VideoNow Color (and Jr) Video Conversions

[VideonowDude]

Hi TinkerJessy:

First off for the multi-clip thing, keep each original file, and the audio WAV, and the generated WAVs together but in different directories for each clip, so nothing gets overwritten.

Next, dont ever copy the Audio wav file to the CD-R: it is only needed to create the 01.wav, 02.wav etc files. Sorry for the confusion.

Finally, copy the VDN Track xx.wav files you want to the CD-R in the order you want them. Make sure the first one is the "magic" one, apart from that it doesnt matter. So you would end up with something like:

VDN Intro.wav
clip1\VDN Track 01.wav
clip2\VDN Track 01.wav
clip3\VDN Track 05.wav or whatever

until it totals over about 30 CD minutes (ie 15 VDN mins). Your bundles of joy can then chapter skip between clips as they want. The actual names of the files dont matter.

Hope this helps. Don't be afraid to ask any more Qs.

[EwanG]

Anyone know anything about what formats this is going to support?

http://www.i4u.com/article4201.html

Looks like this is what I need for my daughter if it's anything I can actually produce video for.

[Jay Bee]

Hi all,

thank you very much for all your hints and helps. Despite the free software videonowtogo, I bought the Media Wizard on ebay, to check it out. It works great with downcutted CD-R´s, to burn you have to swap the Disc during the Datapreparing, but that´s all. But i think the Color-Quality of the Movies are not the best. If i´ve got a little bit more time, i check videonowtogo to reach better Movie-Qualitiy. I´m happy now, it works to make my own movies.

Additional I´ve got a crazy idea to cut a Disc proffesionaly down to 108mm.
I haven´t test it, so try it at your own risk. Take a flexibel piece of metal or a sheet-plate, maybee made out from a CocaCola-Tin, round and fix it to 108mm. Then heat up the metal on your hot plate in the kitchen. If the sheet is really hot, take it with a gripper and melt the CD-R down to the right size.

Perhaps I will try soon my described melt-technique, and report you about the results. What´s your techniques to cut the CD-R´s down and make it durable?

Nice Greetings
Jay

[chess_883]

I checked out the article on the new videonow vugo, and it looks pretty cool, though it doesn't say what file types it is compatible with. Also, I checked out the new Hasbro products press release (found at tigertoys.com), and they are also coming out with a videonow cam I think, I guess they want kids all high tech now.

And jess, about the multiple clips on a single disc, here is what i do:


1.Make a folder named after the clip it will contain(converted)

2.Convert the clip saving the VdnAudio file in the folder created above, and saving the converted wav clips in there too

3.Delete the vdnaudio file, because it is not needed in the disc, it just wastes valuable disc space.

4.Repeat steps 1-3 for all the clips that will be recorded on the disc.

5.Record the disc with the VDN TRACK 00 (First) and VDN TRACK 99 (Last) files in the right order

GOOD LUCK! Hope I helped

[chess_883]

ATTENTION ALL PEOPLE LOOKING FOR BLANK VIDEONOW DISCS

I just found an order form for blank cd-r discs, directly from Hasbro! They sell for $1.50 each and come with a case! May be a little expensive, but compare to the price of the media wizard (which only comes with four blank discs)! Heres the link: http://www.hasbro.com/forms/orderform.cfm?prod=VideoNow%20Media%20Wizard&sku=75131 Awesome

[tinkerjessey]

Thank you guys, i finally got it to work. I was saving all the waves into thhe same output directory, and they were overwriting themselves. it all seems so simple once you figure it out. Anyways, thank you everyone. By the way does anyone who modified a regular video now have any suggestions on how to keep the unit shut? Thanks, jess

[Jay Bee]

Hi all,

does anybody know the exactly Resolution of the Videonow-Screen? I´ve read about 80X80, but it isn´t helpful to make a Fotoslideshow with the Media Wizard. Thanks forwardly for your help.

Bye Jay

[Starry_Nights]

Hi I just wanted to say thank you.

