ffmpegx version compatibility problem

[Cameo]

I have not been able to get AVI video files made using the mencoder MPEG4 setting to run on my DVD players (Samsung v540 and Liteon 2001) using newer ffmpegx versions s, t and now u. However version r and earlier work OK and when I put the version r recommended Mencoder binary in version u for example, then version u works OK as well. So it seems to be a compatibility problem with the newer versions of Mencoder

Can anyone throw some light on this. I really would like to use the newer ffmpegx because of the improved GUI and other features. I could use Xvid encoding but this seems MUCH MUCH slower than the mencoder MPEG4 (Divx) encoding. Is there any disadvantage in using the older mencoder binary recommended for version r with new version u?

[major]

You can use the older binary, however it will not support H264 encoding.

[HighHopes]

I have exactly the same problem with yet a different hardware player, the Philips DVP-642.

I have employed the same fix, downgraded to the older Mencoder. This is a necessary, but unsatisfactory fix. I suppose for now I am stopped here until Philips issues a firmware update that allow me to play the mew Mencoder encoded mpegs or until I buy a new hardware player. Anyway, it looks as though this is where I am stopped on the development cycle.

[Cameo]

Thanks highhopes - have you found that all is generally OK with the older mencoder or are there some things which particularly annoy you.

[HighHopes]

Cameo, I haven't run into any problems yet though I have only employed this fix since reading your initial post. I don't expect a problem. I use FFmpegX occasionally mainly for two purposes. First, to re-encode a DivX file that refuses to play on my hardware DivX player. Second, to author a DVD. For the first task I use Mencoder. For the second I use the ffmpeg engine.

This particular mencoder problem strikes me as a killer problem. The DivX player I use, the Philips DVP-642, is very popular. It is sold at Wal-Mart, Target stores, and many other retail stores. The players you mention are also very popular. If Mencoder cannot encode DivX files that will work on these machines, well then, it doesn't work, since, at least for me, that's the whole purpose of using it in the first place

By the way, the mencoder version I'm using is contained in ffmpegXbinaries180105.zip --the Jan. 18, 2005 version. I stepped backwards through the versions at http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/mplayerosx trying them on a test clip until I found the latest mencoder that would make a playable file.

[Cameo]

Highhopes, I like the systematic way you have used and it agrees pretty much with what I remember - I noticed the problem about last March. I can check more exactly when I have time. It certainly limits the usefulness of current versions of mencoder (and therefore ffmpegx) for many people. I wonder if anyone has any knowledge of what changed in mencoder after Jan 2005 and better still if it can be fixed.

[sepulcrio]

I have the same problem, I have two player. In one the last version mencoder version work ok. The second don't work.

Any new solution ?

Thank a lot