Converting Divx to VOB - having problems.

[martinlest]

Hi. I have a divx file, about 1.5GB, from which I would like to make a video DVD, so I can watch it on my TV. I generally use either Nerovision Express or FAVC to make the VOB files, (then Nero to burn to DVD). But neither Nerovision nor FAVC seem to support divx - when I browse to the folder to select the file, it is not visible, and dragging the file to the converter window doesn't work. I tried using 'Sothink Movie DVD maker', which worked, but that programme does not create a Video_TS.vob file and so I get no menu (unimportant) or chapter/index points (which for a video lasting almost 3 hours is not ideal at all).

I tried using a converter (Super video encoder) to convert the divx file to avi, but the VOB files that both Nerovision and FSVC create from the avi file are always corrupt - either the video is split into two diagonally across the screen, or there are serious colour problems.

I've wasted so many hours on this, waiting for VOB files to be created (usually at least 2 hours) - and then finding they don't work. Can anyone recommend a good divx-VOB converter, which will create reliable VOB files, with index (chapter) points? It needs to be freeware too - this is very much a one-off project and I don't expect to be using divx files much, if at all after this.

Thanks for any help,

Martin

[Baldrick]

Try avstodvd.

If it fails, can you play the .divx without problems?

[martinlest]

I'll have a look at that - the divx file itself plays fine (if that is what you meant),

Thanks,

M

[davexnet]

"divx" and "avi" files are almost the same. You could probably change the file extension on your file to avi
and retry your conversion.

[martinlest]

If I change the extension from divx to avi and try to encode with FAVC, I can see in the preview window that the film is basically B&W with colour streaked across it. Again, the file itself plays fine in media players.

Haven't tried in Nerovision yet ..

M.

[davexnet]

You haven't mentioned whether you have FFDShow or other xvid/divx codec installed;
FAVC may use directshow to access the files, so you need a directshow code.

You can download and use the tool Graphstudio. See if the tool can open and play the file.
It will also give you the name of all the codecs involved.

[martinlest]

I assumed FFDShow was installed as the Super video converter uses it, but I installed it anyway, from your link. Still FAVC does not see the divx file or list it in the drop-down box (when you browse for input file) as one of the supported file types. Nerovision again produces a B&W video that is split and duplicated across the screen diagonally.

Is Graphstudio like GSpot (which I use)? Will look at it, and also try encoding now with avstodvd...

M.

[Ai Haibara]

I think SUPER only uses DirectShow codecs if you tick the box in the GUI to use DirectShow (it's been quite some time since I've used SUPER, and of course, I wouldn't recommend it now), and doesn't come with ffdshow... but rather, a modified version of ffmpeg.

It's been a while since I've tried FAVC, too - in the file-type dropdown, is there an 'all files' or '*.*'-type option?
You might try AVS2DVD, as Baldrick suggested - it's updated frequently, as opposed to FAVC (which hasn't been updated in some time), and the author (MrC) answers questions here on VideoHelp. Keep in mind, though, that you'll want to change/verify the settings before you use it - it defaults to making PAL-format DVDs, for instance.

[martinlest]

AVStoDVD did the job with no problems, direct from the original divx file. Have only had time to have a quick look at the resulting DVD but looks great as far as I can see - plus index points every 5 minutes.

I should say here that, though the Sothink software didn't work as I wanted it, their support service emailed me back with a nice email + further questions within 24 hours - pretty impressive for freeware.

As it is, AVStoDVD is definitely a keeper. Thanks for the help.

Martin

[yoda313]

I didn't see anybody mention it so I'll do it here:

Do yourself a favor and burn the disc with imgburn. You'll thank us later (fyi freeware )