can't convert wmv movie file to DVD ffmpeg

[chrissy]

I have several wmv movie files and want toconvert them to DVD ffmpeg to burn them onto DVD but when I went use ffmpeg to convert the files, it said fail to convert. Anyone have any ideal why it 's fail to convert. I reopen the wmv original files with window media player and they play ok. Thanks

[RioCreations]

Hi chrissy,

This may be a longshot since I'm not the most knowledgable person but maybe the mencoder engine could do the trick if the other engine failed.

Also, I know it may seem like lots of trouble but I convert all my files into AVI XviDs which are viewable in QT and VLC without any extra components to buy. AVI XviDs are also accepted by Toast and iDVD, which will encode them into DVD-Video. There will be a bit of quality loss but you do get a result. I prefer converting with Toast and iDVD they can create chapters for the video which comes in handy.

Otherwyse, maybe others who have more expert advice could jump in on this thread and help you out further. Anyway, I hope this helps you out a bit.

Rio.

[Case]

In the ffmpegX Progress window, press the blue "i". Look at the last line. Does it read "Codec type mismatch for mapping"? If so, set the "Invert mapping" checkbox (in the Audio tab), and try to encode again.
Some movie files have the audio listed before the video, which is reverse from what ffmpeg expects. If this happens, telling ffmpeg to invert mapping, will help ffmpegX overcome that issue.

[Case]

If the ffmpegX Progress Information log says something like "Unsupported codec", then maybe you can go around that by using QuickTime and Flip4Mac. Install the WM component, then try playing your .wmv file in QuickTime Player. If playback is okay, then most likely the conversion by ffmpegX will work, when selecting "Decode with QT" in the Options tab.

[chrissy]

thanks for the responses. I converted wmv to AVI XviD. the picture are ok but there is no sound. The original have sound. I don't why the sound loss after I convert them.

[RioCreations]

Hi chrissy,

I forgot to mention to you that if you do convert to AVI XviD, I usually convert the Audio to .MP3 since it's a widely accepted audio format and QT and VLC accept it.

You could also use the advice from Case. His expertise has also helmped me out a lot in the past. The only thing I don't like about converting video files into DVD directly with ffmpegX is that there are no chapter markings and you have to fast forward the whole video from beginning if you cannot watch it in one setting.

Anyway, I know that the AVI XviD method works since I've used it a lot but it's up to you to do what you prefer.

PS: Hi Case and Thanks for the extra info you provided in this thread. It may come in handy for myself.

Rio.

[chrissy]

Thanks Rio and thanks a lot Case. I checked the "Invert mapping" checked box and reencoded the file again to MOV. The files converted very well with great picture and sound. The quality of the movie is not as same as the original but it also isn't bad. Thanks again mate.