VideoNow Color (and Jr) Video Conversions

[NightWing]

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

Basically the quality of the LCD pannel. Looks like you are looing at an old Light Bright screen.Did take some shots. Hope to post sometime tonight or this week.

Yep I know for the cost you get what you pay for.

The comparason I have. Since I have not played with a VideoNow is a Dell PDA. So my bar may be a bit higher.

Some observations:

1) There is no smoothing for jagged lines in their processing.
2) If use use Microsoft mpeg4 is basically a zip right on through.
3) Used Vidomi to take the video VOB files and make a MPEG4 Video. I asume its mostly a transcodeing others are processed.
4) Base rez is looking like 160 x 128. [See note 1]
5) Case wise is pretty solid.
6) Animation deffently looks much better over live action.
7) Yep Dora looks about the same.
8) As with most of these convert program wont take a mov file.
9) Screen is not TFT. Cant think of its name but streaks like the old laptops on immages.
10) Small color dept.
11) It does have variable audio on Video. its a keep clicking to change it.
12) The power plug does fit tight. Could be revision version in the build.
13) ONLY change battries with the power supply plug in. Else it loosed settings. AKA I dont think it has a keeper battery.
14) Pixes are quite large. Screen is 3" but with a possible 160x128 is stretch compared to others units.
15) If it wont take your xvid make sure the extension is "AVI"

Have not had much time but will retry some audio. Basically sounded slow and breaks up a bit. Gave it a old mp3 I have had for years.

Did photos. Not impressive.

What got me so down was the quality of the LCD pannel. I know they had to cut cost but would like a bet better screen. Wonder if one could be hacked to replace this one?

NOTE 1: Compared a large MPEG4 file to a cut down to 160x128 and from eyeing it. The 160x128 looks right for aspects due to not having jagged edges.

[smokingmods]

for anybody looking for videonow blank media

I wrote hasbro, and got a 800 number to call and place an order with your credit card!!! please see the cut an paste below for all info you need to call them direct and order the actual media from them. Hope this helps somebody out.


Thank you for contacting Hasbro, Inc. We are pleased to reply.

The replacement parts you need are available for $1.50 each, which includes shipping and handling. AR,CA,FL,GA,IL,MA,MI,MN,NJ,NY,OH,PA,RI,TX and WA residents must add applicable sales tax.

To order, please send a check or money order, made payable to Hasbro Promotions and Direct to:

Hasbro Promotions & Direct
PO Box 693
Pawtucket, RI 02862-0693

You may also call 1-800-327-8264 to place an order using your Visa, Mastercard or American Express or you may fax credit card orders to (401) 431-8082.

All sales are final. Offer available in the US only, while supplies last. If ordering by mail, please be sure to include a note stating your name and mailing address.

Again, thank you for your interest.

[str1der]

I'm a little confused about the value of doing all this. I just picked up a lit 3.6" portable player for my kids that's about the same size for $69 and it plays normal DVDs. Am I missing something? Here's the link.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2106538&cp=&pg=2&kw=dvd+portable...entPage=search

[EwanG]

I'm a little confused about the value of doing all this. I just picked up a lit 3.6" portable player for my kids that's about the same size for $69 and it plays normal DVDs. Am I missing something?

About a year ago when many of us got into this, players like the one you linked to didn't exist. Most portable DVD players were more expensive, and tended to be fold-over models that weren't particularly rugged.

Worse, the prime consumer of VideoNow media in our household is my middle daughter, who loves the entertainment value of portable video, but doesn't "get" treating electronics gingerly. Her VideoNow Jr. survived at least five six-foot drops onto a concrete driveway that I personally observed. What ended up killing it was a misguided attempt by another member of the household to clean the screen with a poor choice of cleaning solution.

For myself, the new VuGo is the next logical step because I can put several hours of home created and commercial media onto a 1 GB SD card, and not have to worry about the player or the media. Not losing disks, and not having to switch them in and out is going to be a nice change here.

Granted, my situation is probably not the target market for either device. But it's nice that it meets our niche needs anyway.

YMMV,
Ewan

[str1der]

I took a look at the Vugo but thought the video quality was horrible for the price. Have you seen one in action?

[EwanG]

I took a look at the Vugo but thought the video quality was horrible for the price. Have you seen one in action?

