it squashes the picture, even after specifying that I want the exact same ratio etc.

Oh, the file is recorded from TV using Pinnacle Media Centre. I heard there were problems with TV captured mpegs

Not sure how to get the exact same copy of the video file but in divx/xvid format as the file is over 1gig as it is!?

[jagabo]

Try VirtualDubMod or VirtualDubMPEG2. VirtualDub can't read MPEG2.

[xian84]

thanks, didnt know there were so many variations of vdub on the net :S. but - i still got the ratio problem - im starting to think this is inherent? hmmm

[manono]

You'll have to resize it for AVI, as MPEG-2 starts with a DAR of either 4:3 or 16:9.

I'd suggest using AutoGK for the job, as it can convert captured MPEG-2 to AVI.

[jagabo]

You can either esize the video or use Xvid's Display Aspect Ratio setting. The latter method will not work with all playback devices or software. Resizing works more reliably because many players assume square pixels when playing AVI files.

To resize with VirtualDubMPEG/Mod use the resizing filter. Make sure you are in Video -> Full Processing Mode. Then select Video -> Filters -> Add -> Resize. Since your MPEG file was recorded off air it's probably 4:3 aspect ratio so use that ratio when resizing: 704x528, 640x480, 512x384, whatever.

If you want to use Xvid's DAR setting, from the Xvid configuration dialog press the More... button to the right of Profile @ Level, go to the Aspect Ratio tab, and select 4:3 picture aspect ratio.

[xian84]

hi, thanks alot guys big help. Tried both methods But the winner was the AutoGK method though it used VirtualDubMod in the process :S. It kept the ratio etc and it had enough options for me to tweak with. Plus i learnt about two new progs today. Thisll save some space for my TV recordings !

[xian84]

bugger that - they both work lol all good - thanks again guys

[jagabo]

By the way, if you already have an Xvid AVI file and you want to change the DAR you can use Mpeg4Modifier.