VideoNow Color (and Jr) Video Conversions

[Sooperfly]

I have the cds you need. exactly 108 millimeters. I have used them myself. Just let me know what brands are good and i can cut them for you with a precision laser cutter. Prices are brand dependant but were looking somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 dollars per 100 discs. If anyone is interested let me know and i'll make arrangements on ebay so you guys can see them for yourselves.

PS...cds without labels burn best so if anyone is familiar with a good cd without labels lemme know

[VideonowDude]

Wow Sooperfly, that would be awesome!

For me, I have the best results with "TDK Music CD-Rs for audio recording(700MB)". These produce less annoying noise than any other brand I have tried. Bizarrely "TDK CD-Rs for computer burning 52x" are terrible. In my experience Audio CD-Rs work better than data CD-Rs.

Out of desperation to get more reliable (less noisy) burns I burn at the slowest rate my drive permits (4x).

The worst I have tried (apart from the TDKs above) are "Memorex CD-R 52x".

Note I dont cut the discs: I have a modded player. Cutting the discs can introduce extra noise.

[trevlac]

The jr. unit has a piece of clear plastic over the channel the lazer rides in. The regular unit does not. I noticed that when I removed the plastic, I had fewer problems playing discs. Of course the plastic protects the unit ... so it's a risk that 'stuff' might get inside. But like I said ... the regular unit does not have this protection. So it's not vital.

----------------

On another note .... I was playing with changing the frame rate. I have made some working samples at 15fps. To do this you need to:

1) Change to 15fps vs 18.
2) Resample your audio to 17640 * 15 / 18 = 14700.
3) Timestretch your audio slower to 83.33% aka 15/18.

The last step is to lower the pitch of the audio. Because the player will play it back faster than it should be played and hence raise the pitch. AKA mickey mouse voices.

I've done this with Avisynth filters, but you could probably also do it with VirtualDub.

Bottom Line ? You can fit 48min of video on a full sized CD-R.

[kylatay]

Trevlac,

Could you help me, I can make a disk just find with Videonowdude's program. But I would like to make the videos better with your ideas. But I am Very new to this and don't understand what to do. Could you give me a step by step to change the resolution 432x160. I would like to make the picture better.

Thanks so much.
K

[trevlac]

@kylatay

Hello,

Here is the process I follow (more or less)

1. Install Avisynth
   
2. Make a directory where everything will go
   
3. Put vNowEnc.exe in that directory
   
4. Make an Avisynth script file "MyScritp.avs"
   
5. Edit the MyScript.avs and put the following code in the script file.
   

   DirectShowSource("C:\Some place\MyVideo.avi")
   
   #-- This line may give sharper results but not as smooth
   SeparateFields().SelectOdd()
   
   #-- Needed Size
   bilinearresize(432,160)
   
   #-- 1.9 for cartoons, 1.5 for people
   Tweak(sat=1.9)
   
   #-- Frame Rate and Pixel type
   ChangeFPS(18)
   ConvertToRGB24()
   
   #-- Up the volumn too high a number may cause distortions
   AmplifydB(8)
   
   #-- Change the audio to the right type
   ResampleAudio(17640).ConvertAudioTo8Bit()
   
   #-- Adjust gamma may not make a difference
   Levels(0, 1.5, 255,0, 255)

6. Make a dos batch file "doIt.bat" in that directory
   
7. Edit the batch file put the following in it
   

   vnowenc.exe MyScritp.avs 1080
   pause

8. Double click on the batch file. It will run and make videonow
   wav files with 1080 frames, or 1 minute of video.
   
9. You need to burn the CD as vnowdude said. With a 1st track that is 106 frames, and a last track that will not play.

Let me know if you have trouble.

[kylatay]

Hi Trevlac,

Thanks for your help so far. Ok, here is where I'm at. I made the bat file and the avs file. Then I click on the bat file, at the end it says pause and click any key to continue. No wave files get made. ug...I don't know what I did wrong.

Here's more info: the file I'm trying to convert is dora.avi Here is MyScript.avs file

DirectShowSource("C:\MyVideos\d\dora.avi")

SeparateFields().SelectOdd()

bilinearresize(432,160)

Tweak(sat=1.9)

ChangeFPS(18)
ConvertToRGB24()

AmplifydB(8)

ResampleAudio(17640).ConvertAudioTo8Bit()

Levels(0, 1.5, 255,0, 255)

Here is the bat file:

vidnowenc.exe MyScritp.avs 1080
pause

It comes up as a bat file.

