Converting for in-car hard drive

[cz9h3d]

Hey! I'm getting ready to particpate in final user testing of the PhatNoise system in the GM minivans that have a hardrive capable of showing videos on the DVD system. This is requiring me to learn all about DIVX/XVID formats, and how to convert files/data into the appropriate format. Obviously I want to minimize file size for space (wanna share the 40Gb with music too). The system can deal with all the different file formats. The videos will be watched on the 7" DVD screen in the vehicle (sorry, don't know its resolution).

What conversion software will be easiest to use? Let's say I'm converting MPEG-2 data I've recorded with my Hauppauge PVR250, or perhaps converting an ISO file.

Currently playing with FairUse (the 700Mb limit version, which I can't image would be an issue for watching on a 7" screen.

Are there basics in regards to whether Divx or Xvid is better?

Thanks! I'll keep reading through the forums here to learn more - I guess it wouldn't be any different then converting to watch on a portable DVD player (do any support Divx/Xvid yet?) or maybe one of the Archos personal video players.

[redwudz]

I'm not sure if DIVX or XVID is better. XVID is free, if that's any help. I mostly use VirtualDub Mod for XVID conversion, also free.

I assumed the PhatNoise system was only for MPEG playback and audio files from what I read on the press release. It does DIVX?

[jdizzy40]

The DVD player regardless of size has to be DIVx Certified and carry the certification label. I have a Phillips DVP-642 that will play anything you throw on a disk, Raw MPEGs, WMA files etc. Will this player and hardrive have the ability to play DIVx? I have the Archos AV 480 (80 Gig Model). At this time with their current firmware the only DIVx files that can be played correctly with the video and audio in proper sync have to be created with Virtualdub. Dr DIVx and Intervideo's DVD Copy's files will not play correctly. I capture with a Win PVR 250 as well. Convert with Dr DIVx when I need to throw on a disk etc. Direct record files to the Archos player can be transferred back to the PC and seem to play fine in the DIVx Player. I would look at and test Dr DIVx and see if it will work for you. Simple to use.

[cz9h3d]

I assumed the PhatNoise system was only for MPEG playback and audio files from what I read on the press release. It does DIVX?

The PhatNoise folks I've worked with have indicated to me that they support multiple video formats - I thought. Doe DIVX fall under the general MPEG4 moniker? I hate when I feel stupid, but give me a few nights of reading up.....and I'm the "techie" person on my vehicle/marketing team!

I'm sure our engineering guys executing the progam would know (maybe). Now of course teaching a soccermom how to easily get legal video onto the cartridge is going to be a hurdle. The PhatNoise folks know their stuff, but being able to easily purchase content and deal with DRM is going to be the key to make this thing work!

If I'm going to be in a van for 1000 miles to evaluate the system, I won't be able to watch the preloaded kids content too long!

[redwudz]

Just my opinion, but it would be good to support a format like DIVX or XVID. I can see crunching a video down quite a bit and still having good resolution on a 7" screen with a fairly small filesize.

It would make the system much more appealing, even though it would require encoding to DIVX or XVID. DIVX and XVID are a version of MPEG4, but it depends on which version they are using. Sounds interesting, though.

[MOVIEGEEK]

I wonder if the player will support Quicktime MPEG-4(MAC) or WMV?
WMV doesn't require special codecs,can be made with Windows Movie Maker and can handle DRM if that's a necessity.
I agree with the legal question of customers ripping DVD's to watch on the player,GM's lawyers wouldn't stand a chance against DMCA.Maybe a special software that can only rip to WMV,etc with DRM or a website where the customer can download movies?

[celtic_druid]

DivX and XviD are ASP MPEG4 video codecs. MPEG4 video is MPEG4 video. So if it supports ASP MPEG4 then it supports XviD, DivX, quicktime, 3ivX, HDX4, libavcodec, etc. However when they say MPEG4, is that as in MPEG4 video and audio in an mp4 container or your DivX/mp3 type avi?

[cz9h3d]

DivX and XviD are ASP MPEG4 video codecs. MPEG4 video is MPEG4 video. So if it supports ASP MPEG4 then it supports XviD, DivX, quicktime, 3ivX, HDX4, libavcodec, etc. However when they say MPEG4, is that as in MPEG4 video and audio in an mp4 container or your DivX/mp3 type avi?

Uh.......I don't know. I'll get some details in the next day or two. This is starting to remind me too much of my DVD/VOB education....to much detail I really don't want to have to know!

I did convert an ISO using FairPlay last night (default DIVX settings). Seem's slightly "jerky" when viewing with Windows Media Player. Not unwatchable, put the camera pans really show this.