Convert Media Center dvr-ms to AVI

[superzz]

I have fianally been successfull in creating a DirectShow
graph to convert the dvr-ms files to an AVI. I have done
4 or 5 several hour shows and have not seen any AV sync
problems. Here are the steps and the files that I used.

Get the following files and install them:
Elcard MPEG decoder:
http://www.elecard.com/ftp/pub/mpeg/decoder/EMpgDec20.zip

Ogg Vorbis
http://tobias.everwicked.com

Divx Codec (I have the $30 pro version)
http://www.divx.com/divx/

Graph Edit
http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/downloads/graphedit.html

Trobettworks Filter Configurator
http://www.trombettworks.com/FilterConfigurator110.zip

Start Graphedit.
File->Render Media File (select your dvr-ms file)
Insert the following filers into your graph:
Audio Compressors->Vorbis Encoder
DirectShow Filters->File writer (select your output
filename. Include the .avi extension).
DirectShow Filters->Filter Configurator by Trombettworks
DirectShow Filters->Ogg Multiplexer
Video Compressors->DivX 5.0.2 Codec

Select the Filter Properties of the Filter Configurator
and set the properties for the DivX codec. I used a
bitrate of 500 and 1 pass quality. This results in an
AVI file that is a little bigger than 1/10th of the
original file size.
Delete the Video Renderer and Default Direct Sound
device. Connect the MPEG audio decoder to the Vorbis
encoder. Connect the Elcard MPEG-2 video decoder to the
DivX codec. Connect the Vorbis Encoder and the DivX
codec to the Ogg Multiplexer. Last connect the Ogg
Multiplexer to the File Write. Now play your graph.
After it is done (it will take about the same time as the
length of the show) you should be able to play the AVI
file on any computer that has the right codecs installed

[Wilson]

Wow, thank you very much for figuring out how to convert the dvr.ms to avi file! I just got the HP computer and was confused and worry because of the limitation of the file format.

I convert the file using your method and the converted file looks exactly the same as the original except they have 2 black bar on top and bottom.

I wonder if you would so kind to help me how to do the following:

1) get rid of the black bar so that it is full screen on the TV
2) how to burn to DVD and watch on DVD player? I try to use sonic DVD that comes with the computer, it cannot do the job with these avi file but ok with other. Try Nero, it says not compliant video format. Try to convert to DVD using Tmpgenc bit it gives me an error message.

I would be really happy and grateful if you can help me!

Thanks in advance,

Wilson

[superzz]

Q.get rid of the black bar so that it is full screen on the TV

A.The Black bars only show up in the media center interface,it the MC handle video encoded to that size.
If you play the video on media player it can be in full screen.

Q.how to burn to DVD and watch on DVD player? I try to use sonic DVD that comes with the computer, it cannot do the job with these avi file but ok with other. Try Nero, it says not compliant video format. Try to convert to DVD using Tmpgenc bit it gives me an error message.

A.Haven't try to burn to dvd give me a few day and my i'll figure out a way.

[festivalman]

Let me start off by saying that you rock eternal for figuring this out. I'm in your debt. That said, if you have any ideas on why this might be happening to me, please post a response. I've put it in the newbie section because it's probably not fully related to your process. Thanks.

http://www.vcdhelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131053&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=

[Wilson]

Thanks superzz , I am waiting for your new discovery to archive all my fav tv shows on DVD.

You rock!

Thanks again!

[superzz]

sorry

[superzz]

bump

[superzz]

Create DVD Video!!!!!!

Hi there,

This is my solution to converting the dvr-ms files to MPEG-2

I really don't have the time to thoroughly explain this, but I lnow some of
you may be desperate to try this. Please do not complain if this procedure
doesn't work, or if you don't understand how to do this. I'll try to answer
any question, but I'm not, in any way, a DirectShow expert. As a matter of
fact, this is my first time playing with DirectShow.

Disclaimer: The procedure describe below is for information purposes only.
TV Shows may be copyrighted or protected. Doing this may be a violation of
federal, and international laws. Please do not make illegal copies of
copyrighted materials.

The following proedure is intended as an intellectual exercise only for
advanced professionals.

Uff! ...Okay, I don't know if this was really necessary, but anyway....

Well, now to the technical stuff.

What I did was the following:

Note: When installing graphedit, either download the DirectX API from
microsoft, or dowload just the GraphEdit executable. I would suggest you
don't register any filter provided with the distribution of GraphEdir,
unless it is the latest version from Microsoft. graphEdit should run just
fine on your system without installing anything else.

