Error converting mjpeg avi to divx 5 in Virtualdub

[ravogd]

I am trying to convert an AVI file I have captured from a VHS tape to divx 5. The captured file is 10GB long and is 6000kbps and using mjpeg compression. When I set up virtualdub to convert this it completes all the settings and I can scan through the file to see the resultant output using the scroll bar, however when I go to start the conversion I get the message "Cannot start video compression - The source image format is not acceptable (error code -2)". When I change the compression codec to anything else I have installed (including dixv 3.11) it converts no problem. I have tried installing/re-installing both divx 5.05 and divx 5.11 and both give the same result. How can the source file be incompatible for just divx 5 ? Is this a known codec error I can fix or am I destined to use divx 3.11 forever ?

[au7usa]

What is the resolution of the video?

DivX is most happy when the height and width are multiples of 16.

[ravogd]

Thanks for the reply. I have tried capping at 720x540 (cropped) and 720x576 and both these resolutions give the same error.

[au7usa]

Sorry, when i asked for the resolution, i meant the output resolution. Your creating a AVI file of what height and what width?

DivX 3 will allow resolutions that are illegal in DivX 5. To encode the same video from DivX 3 to DivX 5, you'll need to either stretch, or letterbox your output.

Here's a VDub resize filter that supports letterbox.
http://neuron2.net/resize.html

[ravogd]

Thanks again. The output resolution I am trying to use is 600 x 400. An odd resolution I know, but that seems to be what the BBC use for their "16:9" programs ! I have just tried a clip I have in 4:3 and converted it to 640 x 368 and it worked great. Looks like I will have to letterbox from now on. Thanks ever so much for your help