The video and your files are in the same directory with the avs and bat files, but virtual dub isn't. I don't know if that makes a difference. Also I can't figure out what to do with a 1 minute wav file, even if I could figure out how to make it. lol. Thanks so much
Kylatay

[trevlac]

Hi ...

Either there is an error somewhere in the avs file.

To Find this ... open the avs file in virtualdub. If it does not work and does not show an error ... comment out all lines in the avs file, except the 1st, and open it again in vdub. Put a # in front of a line to comment it out. One by one uncomment the lines to find the error.

OR

You have a typo ....

vidnowenc.exe MyScritp.avs 1080

Check to make sure your avs file is named MyScript.avs or MyScritp.avs ...

[trevlac]

Also I can't figure out what to do with a 1 minute wav file, even if I could figure out how to make it.

The if your dora.avi is 30 minutes long, the encoder will produce 30 wav files. These need to be burned to a CD using the 'AudioCD' type of option. The 1st track should be a special one (provided by vNowDude, made by you, or pulled from a commercial disk) The encoder produced wav files should come next, and then a final "dummy" file. VideoNowDude wrote up more info on these details.

BTW: When you use my encoder, virtualDub is never used. Avisynth does the processing, and the encoder makes the files.

[kylatay]

Got beautiful picture, but no sound because each time I add the line:

ConvertAudioTo8Bit()

It won't convert. Thank you for getting me this far. The picture quality is beautiful!!

[trevlac]

Got beautiful picture, but no sound because each time I add the line:

ConvertAudioTo8Bit()

It won't convert. Thank you for getting me this far. The picture quality is beautiful!!

Hmm....

I'd try just the directshowsource line and the convertAudioto8Bit. Also, can you open the file up in virtualdub and look at the file info. What is the audio info there?

You could try to move the avs statements around. You'd really want the convertaudioto8bit near the end because it really kills the quality and if you do an amplify and/or a sample rate change with 8 bit ... well it's not so good.

If you can make a very small clip ... like a few seconds ... of your avi and make sure you still get the error ... I'll figure it out for you. If you want to do this, PM me and I'll tell you how we can trade files.

[edit]

The avisynth doc says convertaudioto8bit is a version 2.5 option. Make sure you have at least that version.

You can check the version by opening an avs file with the command "version()" in virtualdub.

The avs manual is here in case you did not know.
http://www.avisynth.org/index.php?page=AviSynthManual

[kylatay]

It totally worked, thank you SO much. I needed Avisynth 2.5 and to get rid
this line:

#-- 1.9 for cartoons, 1.5 for people
Tweak(sat=1.9)

But it works for everything else! Thank you again. Now if I could just get the cds not to frey on the outside. I tried the printable lables but each batch is inconsistant. Ug.

Better than nothing! K

[trevlac]

and to get rid
this line:

#-- 1.9 for cartoons, 1.5 for people
Tweak(sat=1.9)

Tweak pukes if you don't have YUV source. I gerneally always do. I guess you don't. My mistake.

Put ConvertToYUY2() before tweak and ConvertToRGB24() after.

If you increase the color saturation it looks better.

[skelex]

I have been trying to make a disc using avisynth 2.5 and am having no luck. Here is a copy of the script I am using:

DirectShowSource("clone.avi", fps=30.09)

#-- This line may give sharper results but not as smooth
SeparateFields().SelectOdd()

#-- Needed Size
bilinearresize(432,160)

ConvertToYUY2()

#-- 1.9 for cartoons, 1.5 for people
Tweak(sat=1.9)

#-- Frame Rate and Pixel type
ChangeFPS(18)
ConvertToRGB24()

#-- Adjust gamma may not make a difference
Levels(0, 1.5, 255,0, 255)

#-- Up the volumn too high a number may cause distortions
AmplifydB(15)

#-- Change the audio to the right type
ResampleAudio(17640).ConvertAudioTo8Bit()



The video that is created appears to be zoomed into the bottom right hand portion of the video. I also tried to burn after changing the values of #--Nedded Size to;

#-- Needed Size
bilinearresize(144,80)
and got the same zoom result.

