virtualdub .vob & .mpg conversions

[DoubleACL]

Can virtualdub be used to convert .vob files (with ac-3 audio) to a non-ac-3 audio .mpg files for editing using VideoStudio 8 (which isn't ac-3 compatible)?

[Josef K]

Just demux it with TMPGEnc and convert the audio using any method you feel is easiest.

Is there any particular reason you want to use VirtualDub? (You would have to use VirtualDub-MPEG2, by the way - not plain VirtualDub.)

[DoubleACL]

Thanks. I've been struggling with finding a working method to extract content from dvd's I'm recording, use a reliable editor, and author dvd titles. Using information posted on this site, I've learned VideoStudio8 is a reliable editor & author, but it's not compatible with ac-3 audio, which my Phillips75 burns.
So again using information on this site, I was trying to find method to convert the ac-3 audio to something VideoStudio8 can work with. I tried TMPGENec DVD Author, but it doesn't offer much editing capability for adding subtitles, transitions, etc. Hearing of any other approaches would be appreciated.

[Josef K]

I've learned VideoStudio8 is a reliable editor & author, but it's not compatible with ac-3 audio...

Keep reading...

...something VideoStudio8 can work with...

Keep reading...

...I tried TMPGENec DVD Author, but it doesn't offer much editing capability for adding subtitles, transitions, etc....

DVD-lab.

From DVD-lab's help file:

DVD-lab supports MPEG, AC-3, DTS, WAV and AIFF audio file formats. From stereo to 6 channel Dolby Digital, you can use it all. An internal Audio Transcode feature helps get audio into the right format.

That's from the help file of the standard version - DVD-lab Pro goes much further than this and their prices aren't so high you have to take out a loan. $99 for DVD-lab standard and $199 for Pro.

So, why convert high quality AC3 when you can just reuse it?

[DoubleACL]

Definately the first choice would be an editor/author which can manage AC-3.
From the commentary regarding DVD-lab, there is a concern over video & audio synching, but it sounds worth the look. Thanks.

[DoubleACL]

Talk about being a newbie. I tryed DVD-lab & demuxed the .vob, it split it into two files. Ok.

1) Now what do I do with two files?

I also used TMPGEnc to demux the .vob, which it did and it also split it into a video file and an audio file. But I don't know how then to use these in an editor/author.

Trying to use DVD-lab was not the easiest editor I've come across, but I'll keep trying to give it a fair shake, but as best as I can tell I'm not finding the ability to add text.

2) Am I missing something with DVD-lab not adding text?

[Josef K]

1) Now what do I do with two files?

2) Am I missing something with DVD-lab not adding text?

There's nothing wrong with being a newbie. I'm a newbie all over again trying to learn Avid.

Anyway, Oscar over at Mediachance is very good at writing tutorials for DVD-lab. Try the one here, which will give you the answers to both of the above questions.

Then take some time to look at the help file and around the Mediachance site. If you have any more DVD-lab specific questions, you could do worse than to ask them here.

[bottle-necked]

Maybe too little too late but back to your original question.

VirtualDubMPEG2 - load your vob file. Audio - Full Processing - Compression PCM{no compression} - File - Save Wav and convert/save the audio.

Tmpgenc - ES Audio only - erase any filename that may still be on the video source line (bug) - load your PCM audio file in the audio source line - Settings - adjust bitrate to like 256k etc - Run to create the new mp2 audio.

Tmpgenc - Mpeg tools - Simple Multiplex - Video Input = Load "File by type *.*" = load your original vob file - Audio Input = load your mp2 converted audio - Run to create the new mpeg2 file.

Done.

This may not be the best or easiest way but it should work.

Good luck.

[jimmalenko]

I would think decoding to WAV would be a better option than MP2 if audio quality is paramount.

VirtualDub-MPEG2 can do it - Load your VOBs, set audio to Full Processing, set compression to no compression(PCM), File > Save WAV.

DVD2AVI can also do it - Load your VOBs, set Audio > Dolby Digital to Decode to WAV.

[bottle-necked]

I would think decoding to WAV would be a better option than MP2 if audio quality is paramount.

I agree... but which program do you use to multiplex the mpeg2 video stream with the PCM audio? None of my simple programs seems to allow that.....(?)

I could multiplex (combine) those two streams in Ulead VideoStudio, but it wouldn't be pretty!

Good luck.

[jimmalenko]

I agree... but which program do you use to multiplex the mpeg2 video stream with the PCM audio? None of my simple programs seems to allow that.....(?)

I could multiplex (combine) those two streams in Ulead VideoStudio, but it wouldn't be pretty!

TMPGEnc DVD Author will do it on the fly.

[DoubleACL]

yes, but the original point (and the problem with DVD Author) is to enable using an editor which provides transitioning & on-screen titling.

[teegee420]

MPEG Video Wizard can probably edit mpeg-2 better than anything.

[DoubleACL]

I've read good stuff about it. Can it edit mpg videos encoded with AC3 audio?

[teegee420]

I believe so. I use Womble MPEG VCR which is made by the same company and it works pretty well with ac3, you just can't change any of the ac3 properties. It only cuts, it doesn't actually encode ac3.

[DoubleACL]

Cool. No need to ac3 properties. On your first suggestion of MPEG Video Wizard, I downloaded a trial version and was pleased to see the imported vob file successfully appear in the output preview AND with sound.
I've not been able to do this with any other editor/author!
However, the interlacing is worse than in VirtualDub.
How can I fix it in MPEG Video Wizard?

[teegee420]

Are you judging this by the preview window? Don't be fooled because it uses quick parsing which decreases picture quality. It doesn't effect output quality though. If you plan on putting the file back on DVD you should leave it interlaced anyway.

[reboot]

A better DVDLab tutorial: https://www.videohelp.com/guides.php?link=602

[DoubleACL]

Are you judging this by the preview window? Don't be fooled because it uses quick parsing which decreases picture quality. It doesn't effect output quality though. If you plan on putting the file back on DVD you should leave it interlaced anyway.

Right, do not judge by quality by preview pane. I successfully authored & burnt a DVD which played back at quality equal to original source.

More progress was made in the last few hours than in the last few weeks (and nearly all of my trial versions of other programs expire today!).
THANKS!