AVI to DVD using Cucusoft question

[njordan100]

I have an AVI file that views OK in WMP. In using the Cucusoft window to convert AVI to DVD, I see two windows, however, both screens are black. According to a sample (in the instructions), both screens show a picture. Before I spend the time to process the conversion, does anyone know if I should or should not be seeing a picture (clip) from the AVI file in the conversion program? If I should, what could be wrong?

My computer profile is on file.

Thanks-
Norma

[FulciLives]

I have an AVI file that views OK in WMP. In using the Cucusoft window to convert AVI to DVD, I see two windows, however, both screens are black. According to a sample (in the instructions), both screens show a picture. Before I spend the time to process the conversion, does anyone know if I should or should not be seeing a picture (clip) from the AVI file in the conversion program? If I should, what could be wrong?

My computer profile is on file.

Thanks-
Norma

I've never heard of Cucusoft ???

Most people here use CINEMA CRAFT ENCODER (aka CCE) or TMPGEnc or MainConcepts MPEG encoder.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[njordan100]

OK- <sigh>
I am painfully new to this. I have downloaded so many programs in an effort to get up and running that I don't even know what I have. I have discovered that I have a file chock full of stuff to include TMPGEnc but I don't have a clue how to use it. I opened it and just got kinda lost, well, flat out confused! Sorry-

I have learned to back up my DVD's to a DVD R/W using Dvdshrink and Nero Express.

What I have now is a file (Labyrinth) with properties as follows:

Width-640
Heighth-288
Duration-1:36:58
Bit Rate 128 kbps

Audio Format
MPEG Layer 3

Video
Frame rate-25 fps
Data rate-120 kbps
Video Sample size-24 bit
Video Compression-DIVXMP64-V3

I am going to go back and study the instrutions for using the program and try to get through it, but is there anything specific I should know that might not be indicated?

Thank you again-
Norma

[Laddydaddy]

Norma,
I've tride an earlier version of cucusoft and found it to be garbage. If you still want to try it, download the k-lite codec pack from the codecs listed in the tools section. You may not have the proper codec needed for cucusoft to convert your avi. Install it and see if you still get a black screen. K-lite will ask which codecs you want installed. The default is all. Let it install all of them. It's a great package. If that still doesn't work check out the convert section on the left for instructions on how to use TMPG. Let us know how you make out.

[njordan100]

I want to thank you a bunch for some guidance. I downloaded the k-lite codec pack, but still, Cucusoft renders a black screen. As I mentioned before, I did discover that I have the TMPGEnc installed. I have so much to learn...gads, so many terms I know nothing about, even using the wizard. I created a SC to the help menu for the TMPGEnc program as I need to go through it a step at a time. No doubt, I will still run into questions and I will certainly appreciate help along the way. I will start a new thread when I do.

Thanks again-
Norma

[Timoleon]

Cucusoft is a nice program. Don't blow it off your computer --- you'll eventually get the hang of it, and be pleased with the result.

[njordan100]

I am not going to get rid of Cucusoft...for now I just want to get this one file converted and cannot figure out why I get the black screen when I first open my .avi file. If you have Cucusorf, when first opened, you select how you want your .avi file converted. I choose, .avi to DVD. A split screen appears, (the one which has the large 'convert' button, lower left) I open the .avi file and cannot get any picture in either screen. I did not want to waste hours of converting if the black screen is telling me that I will not be able to. The .avi properties are listed in a message above. Also, this file opens fine in the Windows Media Player. I can find no answer to this in the FAQ area of Cucusoft. I even e-mailed to the 'help' link given and have never received an answer. It just gets discouraging, especially when you have made a monetary investment.

Thanks-
Norma

[FulciLives]

Here is a link to a guide on TMPGEnc

http://dvd-hq.info/Compression.html?PHPSESSID=5153ebd3387091300fec3876c3d9bdc3

Hopefully you will find it usefull.

Please note though that TMPGEnc only allows MPEG-2 encoding for a limited time once it is installed. It is a "trail period" and once that period is over (I think it is either 14 days or 30 days or something like that) you will need to "register it" by purchasing it. I think the current cost is $70 USD

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Laddydaddy]

Norma
Although the screen is blank just click on the convert button and it will convert the avi. The two screens will stay black. Don't ask me why, they just do.