I burned the same video with videonowdude's virtualdub filter and it works fine.

Am I missing something? Other than me not being able to get it to work, the process is very easy to do. Thanks Trevlac for your efforts

[VideonowDude]

Wanted: CD-R Media Recommendations
I have been testing a new, higher quality version of VideoNowToGo and its looking great, but noise on the image (and eventual crapping out) is still bugging me. Can folks tell me what media they are using, and how well it works for them?

Maybe my burner is no good? Please also specify the burner you are using.

thanks

[kylatay]

Hi VidNowDude:

I'm using a cheaper DVDRW. Not sure what brand and Memorex Printable CD-R. I get the ones at Walmart in the silver packaging 5 pack for $4. I went to staples and bought the printable Memorex in the big pack but they were slightly different and didn't cut well.

I'm sure this didn't help you much as the main reasons I go with these are because i cut my disk. I have to because I have a regular video now and a 2 year old, can't have the disk sticking out. And too cheap to buy the Jr, since i could get 3 regs for the price of one jr.

These disks seem to be decent thought and I've been using Travelac's encoding. But would love to see something integrated with Vidnowtogo.

[VideonowDude]

VideoNowToGo Version 1.1
Attached is the new version. It has two new features:

• Improved video quality - input size of 432x160 produces much nicer looking output
  Automatic tracks - if you dont want to set any track breaks, just let the software generate them every minute
  Updated docs to match

Assuming no-one finds any horrendous bugs, I'll upload the source code too.
videonowtogo.zip

[trevlac]

@skelex

I'm sorry I've not had a chance to reply. It really seems like an avisynth issue. I've not encountered something like this. I'm guessing it's a strange codec and avisynth just doesn't read the file correctly. Yeh! to vDub! It sound like it works.

@VideoNowDude

Great news. Maybe skelex can try your new and improved version. I'm quite happy with image results at 432x160. Especially if I tweak up the saturations and maybe the gamma a tad. All of which can be done in vDub.

The one thing I still don't like is the audio. I can't really crank up the volumn with out terrible distortion. My kids need to use headphones to really hear ... which isn't a too bad solution.

Did you look at removing the plastic protective piece which is over the laser? This helped with improving the read performance for me (static in the screen and such).

[VideonowDude]

Re the Audio problem, I drilled some more holes in the case, plus I set the Audio to 300% bvefore exporting it from vDub. I don't get audio distortion. (Well except when I get video distortion too due to noise).

I haven't tried removing the plastic over the laser. Well not deliberately (I did it accidentally on the original modded player). Maybe I'll try that.

What media do you use trevlac? Is it "noisy"?

[chess_883]

whats up, i just wanted to inform you guys that today, I went to wal-mart, and I was looking at the VidNow discs, and they had new discs. The disc cases looked almost the same, except on the side, it said :Plays in VideoNow Color or VideoNow XP. Kinda weird, the case also specified that there was a game included in the disc, and could only be acessed with the VideoNow XP system.

Looks like more work is coming ahead of us!

[chess_883]

oh, by the way, trevlac, I was wondering if you could tell me what you are trying to mod, it's just that I haven't been here in a long time, and I would like to find out and improve my discs. Thanks

[EwanG]

VideoNow XP shows up on Amazon.com as being shipped on August 15th. You can preorder now. It has a folding form factor that looks like a cross between a DVD player and a Nintendo DS without the second screen. Looks like it will retail for around $75.

No wonder the regular units were being cleared out.

[trevlac]

@VideoNowDude

I've been using memorex, I got a bunch on sale.
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=296318&pfp=BROWSE

oh, by the way, trevlac, I was wondering if you could tell me what you are trying to mod, it's just that I haven't been here in a long time, and I would like to find out and improve my discs. Thanks

Not sure what you mean. I cut the plastic out of 2 JR players so they fit normal discs. Once you get used to it, this is rather easy to do, and works very well. I also cut up 2 normal color players. These can be had for about $25 at my local store. This mod is much harder and almost not worth the effort. I broke one of the players doing this.

The JR players have a piece of protective plastic over the laser. I found removing this reduces read problems and picture 'noise'. The normal players don't have this plastic.