Actually have one and posted a sample frame capture (as well as pics of the unit) on my blog. Quality is not that bad compared to the VideoNow systems, but certainly is not what you would get from a DVD player. On the other hand, if you're fitting 4 hours of video onto a single card, even on a smaller screen, you are going to have to be willing to accept some compromises.

I'd much rather have an iPod Video, but not only are those many times more expensive, but I'm not aware of one that currently uses flash memory. And as much as I worry about dropping a disc player onto concrete, the thoughts of dropping a hard drive... well, I just don't want to go there

FWIW,
Ewan

[smokingmods]

hmm I clicked your radio shack link what you fail to grasp is the very obvious fact that

1. its out of stock
2. its 120 dollars BEFORE the rebate, while the rebated price is nice, I got my kids the video now xp for 38 bucks at target, great little christmast gift in my opinion.

3. my kids dont share anything peacfully, so this way I can afford to give them both one and not kill them and go to prison for christmas!!!

now if I could just figure out how to burn these darn pvds
I purchased the media wizard along with the players, it comes with 4 cd's and a program to burn the files, but I keep getting a error your media is damaged message yet its brand new!!

[maxedroom]

I'd much rather have an iPod Video, but not only are those many times more expensive, but I'm not aware of one that currently uses flash memory.

Try a $94 ZVUE at Wal-Mart, in-store, not on-line any more, or get it on e-bay for even less, which is where I got mine. It uses SD or MMC cards and I just love it. Also plays MP3 and OGG audio files. Can view JPG and even text files. It uses DiVX for the video format so you can fit a lot on a card. I can comfortably fit a full length movie on a 256 Meg. card.

[kkorndogg]

The videonows aren't that bad espcially for younger children, like I have. And someone said something about them not sharing. that's also very true. I have the videonow media wizard but it will only burn under 21 minutes of media. that's not enough room for a full length show without commercials. or even with out the opening and closing credits. you can get something like spongebob, those shows are usually about 11 minutes. but 11 minutes for one disk it's just not worth it. if someone new how to hack the program to allow at least 23 or 25 minutes that would be perfect. The PVDs you can buy for it have 25 minutes or so on them. why wouldn't they allow you to put that much on yourself? It's pretty ridiculous to me. maybe they will have an update one day if enough people complain.

[maxedroom]

If you want to author disks for the new color player, right click on the following download link and select "Save Target As..." :

Download

Make sure to read all documentation that comes with the software ... the software above is free as far as I know.

The above is an excerpt from a previous post. This software will allow you to author content up to the desired duration.

[sbetz]

I successfully converted and burned an mpeg-1 to VDN format using videonowtogo BUT, the video seems to be running very slowly and not keeping up with the audio. Not sure why. What could I be doing wrong?

Also get error when trying to burn PVD using Media Wizard software (2 different burners)..

Please advise

[NightWing]

I took a look at the Vugo but thought the video quality was horrible for the price. Have you seen one in action?

have one. Will be takeing it back.

As long as it some form of animation it look fare. If its live its pretty poor. And thats for source that scaled to 160 x 128 else it a mess.

The DVD from RS makes a better option. The normal price of it and the Vugo are pretty close. With the rebate its hands down for the RS DVD player.

Been looking also at the Cowon iAudio A2 20GB PMP. 4x 16:9 screen etc. Have written off the 1.8 size screen DAP MPEG4 players as just too small screen. And the vugo is just horrible on video out. Yea I know I am comparing a 400 to 120 dollar product but you deffently get what you payed for.

If the vugo just had a bit better video out LCD pannel would be worth it. It overcomes the limitations of the Juce Box from Mattel last year.

[sinobyte]

it's really benumbing why blank 108mm aren't readily available outside of the wizard packs......?

anybody have any links to media?
*please?*

[NightWing]

I took a look at the Vugo but thought the video quality was horrible for the price. Have you seen one in action?

Actually have one and posted a sample frame capture (as well as pics of the unit) on my blog. Quality is not that bad compared to the VideoNow systems, but certainly is not what you would get from a DVD player. On the other hand, if you're fitting 4 hours of video onto a single card, even on a smaller screen, you are going to have to be willing to accept some compromises.

