WMV file to MPG using DVD2SVCD

[Ripper2860]

I am using Windows Media Encoder 9 to capture VHS tapes to a digital format for ultimate conversion to (S)VCD. TMPEGnc works great at converting the WMV to MPG, but is rather slow and while the conversions are pretty good, I cannot help but feel that I am not getting the maximum quality conversion due to the complexity. Also -- hitting a target max size to fit on a CD is hit or miss.

I have been using DVD2SVCD and CCE 2.50 for DVD and AVI file conversions along with D2SRoba to really get high quality in short periods of time using 1-pass VBR. I like using DVD2SVCD and CCE and would like to use them to convert WMV files. That problem is it does not recognize the WMV files (loaded using "all files").

Are there any tricks , tools, or plug-ins that will permit the conversion of WMV files with CCE 2.5? I've tried converting WMV ro AVI using STOIK but had extreme video sync issues and ASFTools created an AVI thay only played the audio portion and no video.

Thanks !!

Richard

[Forum Troll]

What capture card do you have? You should make your initial capture directly to .AVI format. Try VirtualVCR, with the HuffyUV codec. Both are free and easy to install and use. Plus, with the original being in .AVI format you can easily convert to whatever format you need.

[Ripper2860]

Thanks for the reply.

I am using a MSI GF4/MX 440 VTP w/ VIVO function (Philips chip, I believe). I have a VCR connected via the Video In (Composite) inputs.

I don't know why I never thought of trying Virtual VCR -- just thought it required a "Tuner" card like the TVWonder. I have given it a quick run-thru and it looks like it may be the answer. I epsecially like the fact that I can "crop" the overscan at capture time!!
I have tried other VCR-type tools like PowerVCRII, but it only captures to MPEG1 or 2 and not a great deal of flexibility for filtering at capture time -- so VVCR appears to be ideal. Will have to download the VCR timer and give it a go.

How many MB per minute (or minutes per MB) of HuffyUV encoded video can I expect at 320x240? With WME I can get a approx 1-1/2 hrs of video at about 1.1GB of space at 1500 bitrate. Any suggestions as to settings to balance quality and size w/ HuffUV?

Thanks !!!!!!!

[lacywest]

Intervideo DVD Creator 2 will convert wmv videos to mpg ... can even choose AC-3 audio. It is what I use.

[Ripper2860]

LacyWest --

Thanks. Will download the "Demo" and give it a try along with VVCR. Gotta say the fact that VVCR is FREE has a lot going for it, though!!