I also made a 'batch' encoder thanks to the info vNDude provided. I used a larger frame and auto chapter breaks, but he has since added these options to his encoder. My encoder requires Avisynth to format the audio/video. In some ways ... virtualDub works better. I did do a bunch of testing and I found that increasing the saturation and maybe gamma adjustments improved the picture.

I never made a guide or real instructions.

I also played with changing the frame rate so you could fit 'more' video on a disc. This actually speeds up the video so there really isn't a longer play time. You can adjust the pitch of the audio so the voices are not MickeyMouse, but they speak faster.

BTW: I never heard the XP version until you mentioned it. I don't know the quality ... but I think they are moving out of their market. Frankly ... I think they should sell the mini discs and a package of software that helps you make your own stuff.

[kylatay]

It worked great VidNowDude.....sounds a little quiet.....thanks

[maxedroom]

Just an aside, does anybody remember the hand held game system, Game.com, from Tiger/Hasbro? It had some really great games, a touch screen and voice synthesis. Unfortunately it was in black and white and not backlit. So, does...

VideoNow XP = Game.com + color + backlight + VideoNow Color?

[death4u]

by adding a variable resistor to the videonow color's motor you can play movies @ 10 or 15 fps and at the right speed

[joengr]

Hi Dudes... just went to Target and got myself a package that contains the software to create PVDs and 4 blank 108mm discs. All this from Hasbro and costed 14.99

Please let me know if somebody already used them as when I'm trying to use the software it only allows me to record 20 mins max.

Thanx

Joe

[maxedroom]

I also purchased the VideoNow Media Wizard. I was impressed when I saw that Hasbrow had released this software. I was even more impressed and disappointed, when I got it home. They have some good security implemented. You can ONLY burn to one of their blank disks and you can't run the program with a debugger running, although why anyone would want to do that is beyond me . Now, all they need to do is sell more blank disks! Has anybody seen just the blank disks? I want to try to burn a video with their software that is less than the standard lenght, maybe 5 minutes, to see how the disk turns out. If they fill the end with a bunch of blank tracks then that doesn't help me at all but if they don't and they actually use only enough space as is necessary, than this would lead one to assume that you could burn onto a mini-cdr. Anyway, if somebody sees the blank disks for sale, let me know.

[maxedroom]

Well, I just got off the phone with a customer service person from Hasbro. It turns out you can get more blank disks for about $3.50 each. "How?" you might ask. Do the math and you can probably figure it out. If you want a hint, you have to buy them in packages of 4 along with the software to create the disks and a spiffy little cd adaptor. If you're still clueless here's a big hint, they don't sell the disks separately. That's what I was told. They only sell the VideoNow Media Wizard. I'm bummed. So, do you think Hasbro actually makes these disks? If not, from where to they get them and do they have exclusive rights?

[kylatay]

Anyone else have any more information on the Video Wizard softare and disk. They don't sell any in my smaller town so I'll have to wait a few days until I go to a Bigger city.

K

[maxedroom]

Well, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that the VideoNow Media Wizard does fill the end of the disk out to the size of a VideoNow PVD, so burning to a mini-CD isn't going to work. I found this out when, and this is the good news, I discovered that you can burn to a disk other than the VideoNow blank PVD. Just set up your project like usual and put a blank PVD in your burner. Then go ahead and click "Create Disc" and on the next dialog, click "Create Disc" again. It's at this point it verifies whether or not you have an official PVD. Then it brings up a dialog with a couple progress bars, one for preparing the data and one for burning. You have enough time while it's preparing the data to eject the blank PVD and put in the media of your choice. It will then burn to your media without checking again if it is a PVD. I've only tried this on a 210 MB mini-CD-R, of which I made a lovely coaster when the software tried to burn beyond capacity of the disk, and a CD-RW, which was a success. I haven't tried a CD-R that I can cut and test, but that's next. So, it looks like it still comes down to a matter of media. I was thinking about trying the following: First, cut a circle around the disk just deep enough to cut through the reflective backing, maybe 1mm from where I want to cut through the disk. Then, cut the disk to size. Next, gently peel away that 1mm ring and spray the back with some kind of decoupage spray and see if that keeps the reflective backing adhered to the disk. It's too bad we can't find out who supplies Tiger with the blank PVD's. Anyway, when I find out more I'll post. Oh, and now that I've found this out I'm not as impressed with the software security.