Video Freeze after Conversion to NTSC

[gcam]

Hey all,

Not to sure about where to post this.

I generally use a number of progs to convert to NTSC, first off I begin with pulling the vobs off dvd using dvddecryptor, then I either use DGIndex to create an d2v file and then use avisynth to pull video using tmpeg xpress.

Though when I used these steps to get the video I found that I had some issue with the field order, and after fixing that I didnt like the way the video looked afterwards, a split screen (video on left and green screen on right).

So I went back to using TMPg xpress to pull video, then tried to output video to NTSC, and after finishing the conversion the video looked great, sans a freeze up at 00:36:23 on the video only, audio continues.

Not sure about why it freezes, but opened up the mpg file and frame by frame viewing showed the resolution change from original to what seemed widescreen then back to original, and thats where it froze up. Interesting thing is that when I run the original PAL version slowly frame by frame, It will freeze at that moment, but then I can rewind frame by frame to just after the freeze mark, and it will continue without problems.

Anyone know how to fix this freeze, or a way to look at the video deeper to find out why it freezes.

Thanks,

Gerry

[pepegot1]

Use converttoDVD and save yourself grief.

[tinker]

Obviously, there is a problem with original.
You can get GSpot(free) and check each VOB to see what is going on.
I think, short of cutting out the offensive part, there is not much you can do.
Try to play original DVD on your computer, that machine does not care about PAL or NTSC only region on DVD.

[jman98]

Are you trying to convert a Stanley Kubrick film by any chance? Some of his DVDs were deliberately released with changing aspect ratios because that was what he wanted. If that's the case, your best "solution" would be to buy the NTSC (USA) version. If it's not a Kubrick film (I've never heard of this being done deliberately for any other movies), I suppose it could be a mastering error.

This kind of thing is part of the reason why format conversion sucks and why some of us try to talk people out of doing it. It's just not worth the hassles. You'd be better off to buy a DVD player that can convert PAL to NTSC video than to have to deal with this.

If you won't give up on the conversion, you can use a video editor (VideoReDo or MPEGVCR) to take out the bad part, save what's left, and re-encode that.

[gcam]

No its not a Kubrick film, just a bullfight. I tried converting with the ConverToDVD, and though the result was ugly (video quality), there wasnt any issue with video freezing. So I may test another one and see if I can get better quality.

I tried checking out VideoReDo, but will have to dig deeper trying to configure it out. MPEGVCR...I have used Womble products before, and I like em, so may check that out also.

Am thinking about purchasing a PAL/NTSC player, then as I read somewhere else, record with another burner (I have a DMR-E100H). or just buy a converter.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Gerry

[tinker]

I use this guide to convert and product is the same as original.

Since we not supposed to give links, just type in advance search:
pal to ntsc guide
it is written by FulciLives on this forum. Posted May 07/2006.

It is for TMPGEnc Xpress 2.5, but works the same for version 4.0.
The trick is to use PAL export, only change size from 576 to 480(720x480), than DGPulldown to fix frame rate.
Combine demuxed original sound in authoring software and the way you go.
You can even get original menus, but it all takes time.

[gcam]

Well yes, thats what I was using briefly on all my conversions, prior to this happening. Just not sure exactly what caused the video freeze. Must have been something in the change of aspect ratio in the original, thats the only thing I can take a guess on.

ConvertXtoDVD looks like to be a winner, tried again and the output is dead on with very good quality. Until I can acquire a standalone PAL/NTSC converter, ConvertXtoDVD is gonna have to work.