CCE craps out after first VBR pass ...

[Pratticus]

I can perform a multi-pass VBR encode on an .avi using the following script:

LoadPlugin("h:\windows\system32\MPEG2DEC3.dll") 
avisource("m:\CT.avi") 
BiCubicResize(720,272) 
AddBorders(0,104,0,104) 
selectrangeevery(1200,12) 
SwapUV() 
ConvertToYUY2()

However, upon commenting the "selectrangeevery" filter out, at the end of the first pass (not the end of the .vaf file creation), CCE just aborts the encode and leaves me with an .m2v file of 0 bytes.

I am assuming it has something to do with file size or number of frames served because other than that, I am drawing a blank.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated .

[bbb]

See if keeping a webpage open in the foreground (CCE minimized) helps it finish the other passes. This works for me.

[Pratticus]

I cannot minimize CCE, the only windows accessible during an encode is the status window.

In regard to keeping a browser open, ironically I have tried it both while surfing simultaneously and with CCE as the only running application.

[Nelson37]

CCE will do that if there is no audio present in the stream, but since it works with the line in the script this probably is not the problem.

CCE will also fail in this way if an existing VAF file is re-used with a different video as input. Are you changing the file name when processing the second time?

[Pratticus]

No audio, interesting point. However, like you said, if it works on a sample 1% file with no audio, then it should, theoretically, also work on the complete file. Incidentally, I always do my encodes without audio and remux during authoring.

Hmm, it seems to me that I tried using a .vaf file generated previously. I was using it on the same source but with minor changes to the options. I am going to doubt that this is the problem, but I am willing to give it a shot.

I will reply with my findings.

[bbb]

Yes, you should definitely deleted the VAF if it has crashed. Don't risk reusing it.

Also, CCE 2.50 is not entirely stable or XP compatible as it can't load AVI files greater than 4GB without frameserving or it would stop at encoding the AVI when reading at the 4 GB mark.

I've had CCE crash on me with and without audio in the AVI, with and without the "audio downsampling" line in the AVISynth script (audio script line for AthlonXP compatibility), and while webbrowsing during the CCE encoding process.

The greatest success I've had with CCE is when I start the CCE encode and save the file *.m2v file with a short name and without spaces in the file name (e.g., use file1.m2v instead of file 1.m2v). Also, once CCE starts encoding, open a webpage and go to a page (one without java, javascript, activex, just a plain web page) and keep this page in the foreground (hiding CCE in the back). Now, don't do anything and let it finish encoding with the webpage in the front. After the VAF or each pass, CCE window may pop into the foreground but don't worry. Don't touch anything. Let it finish.

Hopefully, this might help you out.