I just bought 2 videonow xp players and in all my infinite wisdom figured I could just burn mini-cds for it, not so easy and I had no idea what I was doing until i googled this site and found all of you. Thanks to that I have made a variety of cds for my kids the 6 year old and the 16 year old and even a few for myself. Videonowtogo has been a life saver and will be much appreciated on a 30 hour bus trip...trust me lol.

So thank you all and any tips would be great.

Starry

[EwanG]

Anyone know anything about what formats this is going to support?

http://www.i4u.com/article4201.html

Since we're getting closer to the release date, I was just wondering if anyone has found out any more about the specs on this, and what the options will be for feeding our own video to it?

[maxedroom]

I finally broke down and modded my player to accept full sized CD-R's. Now my concern is the following: If you are looking at the screen while playing a disk, is there any problem with laser light escaping from the holes on the side where the spinning disk sticks out? I'm pretty sure I probably shouldn't look into the holes, but is any of the laser light bouncing around in there and escaping?

[BlueMan0025]

Maxedroom, rest in pace
8)
There is absolutly no risk for the laser beam to "escape" the CD player from the holes on the side. There is many explanations for this, but the best one is that your holes are not made in front of the laser lens. (Another one is that a cd-r did not reflect sideways, because if it did, the laser sensor would not be able to catch back the signal).

No risk at all.
Have fun !!!

BlueMan

[MEZMERIZE200]

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.

Thanks everyone I was having so many problems with trying to cut then make a PVD. I finally managed to make a disk but couldn't get it to burn with the Media Now software I just purchased. Thanks to Max I was able to do just that!!! I hadn't tried Virtualdub because I messed something up on my computer and it now has a hard time viewing and making avi's I've tried all kinds of codec but nothing!!! Sorry got off the subject... I would like to give this tip!
I used a woodburning tool to cut down the disk. I was having a H*ll Of a time with peeling! Make sure your in a well ventilated area and mask and eye protection would be nice. I traced a PVD disk and then ran the burner over the line. I did a couple time so it was fairly deep then cut. It worked! I'm was ALMOST GITTY!! I just tried it tonight so I haven't prefected it. I'm sure one of you guys will have it down to an art before I do. Many thanks to everyone for taking time to figure this stuff out!! Your Sweeties!!! Sara

[ayrnspace]

HI - indeed thanks videodude, stuff works like you say. Laurel & Hardy are recommended since their one-reelers are around 24 min! HAve used a mixture of other posters methods for trimming disks, and settled on using the Nero disk designer CD label program to print two separate circles on two separate CD labels (using press-it paper stock templates), one is 108 mm diam, the other 103 mm diam. I stick the label with the smaller circle on first, then lightly score round the printed circle with an xacto knife. You can then, as in an earlier post, lift this outer ring with the backing foil off. I then stick the second label on, and cut round the circle with scissors. Pressing down the second label firmly, especially round the area where it overlaps the first onto bare plastic should help stop peeling. I seem to be able to get 24 min on a disk like this (record is 26 thus far!). Ideally I'd like to buy the Hasbro ones, but Hasbro UK does not stock them, and walmart won't export them or the media wizard software. Anyone know of any other stockists in Scotland (or any other bits of UK)? The label template should be attached I hope...

[ayrnspace]

OK, trying that again with BBCode ON........

[therizzo]

Hello all. Great thanks to Videonowdude and all others who have contributed. I've made a few discs for my daughter using the tools and tips, mostly Dora and Spongebob.
My question may seem off the wall, but here goes. I was doing some thinking about the video now format, and being that it is a wav file, would it be possible to capture a video signal through the computer's sound card as a wav to later convert it to say avi or mpg. Or capture video as a wav to convert it to the video now wav format to burn to disk. I know the easiest way to do everything is to use a video capture card, but I don't have one right now. So I was curious if the idea could work (just for kicks) till I get video capture.
I did capture a video signal through my sound card using audacity, but I'm not sure if the complete signal is captured using a sound card.
Like I said, its just an idea, any help on the topic would be great.

[VideonowDude]

therizzo: no, you need a video capture card, or an MPEG2 RIP from a DVD or similar. A WAV file is used for convenience: there is no way to capture video via an audio card. "It's agin' the laws of physics Captain" as Scottie would say.

