Does anyone reccommend the pay version of divx to DVD?

[MaDmiZe]

Jimmalenko said something that made me ponder this.....does anyone reccommend the pay version of divx to DVD? I use freeware version and it never seems to do exactly what it should....that normaly tells me to stay away from actually buying program. I mean normally free version has some drawbacks, but are fully functional and should not turn people away from product...they should encourage people....thoughts?

[redwudz]

ConvertXToDVD (The new pay version) is worth it if you need a quick and easy converter. But if you want adjustments and flexibility, along with better quality, use the individual video tools. It's one of the best all-in-ones, but it's still limited by trying to do everything in one package and not being able to do any one thing well. Just my opinion.

[CBC]

Having dissed the program earlier, I have since changed my opinion of it somewhat. The latest versions can produce *decent* conversions from .avi to DVD format. Pic Q is watchable on my 52" HD JVC, and it does work fast. For flims that you do not intend to "archive" for repeated viewing, I would say it was a good app to use. For anything rare that you wish to get best PQ possible, look elsewhere.
It still doesn't seem to handle 2 disc avi conversion too well, encodes at too low a bitrate , at least the few times I tried it.
But when you need some quick entertainment viewing it does this pretty well.

[guns1inger]

The release of ConvertXtoDVD includes a fairly well overhauled engine that better uses available bitrate, rumours of 2:3 pulldown, although I can't see anywhere to control this, and over all quality improvements (including a 4 level quality/speed setting). The cost of this is that at can be slower than DivxtoDVD on the highest setting (in fact, one test had it almost as slow as a 2-pass encode with CCE), but it is still simple and pretty reliable.

Up against the likes of WinAVI and DVD Santa (the category it really competes in) it holds it's own well for speed and quality. But it is not first tool to reach for if preserving the highest possible quality is your main criteria for success.

[ktnwin]

You can always download the pay version and use it as a trial version to see if it meets your need. The only issue with using the trial version is the watermark on the final DVD video, other than that all features are available.
At least, you will know whether you like the features of that software.
For me, the free version is doing fine. I can also select the high quality encoding mode. This way, my DVD look identical to the original Divx (MPEG-4) clips that I have.

[guns1inger]

An update on the pay version. 2:3 pulldown is implemented, and makes a big difference to NTSC 23.976 output. It is no longer converted to 29.976 by adding duplicate frames. This immediately puts it ahead of all one-click-wonders for NTSC AVI to DVD conversions. It also appears to use pulldown tricks for 23.976 to 25 NTSC to PAL conversions. I haven't spent much time looking at this aspect, or trying to do the reverse.

If you convert 23.976 fps material with the free version, it is definately worth the money to upgrade.

[ktnwin]

I tried the pay version, the final DVD look the same as with the free version (except the watermark of course). My MPEG-4 video is 30fps (I guess it's really 29.97fps). I see no reason for the pay version yet.
I have a few questions though (for the pay version):
1) does it allow joining multiple MOV files into a single DVD title, with each MOV file being one chapter ?
2) does it allow me to group one set of MOV files as DVD title 1 and another set of MOV files to be DVD title 2, etc... ? with title menu ?
I look for these two features but could not find it with its help system.
If it does, I will pay to get it.

[ktnwin]

I checked the Website of this ConvertXtoDVD software. The site says clearly that current version does not have the capabilities I mentioned above, maybe this will be in future versions ???

[hilario]

Here goes my advice.

I had almost decided to buy DIVX to DVD.
I had already started fullfiling the order and preparing my e-card when I got an information about DIKO.

I tested and I must tell you that I'm not disapointed.

It does the a perfect job (maybe not so fast) and I'm happy with it.

is worth to try.

hilario.

[mats.hogberg]

Considered you can get a DivX/XviD capable player for about the same amount as this app - I'd say spend your bucks on the hardware solution instead, and don't convert ever again!

/Mats

[TBoneit]

mats, depends on how many dvd players are in use. I added two toshibas that play Divx/Xvid to my stable. OTOH for one TV I prefer the 400 disc changer.

[mats.hogberg]

True. I was just pointing out alternatives.

/Mats

[jimmalenko]

I can recommend the pay version whole-heartedly as it is quite fast and re-allocates bitrate exceptionally well with little user intervention.

However there are a couple of things that get my goat:

1. Each file added is a new title, whereas the ability to choose either New Title or Append to Existing Title would be fantastic.

2. I haven't found a way to tell it to start with the menu - it always seems to start playing title 1 on insert. I also haven't found a way to tell it to return to the menu after playing each title - it plays each title one after the other.

I have a Divx-capable player but I find that less tech-friendly friends and family do not, therefore I often need to convert to DVD-compliant MPEG to be able to share my creations. For these purposes it does a bang-up job IMHO.

[guns1inger]

It would also be nice if it could take avs files. But for what is does, I'm not complaining.