I'd much rather have an iPod Video, but not only are those many times more expensive, but I'm not aware of one that currently uses flash memory. And as much as I worry about dropping a disc player onto concrete, the thoughts of dropping a hard drive... well, I just don't want to go there

FWIW,
Ewan

The iPod video looks nice but has horrible battery live of around 2 to 3 hours.

The only decent flash with screen is possibly iRiver U10 Max 1gb right now or the Samsung yp-t8 series 512mb/1gb/2gb. Bother Flash. Frame rate on the yp-t8 looks to be aroundfull while the U10 is around 10 to 15.

[countryangel]

does anyone still reply to this forum? I need some help making movies, i figured out how to cut them down but i do not understand the whole burning of cd-r's i need desperate help lol im a computer dummy!! I have 3 kids with the video now xp.

[sanriofreak]

I don't know how much help I'll be, but I found the easiest way to do it is to get one pack of the official ones with the software, and then do the "switcheroo" trick to burn on any disc.

[ontheteam]

trevlac,
Thank you for your command-line encoder. I have successfully burned 3 Justice League disks for my son, which he plays on VideoNow XP (bought by MIL).

VideoNowDude,
I have tried your method (latest release), but virtualdub crashes (actually vanishes) when I press Output button. Any ideas why?

Everyone,
Has anyone had success getting 108mm disks laser-cut, AND are you willing to distribute? For less than $1.50 each shipped? (I did see the Hasbro order form posted earlier in this thread.) [BTW - there will be no modding this XP unit. Not feasible.]

[VideonowDude]

ontheteam: which exact version of VDub are you using, and is it the original or the Mod version? I have only used the version I specified in the instructions (original and Mod), which I don't recall having an Output button anywhere.

[Shadocat]

Hi, Ontheteam. I encountered the same exact problem as you, and fixed it.

My version of Virtualdub was 1.6 something. I went back into VideoNowToGo's instructions, and saw that I needed to have version 1.5.10.

I Googled, and quickly found the right version.. . And success! Now I can introduce my son to first generation Transformers.

Also, to address the peeling of CDs.;
I buy my CDrs on the 50-pack plastic spindle.
Drop a Videonowdisc on top of your blank CDR (the spindle keeps them aligned).
Use a sharp edge (I used scissors) to trace the VDN disk. This scores the silvering into a perfect circle.

Someone suggested nail polish. I found "White-Out" to be effective and more manly!.
So after you scar a circle on your disc, trace the scratch with white-out.
I burned my disc, then cut with scissors. (You can still see the circle on the shiny side)
For good measure, I applied a little more white-out around the edges after trimming the disc down.

[AJStevens]

Hi everyone, another new guy here.
I've bought two VideoNowXP's for two of my American little sisters-in-law, thinking I could introduce them to a selection of Classic British cartoons from the days when I was knee high.

Unfortunately, like most I've run into the "darn it! only 19/20 minutes of recording time?! What the? I thought these things were supposed to be 450MB! Dog gone it!"

Now, I'm not too keen on giving their pappa, instructions on how to rip the things to pieces to take standard CD size discs, nor am I keen on the whole custom slicing your own CDs to fit, but a little better than chopping up the units.

I have a question, using CDrs cut to fit, is it purely just because you couldn't get the Blank PVDs before?

I find the 19/20 minutes limit rediculous, I hear about people fitting movies onto CDRs or compressing a movie to fit on a PSP 128MB stick! Surely there's got to be a way to get more than one cartoon per disc, or perhaps even a movie!

Another problem, is I'd like to be able to do most of the work in the UK, so I can just send them a file to open and burn onto disc, so it's easy for them.

What are my options, or will I just have to spread over lots of PVDs?

Thanks everyone.

[PRKima]

Hi everyone,

I'm so glad to find this forum. I just purchase my 2 year old the VideoNow Jr. and melted away the extra section so that it fits a normal size CD-R, cut the part that holds the button down and melted in the whole so that it acts as if there is a CD on it.



I download the instructions and files for burning a full size CD-R to play and was able to burn a movie for her, however, the sound is so bad, you can't even hear it.

Is there a way to ensure the sound is recorded to the max? The CD plays with no issues, but you can't hear anything except a really bad noise. I would love for the sound to work correctly.