[EwanG]

Not sure if we should start a new thread for the VuGo, but I finally did pick one up over the weekend for my daughter. Much as I wanted to give it to her ASAP, her mom convinced me we really should wait until Christmas.

However, I am even now downloading the desktop application for preparing Video to load on it. The specs state that the built-in 128 megs will hold up to an hour of video. I'm curious to see what resolution and bit rate that's at. There is also an SD slot that will hold up to two gigs of additional data. We're probably only going to get a 1 gb card, but that should provide (assuming a similar data pattern as the internal) another 8 hours of video. More than enough for her to stay busy.

Device uses 4 AA batteries, so my investment in rechargables for the VideoNow Jr. is still paying off

Transfer is via USB cable.

FWIW,
Ewan

[NightWing]

May be they finally figure out a SS portable box. JuceBox was a dud! This does look intersting.

[dausone]

Wow.. back from my long slumber.. and I find that the VN hack thread still exists.

Well I am onto project number 2.. making vids for the color player before it goes out of style and/or VNP shifts to digital SD cards... I am going down to a local laser cutter to get cd's cut down for me. I am thinking of doing a small run - possibly 100 cd's at first.

The laser cutter guy said that he has cut down cd's before and that they just got a new laser system that is faster and more precise leaving a cleaner burn edge. If my test cd's work.. I will post pics and a possible way to order them from me... They should be significantly cheaper than buying them directly from Hasbro and I should have exact details about pricing this week.

To all those still alive out there - please give me some feedback on the cheapest/best cd-r's that you had the most success with. It has been a long time since I did my experimenting and completely forgot my tests. Thanks everyone for their work on this project! Looking forward to some more burning in the very near future.

[NightWing]

Not sure if we should start a new thread for the VuGo, but I finally did pick one up over the weekend for my daughter. Much as I wanted to give it to her ASAP, her mom convinced me we really should wait until Christmas.

However, I am even now downloading the desktop application for preparing Video to load on it. The specs state that the built-in 128 megs will hold up to an hour of video. I'm curious to see what resolution and bit rate that's at. There is also an SD slot that will hold up to two gigs of additional data. We're probably only going to get a 1 gb card, but that should provide (assuming a similar data pattern as the internal) another 8 hours of video. More than enough for her to stay busy.

Device uses 4 AA batteries, so my investment in rechargables for the VideoNow Jr. is still paying off

Transfer is via USB cable.

FWIW,
Ewan

Been wondering instead of using the USB port if its possible to transfer via a SD Card video for it to play.

[EwanG]

Been wondering instead of using the USB port if its possible to transfer via a SD Card video for it to play.

The Readme file for the desktop app implies that this is supported. However, in an interesting bit of DRM, the desktop app can't be run unless you've registered at least one VuGo device on the computer, and not more than two devices.

More info here if you want the gory details:
http://a1.blogspot.com/2005/11/more-on-vugo.html

FWIW,
Ewan

[NightWing]

Been wondering instead of using the USB port if its possible to transfer via a SD Card video for it to play.

The Readme file for the desktop app implies that this is supported. However, in an interesting bit of DRM, the desktop app can't be run unless you've registered at least one VuGo device on the computer, and not more than two devices.

More info here if you want the gory details:
http://a1.blogspot.com/2005/11/more-on-vugo.html

FWIW,
Ewan

Tnks for the info. And the Blog site.

I saw the two limit on the vugo site and though it was odd. I know of a few families with 3 kids in the age range.

I wonder if it can accept a SD card from a camera. Be a nice pocket viewer.

Odds are it native format is WMV since it can be lock. I guess it stuff a SD card with one of everting it list and have at it. Have a few video encoded using WMV for my PDA. Not bad.

PS: Did you get it from Target or Wallys world?

[NightWing]

Check two Walmarts in the area and nothing. But listed on their web site.

But a Target had it. Note that the price at the Target is full while the online price from Target is 20 less.

[EwanG]

Have played around some more with this, and will be putting more up on my blog in a day or two. But a few observations here.

The desktop app specifically lets you copy "To VuGo" or "To SD Card", so it would appear you have some options.

Files are converted to ".tvv" format and appear to be about 1/10th the size of the original (720x480 4096 CBR MPEG-2). There doesn't appear to be any option to specify compression or quality.

