Automated batch conversion of MPEG2 videos to Zune videos

[dlflannery]

Note: This applies to mpeg2 files with mpeg audio (mpeg1-layer2) NOT mpegs ripped from DVD with AC3 audio. For example, camcorder captures to mpeg2 , or mpeg files converted from TiVo recordings would normally have mpeg audio.

I've put together a set of two (Windows) batch files that automatically process a list of mpeg2 file names to Zune (320x240) WMV files that will transfer to the Zune fast without requiring re-encoding. (WMV files are the only format that will transfer without re-encoding, which takes a long time, and mpeg2's will not transfer at all.) The only manual step is typing the MPEG2 file names in the first batch file using notepad. (You can also just run the second batch file with an mpeg2 name as the argument).

The process uses several free programs:
DGMPGDec DGIndex
AviSynth
Windows Media Encoder and the command-line script for it.

Downloading and installing these programs only takes a few minutes.

I'm considering writing up a detailed guide for this process if there is some interest. It would cover downloading and installing, customizing the batch files to your particular computer folders, and usage, including hints on how to vary some of the encoding parameters for different quality/speed tradeoffs.

Total encoding times as small as 35% of video duration can be achieved on my 3 GHz machine using WMV7 codec, and CBR, single-pass encoding at 500 kbps, and I can't see any significant quality loss compared with slower encoding parameters (e.g., WMV9 codec, 2-pass VBR , which takes about 120% of video duration). However I would describe in the guide how to set up either "profile" and you would easily be able to design your own.

Let me know if you're interested in such a guide.

[dlflannery]

I'm retracting my offer to write a guide on my batch files because a free program for this purpose is already available: AutoMKV

Take a look at the AutoMKV thread, including the most recent posts where my involvement in Zune conversion is detailed. AutoMKV looks very good. It is much more than just a converter for Zune.

If you are interested in a short guide to aid in getting AutoMKV installed plus how to set it up for quick Zune batch conversions, let me know.

[dlflannery]

AutoMKV is now on the VideoHelp Tools list and my guide for quick conversion of mpeg2 to Zune-compatible WVM is linked there. Note there is another guide just prepared by an OP on DVD-to-WMV conversion using AutoMKV. It's in the Guides forum, but it doesn't seem to be linked into the tool listing (yet).