Fast conversion to MPEG2 for Tivo

[rb9999]

I am looking for a way to quickly reencode content in AVI format (mostly) to MPEG 2 format for importing into my Tivo. I have tried many different programs but they are slow. Quality isn't the big issue here, speed is. I am encoding a 28 minute file now using TMPGEnc and the ETA is 3 hours!

I just want to do a quick and dirty conversion that is suitable for watching on a TV. I have tried WinAVI which is very good but the files it creates don't want to play on my Sony 51 Inch TV with my Humax Tivo. It works on my Series 2 box and 20 inch cheapo tv. Seem to be an interlace issue because the screen flickers too much.

Anyway, I have tried something called SUPER, which can use the ffmpeg or mencoder program. But when I drop a file in it only 5 minutes of the file is converted and then the program stops. I tried ffmpeg and can't get the resultant file to load in my Tivo. I tried ffmpeggui but it doesn't seem to have any options for video...only audio?!

Here is the Tivo web page explaining how the content should be. If anyone can provide a good program that can convert quickly I would appreciate it. Command lines for ffmpeg that you think may work for the formats appreciated too.

http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv251080.htm

[redwudz]

Mainconcept Encoder is fairly fast, at least a lot faster than TMPGEnc, you might give it a try. For a little less, CCE Basic.

[Soopafresh]

The FASTEST encoder is DivxToDVD, which will create files per the Tivo spec, but it looks like you'll have to convert the final VOBs to MPEG with Vob2mpg

[junkmalle]

If you want to continue using TMPGEnc use single pass constant quality mode. Pick the quality you want and encode. It's twice as fast as the VBR 2 pass mode you're probably using.

[Stormin Norman]

Nice call junkmalle. In TMPGEnc, I think CQ is the best algorithm in alot of cases.

[jimmalenko]

Only problem with CQ is an unpredictable final size. If this doesn't matter, all well and good !