Split Files By Size Seamlessly: Possible?

[Threshold]

Hello Guys,

I am trying to split a video file in 2 different parts of different sizes in order to fill all the available space on a DVD.

The file I am trying to split is a divx but the extension of the file is avi and I am running Windows Vista.

I managed to split the files according to size using Avidemux but when I rejoined the files there was a small audio gap at the point the files got rejoined.

Unless I am doing something wrong I will have to find another solution.

Anyone can suggest some alternative software?

Many thanks to whomever will take the time to help me.

[redwudz]

With most highly compressed formats like Divx, you have to make your splits on a keyframe (I frame). Anywhere else will cause problems. I don't use Avidemux, but it should have a way to jump to the next keyframe. I use VirtualDub for splits, and it has a keyframe button.

Formats like Divx/XviD have keyframes about every 300 frames by default. That's one way they get high compression. A keyframe is a complete frame and the ones following and proceeding are just partial frames. If you split anywhere else, you would have to re-encode that portion to preserve audio/video sync.

Other than that, when you 'append' the files back together, they should be seamless if your split was at the proper location.

And welcome to our forums.

[Threshold]

With most highly compressed formats like Divx, you have to make your splits on a keyframe (I frame). Anywhere else will cause problems. I don't use Avidemux, but it should have a way to jump to the next keyframe. I use VirtualDub for splits, and it has a keyframe button.

Formats like Divx/XviD have keyframes about every 300 frames by default. That's one way they get high compression. A keyframe is a complete frame and the ones following and proceeding are just partial frames. If you split anywhere else, you would have to re-encode that portion to preserve audio/video sync.

Other than that, when you 'append' the files back together, they should be seamless if your split was at the proper location.

And welcome to our forums.

Wow what a nice welcome thanks a lot!

I do not know if I can select this keyframe in Avidemux but i will ask in the forum of the software.
In the meanwhile I will try to use Virtualdub and will let you know how it works out.

Many thanks again for the detailed help Redwuz!

[poisondeathray]

In avidemux, you navigate by keyframes using the "<<" and ">>". In vdub , it the arrows "<" ">" with the key picture underneath. Also make sure you are using a recent revision. http://avidemux.razorbyte.com.au/

If neither of these work, there is likely something wrong with your video. I say this because you shouldn't have to cut on keyframes with avidemux when using XviD/DivX because it automatically asks you if you want to enable "smart copy" which will render around the cut site if the cut is not on a keyframe.

Another option if you just want to archive it, is to use a program like 7-zip, winzip or winrar to cut it up into pieces. For example in winrar you can use no compression and it is very fast. It even has error checking features.

[Threshold]

In avidemux, you navigate by keyframes using the "<<" and ">>". In vdub , it the arrows "<" ">" with the key picture underneath. Also make sure you are using a recent revision. http://avidemux.razorbyte.com.au/

If neither of these work, there is likely something wrong with your video. I say this because you shouldn't have to cut on keyframes with avidemux when using XviD/DivX because it automatically asks you if you want to enable "smart copy" which will render around the cut site if the cut is not on a keyframe.

Another option if you just want to archive it, is to use a program like 7-zip, winzip or winrar to cut it up into pieces. For example in winrar you can use no compression and it is very fast. It even has error checking features.

Hey Guys you rock, what a great forum!
Thanks Poison I will try tomorrow again in Avidemux since I was actually a bit lost in Vdub.
Also in Vdub I cannot find how to split video by size and if anyone could point me to that I will appreciate it a lot.

I am not sure I totally get the 7zip tip you give me:it's like compressing the video into an archive and than cut it into pieces?
Did I get it right?
If so not really a solution for me since accessing the video would be too much of an hassle but good to know just in case the others don't work out.

Will get back after more experimenting

Thanks a lot!

[redwudz]

There are quite a few guides for VirtualDub for splitting/joining/editing. Just scroll down to the bottom of the VD tool page and you will see them listed. One that might help: https://www.videohelp.com/oldguides/virtualdubedit Or you might find a better one there.

[Threshold]

In avidemux, you navigate by keyframes using the "<<" and ">>". In vdub , it the arrows "<" ">" with the key picture underneath. Also make sure you are using a recent revision. http://avidemux.razorbyte.com.au/

If neither of these work, there is likely something wrong with your video. I say this because you shouldn't have to cut on keyframes with avidemux when using XviD/DivX because it automatically asks you if you want to enable "smart copy" which will render around the cut site if the cut is not on a keyframe.

Another option if you just want to archive it, is to use a program like 7-zip, winzip or winrar to cut it up into pieces. For example in winrar you can use no compression and it is very fast. It even has error checking features.

Hello Poison,

I have kept trying with Avidemux but I cannot find a way to set the desired size of my file in the Avidemux Muxer and at the same time make so a keyframe is chosen.
Of course I do not expect the keyframe to be at the same point of the size I would prefer to split the file but have the option to see where the closest keyframe is and adjust the size of the clip accordingly.

If anyone knows how to this in Avidemux please let me know.
I have gone through all the guides I could find with no success.

Redwuz thanks for the other guide I was already going trough the VD help files.

Will let you know what I accomplish