MKV to DVD -- audio loses sync

[Dr.Rock]

I have an MKV video file which runs at 23.976 fps and has a 5.1 AC3 soundtrack, all which I want to convert to DVD. The problem is, the audio is out of sync and I can't get it right. Here's what I'm doing:

I used VirtualDubMod to extract the audio and subtitle streams into a sepatate AC3 and SRT files, then use TMPGEnc Plus 2.5 to convert the MKV to MPEG-2. TMPGEnc main settings are ES (video only), Frame rate = 23.976, Encode mode = 3:2 pulldown when playback, Motion search precision = Highest quality. I then use Adobe Encore to bind the three entities (MPEG movie, Ac3 audio and subtitle file converted to Encore format using Subtitle Workshop). When the DVD is played, the picture runs smoothly but the audio is slightly quick, so after a few minutes you notice it going out of sync with the video. I used BeSweet to change the speed of the audio and re-authored the DVD, but I can't get it to match the video speed. What am I doing wrong?

Thanks.

[freebird73717]

run the file through mediainfo to see what the specs of the mkv are. My guess is that it is variable framerate. Those are prone to a/v sync issues.

[guns1inger]

I usually use FAVC for this type of conversion. Tell it to keep the original AC3 audio, and use HCEnc for encoding. It will be 4 times faster than tmpgenc, and can also use SRT subs.

[Dr.Rock]

I usually use FAVC for this type of conversion. Tell it to keep the original AC3 audio, and use HCEnc for encoding. It will be 4 times faster than tmpgenc, and can also use SRT subs.

Thanks. I downloaded FAVC and followed the instructions on http://www.digital-digest.com/articles/FAVC_Video_to_DVD_Guide_page1.html.
But there's a couple of problems with the resultant DVD:

1. The 5.1 AC3 audio becomes 2-channel AC3. My audio settings are Audio encoding = AC3, AC3 audio = Retain if present, AC3 encoder = Aften, AC3 bitrate = 448 (maximum).

2. I selected the SRT subtitle file (under "DVD Options"). But on the retultant DVD, the subtitle track is blank, even though there are subtitles in the original SRT. When I load the resultant DVD into DVD Shrink, it confirms there there is a subitle track but it's 0 bytes, as if the text got blanked out.

Any advice on what I'm doing wrong or anything I left out would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Dr.Rock]

OK, I figured why the subtitles tack got emptied out... the original SRT file was UTF-8 text where it should've been ANSI, so that's sorted now.

But I still can't figure out why my AC3 file is being down-mixed from 5.1 to 2 channel. Any ideas?

Thanks.

[MysticE]

OK, I figured why the subtitles tack got emptied out... the original SRT file was UTF-8 text where it should've been ANSI, so that's sorted now.

But I still can't figure out why my AC3 file is being down-mixed from 5.1 to 2 channel. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Seems to be a common problem with 1.07. Use 1.06 instead.

http://download.videohelp.com/favc/Old_Version/

[mazinz]

Thank you all. I just ran into the same problem and my original encode method was what Dr.rock was using (though i have tmpg 2.6)

though media info still only shows mine with a 23.97 framerate, I will give FAVC a try (I would rather use CCE, but the avi2dvd which would allow it does not work with my stream)

either way thank you for this info and you kept me from ripping more hair out--

[mazinz]

Well just giving an update that this did not work. The sync is slightly off and I now noticed that this is all due to the fact that the mkv I am dealing with is aseamless branching, also even using ver 106 of FAVC it still down converted the dts to a 2.0

This mkv was supposed to have been set for an unrated editon, instead the encode choose the R rated.

The only program that I have used that did an absolute perfect job was ConvertX, however I would love to do this with a better much encoder. The convertx version kept the unrated and had the theatrical ending after the credits. This is exactly how the mkv file plays as well.

This would also explain my sync issues as scenes were missing

Now it is a matter of figuring out if any of these other apps will allow me to select the proper version of the film

I hate the future

[guns1inger]

Well just giving an update that this did not work. The sync is slightly off and I now noticed that this is all due to the fact that the mkv I am dealing with is aseamless branching, also even using ver 106 of FAVC it still down converted the dts to a 2.0

This mkv was supposed to have been set for an unrated editon, instead the encode choose the R rated.

The only program that I have used that did an absolute perfect job was ConvertX, however I would love to do this with a better much encoder. The convertx version kept the unrated and had the theatrical ending after the credits. This is exactly how the mkv file plays as well.

This would also explain my sync issues as scenes were missing

Now it is a matter of figuring out if any of these other apps will allow me to select the proper version of the film

I hate the future

The really sad part of this is that if you went and bought a legitimate copy of the movie you would not have all these problems.

[mazinz]

Hmm I do not recall reading anything about downloading a disc. It is a newer format, there are already a few backup tools and like in the days of vcd I want to learn as much as possible and this covers all aspects. If ever had to do a conversion as the one above I would like to learn the quirks of doing so without running into issues as this.

though blu-ray and HD are some what old to others, this is still very new to me. Only way to truly learn is a lot of hands on and reading

[guns1inger]

I apologise. of course you just walked into your local Best Buy and purchased a fully legitimate, badly ripped, pirate copy of a commercial film.

Silly me.

[mazinz]

that is ok, your apology is accepted

[Dr.Rock]

I'm still having problems with this. When I play back the resultant DVD from the files created on my hard disk (using any DVD player software), I get an "Error trying to play VIDEO_TS.IFO" message, and the created video doesn't play.

I checked the created the AUDIO_TS and VIDEO_TS DVD folders and files, and strangley the VIDEO_TS.IFO file is 0 KB. (other files ceated are VTS_01_1.VOB, VTS_01_2.VOB and VTS_01_3.VOB which add up to a decent bytesize for a 45 minute video). No BUP files were created (I'm not sure if they're supposed to be created for my DVD).
I'm using version 1.06 to avoid the mentioned issue I'm having with 1.07. I've chosen HC Encoder. Loaded in my MKV video source file and subtitle file. HC settings are full quality. MultiCore Enc is set to HC Built-In, as I'm using Intel Northwood 3.2 GHz CPU (I beleive it's not multi-core CPU). I've chosen to use no menu. Audio settings are as per before.

Any ideas what I need to do?

Thanks.

[guns1inger]

I have seen this happen (all too often) with the later versions of FAVC. Unfortunately it no longer seems to be worked on by it's creator, so don't expect a fix in the near future.

However you can rescue the files you have created. Use IFOEdit, click on the Create IFO button, then browse to the Video_TS folder created by FAVC, and select the first VOB file. IFOEdit will create new, working IFO and BUP files so your disc will play.

For furture conversions I would suggest you look into AVStoDVD, DVD Flick, or ConvertXtoDVD

[mazinz]

Not sure if you have this option checked, but if you have a regular dvd author program handy and if you had FAVC keep the work folders, you will find the m2v and audio streams inside them (on my pc they are located in my documents folder in a sub folder called workfolder0 (or whatever number used)

This way you can input the elementary streams in another dvd authoring app (for more personal customizing) if you do not want to do it with ifoedit

[ranosb]

Just use convertXtoDvd, I've done dozens of mkv's this way and they all come out excellent...