TMPGEnc problems & codecs

[Ennio]

Hi everybody,

I have problems with TMPGEnc 3.0 XPress. With WMV and some avi files I encounter lipsync problems.

Now, from what I've heard and reading some threads and the tools section: I understand that it's the best to first identify the source's avi codec, right? And then install the proper codec and run TMPGEnc. I was already disadvised to install an all-in-one codec pack. Ok I downloaded GSpot.


But then what? Installing the right codec is the only thing to do? Will TMPGEnc automatically use the right codec or can I adjust some settings in TMPEnc so it "knows" what codec to use? That's my first question - concerning the avi files.

Secondly, how about wmv files? I encoded some of them with TMPGEnc, but had lipsync problems (not with everyone, strange?). Whereas in Nero I didn't. Now I think Nero than must have it's own (better?) WMV codec, but I don't like the quality of the resulted mpeg2 file. Is there also a tool that id's WM codecs? And -again- will TMPGEnc automatically use the right one?


Thank you in advance

Ennio

[celtic_druid]

Well for avi's TMPGEnc will by default decode via VfW. With VfW if there is a codec registered for a given fourCC, then that is what is used. So if you have an avi with the fourCC "XVID" and you have XviD installed, then XviD will be used.

Directshow is a different story. It works on a priority system. The filter with the highest merit is used. So take the same avi, you still have XviD installed, however ffdshow, divx, nero, etc. may be used to decode if they have a higher merit than XviD.

For wmv, dshow/dmo filters will always be used.

[Ennio]

Celtic_druid,

I appreciate your answer, but I think I am totally lost here. Think I have to learn more about AVI and WMV. What fourcc means, what is "higher merit", "directshow" and dshow/dmo filters. It all says little to me, to be frank. I'll try and browse the forum about all of this. I was hoping to get a more simple answer for the practical TMPGEnc use, but apparently it is more difficult than I thought. Don't matter, if I have to learn something I'll be happy to do just that, in order to know what I'm doing.
Should you know good/important threads to read for me, can you please put up the links?

Thanks

Edit: a question that pops to mind is: if I encounter no lipsync problems in Nero, isn't there a way to tell my Mpeg2 encoder: for decoding, use the Nero wmv decoder? And for mpeg2 encoding, use your own encoder?