Conversion; Am I Doing Something Wrong?

[Coda A27]

I think I am; I'm trying to convert an MPEG1 (VCD) to AVI (DIVX 4) via Virtual Dub Build 15584. The MPEG is 840MB and I want to see if converting it to AVI can shorten the size enough to put it on a CD without reducing quality.

I followed the directions exactly as per the tutorial, but as soon as I File > Save Avi Virtual Dub freezes. I'm a bit perplexed by this - what can cause Virtual Dub to freeze when initiating a conversion?

I'd appreciate any help;

Thanks!

[Nitemare]

Need more info! What codecs are you using for video and audio? Which tutorial are you following? I recommend that you try to file->Save WAV and then load the WAV as the audio. It might help... ?

[Coda A27]

Need more info! What codecs are you using for video and audio? Which tutorial are you following? I recommend that you try to file->Save WAV and then load the WAV as the audio. It might help... ?

Quick response

The tutorial I'm following is the default one located here: https://www.videohelp.com/avi2divx.htm That said, I followed it's directions:

• Video > Fast Recompress
• Audio > Full Processing
• Video Compression > 420Kbits / Sec, as done by a bitrate calculater to figure out how long a 1:24 duration movie would fit onto a 702MB disc.
• Audio Compression > Lame MP3 Encoder (Same as MPEG file audio; 22khz/96kb)

After all that, I'm supposed to File > Save AVI when I get the predictable freeze. I'll try the WAV and see if that works though, thanks!

[FulciLives]

Hello

Here is a trick that I just read about. I tried it with an mpeg2 file and it did work so I am sure it would also work with mpeg1. I assume your mpeg1 file is in the *.mpg format (a single file with both video and audio). Here is what you do:

Use DVD2AVI to open the mpeg file. Process it just as you would if you were using DVD2AVI to process VOB DVD files. When you are done you will have a D2V project file (the video) and an audio file.

At this point you then create an AVS file to read the D2V project file into VirtualDub and process it WITHOUT the audio. Then process the audio by iteself using your audio tool of choice (such as BeSweet) to convert it to the MP3 format.

Then use NanDub to MUX the two together. NanDub works better at muxing DivX video with MP3 audio than VirtualDub is.

Alternativly you could also use GORDIAN KNOT which will accept the D2V file and help you set up the AVS script and VirtualDub routines. In fact I think using GORDIAN KNOT is probably the best and easiest way to make a DivX file. However, in this instance, I would process your sound FIRST then have GORDIAN KNOT mux it with the video (rather than have GORDIAN KNOT process your audio since it was made mostly for DVD backup and MAY not like the audio format that DVD2AVI creates for you).

Using GORDIAN KNOT will ensure that your AVS script is CORRECT which could be the cause of your errors right now. Plus the normal version of VirtualDub doesn't like working with an mpeg file hence the first step of using DVD2AVI to get a seperate audio file and video (D2V project) file.

Not that I don't love THIS website but the best GORDIAN KNOT guide is on the DOOM9 website.

Good Luck

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[txpharoah]

The ONE time I made a Divx file, I used Gordian Knot, and it worked like a charm. Was using another person's computer, so you got me what the settings were. all I know is that it was easy. So GORDIAN KNOT gets my vote.

[Coda A27]

Whoa, FulciLives.

While I do appreciate your extensive and thorough reply, I cringe that I'm going to have to do all that work with all those steps in light of the 'easier 1-click Virtual Dub' way. I'll have to try it tommorow, as it's late and I won't have time to set it up and convert it while I'm sleeping.

Until then ...

[Nitemare]

Have you tried using the same method without the "fast recompress" option? I could be wrong but if valid color depths for the divx codec are 24 and 32 RGB, then processing the file in YUV (fast recompress) might cause a problem, couldn't it?

I've never processed a divx with fast recompress and I've never run into a problem, although I'll have to try it soon. Try full processing mode and see what happens. Even if I'm completely wrong it's worth a try. It might work and if it doesn't then we've eliminated one possibility.

Try another Virtual Dub version also. I'm not sure which version your build number is but IF it's the MPEG2 version then try another. VCD is only MPEG1 ... if you're loading as an MPEG2 them maybe that's a problem ... although it shouldn't really matter.

Is the MPG file on your HDD or a cd? Are you trying to write the AVI to a cd? Is the divx codec installed correctly? download a small divx AVI and test? It could be almost anything... try different things and eliminate the possibilities until you get it. Report any errors back here and I'm sure someone will figure it out!

Good luck!
Nitemare

[Baldrick]

DVD2AVI do not support mpeg1 so I would not recommend using any such method.

Try full processing instead of fast recompress as Nitemare says. Try also with no audio to see if it is it that cause the problem.