1.- using Graphedit, I started by rendering the dvr-ms file.
2.- Deleted all the filters but the first one (the one that opens and read
the dvr-ms file)
3.- Connected the output marked "DVR Out - 1" (audio out) to an MPEG 2 Audio
decoder "Audio In" . I used the MainConcept MPEG Audio decoder. It was
probably installed by dazzle DVD Complete or any other third part Video
editor I installed.
Note that when you connect these two components, graphedit automatically
inserts a Decrypt/tag) filter in the middle. Do not remove it, as it is the
one that decrypts the file using the MS key, which is computer dependent
4.- Connect the output marked "DVR Out - 3" to the input of an MPEG video
decoder. Iagain used the "MainConcept MPEG Video Decoder" and again
graphedit inserted the "Decrypt/tag" filter. do not remove it.
5.- Insert an MPEG2 Video encoder. i inserted the MainConcept MPEGVideo
Encoder and connected the "Input Video" to the "Video Out" of the Decoder"
and the "Input Audio" to the "Audio Out" output of the MPEG Audio Decoder.
6.- Insert a File Writer filder (under Directshow filters) and set the
properties to the name and place of the file you want to create (yes, the
mpeg 2 file)
7.- Connect the output of the MPEg encoder of step 5 to the "in" input of
the "File Writer" filter.
8.- save the graph. If you screw up whiloe rendering the file, you'll have
to start all over agaian, so save it before you render it.
9.- render the file. Click on the "Play" button (a black triangle pointing
to the right) and wait. In my case it tooks from 20 to 30 min to create a 30
min file.

That's it.

I also experimented with the Ligos MPEG filters but I got the video and
audio out of sync.

I guess it should also work with the Elecard filters, although as far as i
remember, they had only MPEG decoders. If you have a video editting software
that creates MPEG 2, then you'll probably have an mpeg2 encoder filter.

Note: all the filters I used were found under the "Directshow filters"
section. To insert a filter, click on the meny "Graph", the on "Insert
filters"

Please, let me know your experiences.

I'll be creating a tools that will allow you to browse for a dvr-ms file and
will create an mpeg 2.

If somebody would like to undertake this task, please be my guest. I also
expect MS won't take long releasing their tool, as this is just nothing more
than an interim solution.

happy ripping!

I hope this help.. Use Mysonic to make your dvd's. Have fun!!!

[Wilson]

Hi, I am eager to try to use your method but I have some questions!

Where can i find all the decoder / encoder? It is not in my Directshow filter! I guess because I do not have any video editing software. Do you have any suggestions on any freeware decoder / encoder?

Also, what happens to the DVR2 out? do I need to connect to anywhere?

It would be great if you could point me to the right direction! I need to burn my TV show on DVD as my harddrive is getting full!

I cannot wait for Microsoft, you are my savior!

thanks

Wilson

[festivalman]

I've got adobe premiere, but unfortunately they've got the main concept encoder only as an adobe plug-in, and not a directshow filter. do you know of any way where graphedit can somehow act as a frame server so i can import the clip into adobe premiere? like the other dvd2avi app?

[limbonik]

I've tried installing all this, but now GraphEdit crashes on me when I try to add a filter. Is there something I can do to stop the crashing?

I'm on an Alienware Navigator Extreme. (P4-3.06Ghz-hyperthreaded, 1Gb RAM)

[electro07]

I just need to convert DVR-MS to WMV or AVI or MOV.

When I tried this method to convert to AVI - it would only work for playback on my computer. I need to put this video on my website.

(Yes, I do have permission from the copyright owner, verbal and written.)

[superzz]

I just need to convert DVR-MS to WMV or AVI or MOV.

When I tried this method to convert to AVI - it would only work for playback on my computer. I need to put this video on my website.

(Yes, I do have permission from the copyright owner, verbal and written.)

Ok, if it plays on your pc try using media enoder on the avi.. and convert it to asf or wma. It free to download.. I remember seeing in the one of the forum of thegreenbutton.com a program someone created that converts dvr-ms to wma. If i find it in my cd archives i'll post it somewhere for you to download.

[Lord Davis]

Would you be able to show us a diagram?
I tried doing it my self it didnt work i pressed the play button but nothing happened
Also i installed Ogg Vorbis filter collection but Audio Compressors->Vorbis Encoder doesnt show up???

Please help, i just want to convert DVR-MS to XviD

[celtic_druid]

Tobias' Ogg Multiplexer would mean an ogm file, not avi.

AVIDemux should now support dvr-ms. Worth checking out. It supports XviD and vorbis encoding. Needs to be a recent 2.3 build.