I use a high quality MPEG movie, extract the Sound using the VirtualDub, but when it is burn into the CD and played is awful.

Any suggestions??????????????????

By the way Nero didn't work for me , however CDRwin work great .

[ontheteam]

VideoNowDude and Shadocat,

Sure enough, I was using virtualdub 1.6.11 (figured newer would be better...)
The output button in question is the "output preview button" or the play button with O subscript.

And the WhiteOut idea is definitely worth pursuing. I have traced the PVD using my Xacto, but I have still had a helluva time removing the outside ring of reflective coating so I could do a sufficient "edge preparation": I end up having to scrape it off with the edge of my scissors. Very tedious and "glitter" everywhere. Real tempted to pay Hasbro the $1.50 per disc.

[brs72]

I felt that way at first about the Hasbro Discs, but....

I looked around my city, small by most standards (23,000 pop) and found 3 places that do laser cutting. I bought a spindle of 50 for under 10 bucks, and they charged me 75 cents each. Total of about 43.00 for 50 video now discs that I didn't have to cut, or worry about screwing up the edge...And they work perfectly...

Just a thought for ya

Good luck

[ontheteam]

trevlac,

Any chance that your command-line encoder could be tailored to accept a script or string file in place of the "1080" used to determine .wav size/chapter breaks?

I am in love with the speed at which vidNowEnc will process an AVI. (365 seconds for 23 minute AVI)

And to eliminate manually moving the newly encoded files (so I don't need to burn right away) I wrote a simple batch file that I place or drag into the new destination folder.

move VDN.bat
move /-y "H:\Program Files\AviSynth 2.5\vdn*.wav"
copy /-y "E:\JL Videonow\VDN Track 00*.wav"
copy /-y "E:\JL Videonow\VDN Track 99*.wav"
move "move VDN.bat" "E:\JL Videonow\"
pause

[hmmm... just occurred to me to CALL your doit.bat for one-button process and move...]

[ontheteam]

Just in case anyone is looking...

http://umn.dl.sourceforge.net/sourceforge/virtualdub/VirtualDub-1.5.10.zip

[ontheteam]

AJStevens,

I understand your frustration about the time limitation, but the good folks here have enlightened me (via an evening of reading past posts) that it is a limitation of the VideoNow proprietary platform (18 fps @ 2X CD speed).

So we deal with it, because of the sturdy exterior... and the fun of figuring it all out.

[Shadocat]

VideoNowDude and Shadocat,
but I have still had a helluva time removing the outside ring of reflective coating so I could do a sufficient "edge preparation": I end up having to scrape it off with the edge of my scissors. Very tedious and "glitter" everywhere. Real tempted to pay Hasbro the $1.50 per disc.

I didnt scrape anything, really. I just cut around the outside of my traced circle.

[ontheteam]

Color me ignorant, but I want to create a "dummy file" of specific length to use trevlac's plugin for virtualdub (to preview the VDN wave files).

How is this done? If this is a topic for elsewhere in the forum, please direct me to the appropriate location.

[todd3835]

For some reason, I just can't get VideoNowDude's method to work. I tried 2 to start with. First one I tried using a blank from the Media Wizard kit, and no luck. Comes up the bad disc icon. Then I tried on a regular CDR that I cut down (so as to not waste the blanks I have....). No luck.

Then I came back to the forum, and realized that it has to be over 22 mins. The video I was trying was 21 mins and change. So I took a Dora Episode that's 25 minutes. Just tried burning that, cut the cdr to size (getting *really* good at that now), and the no disc icon comes up within seconds (before it was more like 10 seconds or so). Anyone know what could be the problem? I can't imagine it's the media (tried one of the "real" blanks), and I can't imagine I'd have made the same mistake 3 times in a row..... I can't likely post my outputted wav (about 500mb)..... Anyone have any ideas?

-Todd

[todd3835]

I've must have read this thread about 5 times, and I'm always picking up more and more info. I didn't see any way to make VideoNowToGo automatically seperate at 1 min intervals. Could this be why my disc's aren't working? I have 1 VDN Track file, listed as 48 mins long (Big Sister Dora episode. I have 2 girls with VN color's, and thier baby brother due any day now......). I'm at my wit's end on how to get this to work.....