Biggest complaint so far is that the included AC adapter has a very loose fit, and so trying to play a file with the adapter is not recommended. However, for USB transfers or for direct recording (which it supports), then the adapter is ok if you can make sure it won't move during the activity.

More later,
Ewan

[NightWing]

Intersting....

Kind of suprise about them including a AC adapter. Usualy its an extra you buy. Sounds like a mismatch jack and plug.

Wonder what the rez of the video is.

[maxedroom]

Does anybody that has experience with a VuGo also have experience with ZVUE? I've been playing around with the VideoNow players for a while and had totally forgotten about the ZVUE. I lost interest when the price went from an introductory $99 to $149. Now the price of a ZVUE is down to $94 at Wal-Mart, however it's still $129 on the zvue.com site. Anyway, I recently purchased a ZVUE from e-bay for $50 and I LOVE IT! It uses AVI fils that contain DiVX video and MP3 audio. It works great, the resolution and color are fantastic. You can connect it right to your computer through USB and it acts just like another disk drive. You can just drag-n-drop files over to it. It also plays MP3 and OGG audio files and you can view JPG still pictures and even text files. I takes SD and MMC memory cards and I can use it to view pictures I've taken with my camera. It's been around for a while now and is a great little device for the price. I just wonder if anybody has experience with it and VuGo. I would also like to know if anybody has seen the new iPod video player and how it compares.

[smokingmods]

ok, kinda new to these personal video now things, been burning dvd for my set top dvd player for about a year.

here goes, got the media wizard with included software
grabbed some mpeg files off my pc ran them thru the software
got it ready to burn the included pvd blank (with plastic ring adapter)
get thru all the crap about preparing image to burn

THEN FAILS SAYS DISK DAMAGED they are NEW untouched
what is wrong here?

oh yeah would have asked this question yesterday but for some reason there is a lame 24 hour cooling off period after you join the help forum LOL good thing 911 dont work like that!!

[NightWing]

Does anybody that has experience with a VuGo also have experience with ZVUE? I've been playing around with the VideoNow players for a while and had totally forgotten about the ZVUE. I lost interest when the price went from an introductory $99 to $149. Now the price of a ZVUE is down to $94 at Wal-Mart, however it's still $129 on the zvue.com site. Anyway, I recently purchased a ZVUE from e-bay for $50 and I LOVE IT! It uses AVI fils that contain DiVX video and MP3 audio. It works great, the resolution and color are fantastic. You can connect it right to your computer through USB and it acts just like another disk drive. You can just drag-n-drop files over to it. It also plays MP3 and OGG audio files and you can view JPG still pictures and even text files. I takes SD and MMC memory cards and I can use it to view pictures I've taken with my camera. It's been around for a while now and is a great little device for the price. I just wonder if anybody has experience with it and VuGo. I would also like to know if anybody has seen the new iPod video player and how it compares.

Dont have any experence with a ZVue. Desided to pick up one of the Vugo.....

How can I describe it without using language that would get me band for eternity from the board.....

ITS ONE BIG PILE OF JUNK!

Its not worth the time to figure out the format.

[theoak]

I am new here, so I hope I am not asking something everyone else on the planet already knows and is sick of writing about. I have searched here and on google for "videonow grainy video", and found nothing, so my question is:

Is it normal for the videonow xp to have a very grainy picture? It looks to me like the pixels are four times as noticeable as on any device I have ever seen. Maybe I am just expecting too much from such an inexpensive device. Or did I get a defective unit?

[EwanG]

How can I describe it without using language that would get me band for eternity from the board.....

ITS ONE BIG PILE OF JUNK!

Its not worth the time to figure out the format.

Just curious what you've found to be so disappointing about it? While I've found the desktop software to be "interesting" to work with, the quality hasn't been too bad on the videos I've encoded so far. Though I am comparing to the VideoNow which might not be the best platform for such purposes

Put up a pic of a screen capture on my blog from a Dora opening sequence - which I consider to be a bit of an acid test since it involves a LOT of motion - and there's just a little pixelation that I saw in the image.

Curiously yours,
Ewan