Testing different settings in TMPGE

[HDSN]

Ok, I've decided to create a new topic because the headline of the other one describes a CVD subject, and it is not !
In fact, I am having a mysterious behavior of TMPGE when converting avi files to mpeg2 files using 3:2 pulldown.
In order to present the problem clearly, I made a bundle of tests with 60 sec long segments from an only avi file. It was done by the "source range" tool, under advanced tab in TMPGE.
The avi was Divx pro 5 - 512 x 272 VBR - 23.976 fps - audio mp3 VBR. It was checked for bad frames.
The audio was processed apart from video and converted to uncompressed (with Goldwave).
Lets see the result:

1. SVCD, CBR 2520 kbs - NTSC, Frame Rate: 29,97 fps, Encode Mode : interlace
Result : smooth video synchronized with audio
2. SVCD, VBR 2300 kbs - NTSC, Frame Rate: 29,97 fps, Encode mode : interlace
Result : smooth video synchronized with audio
3. SVCD, CBR 2520 kbs - NTSC film, Frame Rate: 23,976 fps (internally 29,97), Encode mode : 3:2 pulldown when playback
Result : Very jerky video, audio out of sync.
4. SVCD, VBR 2300 kbs - NTSC film, Frame Rate: 23,976 fps (internally 29,97), Encode mode : 3:2 pulldown when playback
Result : Very jerky video, audio out of sync.
5. SVCD. CBR 2520 kbs - NTSC film, Frame Rate: 23,976 fps, Encode Mode : interlace
Result : A non smooth video, audio and video synchronized.
6. SVCD, VBR 2300 kbs - NTSC film, Frame Rate: 23,976 fps, Encode Mode : interlace
Result : A non smooth video, audio and video synchronized.

Important : I didn't burn the movies, the resulting files were tested in Windows Media and BS Player
Maybe the answer is closer than I can see. I would be very grateful if someone light my way.

See you soon

[adam]

Your problems are most likely caused by your mpeg2 software decoder. I suggest you use an actual software DVD player that supports SVCDs like WinDVD or PowerDVD. Either that or just try buring a test disk and playing it on a true hardware SVCD player.

For instance the Elucard mpeg2 decoder is known to cause sync problems.

[HDSN]

I'll try WinDVD, but which decoder software do WMP and BSP use? How do I check this? Is there a way to change them?

thank you

[adam]

I dont know about BSplayer but I assume its just like WMP in that it just uses whatever mpeg2 decoder you have installed, and if you have multiple ones installed than it usually works out that it uses the last one you installed. The only way I know of to see what mpeg2 decoder your system is using is to use graphedit.

WinDVD should work very well.

[HDSN]

Thank you adam

The NTSCfilm with 3:2 pulldown worked well in WinDVD.
I tested it playing the mpeg file directly in WinDVD.
A second way to test it was creating a svcd image in VCDEasy and play it through a virtual driver (Daemon tools driver emulator), it was fine.
When I say it was ok I mean that audio is in synch with video, however I have noticed that NTSC film even with 3:2 pulldown doesn't look so smooth as NTSC 29,97 fps, is it normal? I thought that pulldown would match the video display to 29,97 fps one, or not?

[adam]

23.976fps should be just as smooth as 29.97fps.

[lordsmurf]

23.976fps should be just as smooth as 29.97fps.

I've seen that problem too. Normally, I just assume the source was badly done.

[HDSN]

I've seen that problem too. Normally, I just assume the source was badly done.

It is not my case, I'm using the same source for all tests, an excellent smooth synchrinized avi file.

23.976fps should be just as smooth as 29.97fps.

I agree with you, my source file i.e. is 23,976 and it is very smooth!

[vhelp]

hdsn,

perhaps you should try just encoding the video. divX is known for its un
explained issues from time to time. I've had my share w/ divX many times
over, but it's ok.. as I've learned to adjust w/ it

If you just encode the video as 23.976 fps w/out the audio, see if that gives
you smooth video.
.
.
If this passes w/ smooth video, then you have your culprit. The audio !!
I hear lots of talk about VBR audio and AC3 mixed inside a divX. If this
is the case, hence your jerky issues, then you next step would be to..

Well, you get the picture. I'm no divX guru, but give the above some thought,
in your next test platform

-vhelp 2096

[HDSN]

Sorry for delay

vhelp, great hint !
I've encoded the video without audio.

I changed its extension .m2v to .mpg and played it in WinDVD, the result was a smooth video, like the 29,976 fps ones.

After this I encoded only the audio (with TMPGEnc too) and mux with video. It was fine!
Thank you !

Since I'll have to encode the audio apart, which mp2 encoder do you commend ?