converting VOB to AVI for editing in Premiere

[coeng73]

I have a question regarding the conversion of a VOB file to AVI for editing in Premiere.

This is the first time that I've tried to rip, edit, re-author, and re-burn VOB files from a DVD that I previously authored.

First I copied the VOB files to my hard drive.

Then, using the suggestions in one of the forums, I used Virtualdub MPEG-2 to convert to AVI.

I ran the program on the first VOB file (~1.4GB) and got the following unexpected results:

1) the AVI file is 48 GB (video length is approx 24 min). I would have expected the file to be only about 8 GB (I believe rule of thumb is 4 GB = 13 min of AVI).

2) the AVI file has no sound (when played in WMP).

3) I cannot import the AVI to my video bin in Premiere. It tells me that the file type is not supported.

Am I doing something wrong? All I did was open the VOB in VirtualDub and then selected SAVE AS AVI.

Is there a different way to edit VOBs? Basically I want to take the footage off the authored DVD, cut it down into a clip show, and then re-author a new DVD with as little quality loss as possible.

Also, what really is a VOB file with respect to an MPEG-2 (without getting into ugly details).

Thanks.

[Tommyknocker]

Perhaps you should use a AVI codec to save your movie to. Also, since DVD sudio is usually AC3. you may be missing an AC3 audio codec.

[housepig]

Am I doing something wrong? All I did was open the VOB in Virtualdub and then selected SAVE AS AVI.

the default setting for codecs is "Uncompressed", so you saved it as a big block of uncompressed video. You need to go under Video->Compression and select a codec.

Is there a different way to edit VOBs? Basically I want to take the footage off the authored DVD, cut it down into a clip show, and then re-author a new DVD with as little quality loss as possible.

You can use something like Chopper or ChopperXP to cut the vobs directly and save them. Then import them into authoring software that supports vob files.

Also, what really is a VOB file with respect to an MPEG-2 (without getting into ugly details).

check The Glossary

[coeng73]

Thanks. I'll try the settings out tonite.

[FOO]

I was able to open an MPEG2 directly in Premiere,
but not a VOB. It will have to be re-encoded if I edit it.

I think you should just cut & join the VOB or at worst
extract the MPEG2 and edit that.

[coeng73]

I was not successful in my re-attempt last nite.

My problem is my lack of knowledge of codecs. There are quite a few audio and video codecs to choose from in VirtualDub. How do I know which I should choose?

I selected Indeo for video and MP3 for audio.
It generated a 2.5 GB file (huge difference compared to the 48 GB file).
There was still no audio when playing back in WMP.
When I tried to import the AVI to a bin in Premiere I still got the same error message: format not supported.

What am I doing wrong? The VirtualDub "help" is too advanced for me.

Does anyone know if there is a tutorial on codecs anywhere?

[coeng73]

Got it to work. Just don't understand exactly why.
I installed and used HuffyUV codec and MPEG Layer 3 for audio.
The AVI can be played in WMP and I can import into Premiere and drop it into the timeline.

[DrWafer]

you used the right codec for video but MPEG Layer 3 for audio is not a compatible codec for premiere,it may work ok but is preferable to use a PCM codec in virtualdub,something like ADPCM.

for video you can install and use PICVideo MJPEG codec is well if you want the avi files to be much smaller.