Problem using Dubman and VirtualDub 1.6.16 with Xvid and Divx

[BorgmanJayce]

I have a problem re-encoding fansubs and I was wondering if there's anybody here that can help me.

Basically whenever I re-encode a file that was originally encoded in Xvid into Xvid but resized for viewing on a TV [I prefer to play them that way because my epilepsy prevents me from viewing fansubs on a PC for too long], I find that for some reason now the filesize of the converted version is twice as big as the original version when it should be less than the original version if I'm correct.

This happened when I was converting the first batch of Go Go Sentai Boukenger episodes from TV-Nihon into a TV-suitable format.

I then decided to try using the latest version of Divx on Kamen Rider Kabuto using the bulk batch conversion function in the software program known as "DubMan" and for some odd reason whereas it used to work fine with both Divx and Xvid conversions, VirtualDub now seems to lock up whenever it finishes the conversion at the 99% or 100% mark [I've since found that it's actually completed at the 99% mark for some odd reason...] when converting into Divx so every time each file gets to 99% or 100%, I have to do the old Ctrl-Alt-Del trick and close down VirtualDub which then automatically gets restarted and starts work on the new file.

Does anybody know why VirtualDub keeps making the converted Xvid files which use the Resize filter bigger than the original version and also why does VirtualDub itself keep locking up when it completes converting each file into a Divx version [in this case using the latest version of Divx] when it never used to happen? [I'm using VirtualDub 1.6.16 in case anyone is wondering...

If anyone can help me with my problem, they will definitely have my eternal gratitude especially when it comes to converting Xvid files.

[Scorpion King]

I find that for some reason now the filesize of the converted version is twice as big as the original version when it should be less than the original version if I'm correct.

Filesize is a direct reflection of bitrate and time. If you are not encoding the file at the same bitrate as the original then the filesize will reflect this, regardless of framesize. A bitrate of 1Mbps is 1Mbps regardless if you resized it up or down, it's still 1Mbps. If your video is coming out with a larger filesize then you are using a higher bitrate.

Knowing as much about the original file as you can will help you make the proper decisions how to reencode it. Much can be found out by using VirtualDub File-File Information. AviCodec is another. File Properties in a program like Ulead VideoStudio is yet another. Tmpgenc DVD Author file Information is still another. Check it out before you start.

Why VirtualDub 1.6.16 keeps crashing I don't know. Maybe the original file has an error. Have you tried saving it out of VD using "direct stream copy" before trying to reencode it. Many times that simple direct copy routine can repair errors.

Good luck.

[BorgmanJayce]

I'm going to use AVICodec from now on to check my files and as for the problem with VirtualDub, I find it a bit odd that it only seems to happen with reencoding from Xvid into Divx and not Xvid into Xvid...

As for the higher bitrate thing in Xvid that's causing me problems in VirtualDub, how do I change the settings so that I can have a lower bitrate with decent quality and yet still have a filesize that's lower than the original source files.

BTW, thanks for the help offered so far, Scorpion King...

[Scorpion King]

Learning those settings couldn't hurt. This looks like a good place to start. lol

The Unofficial XviD FAQ

Good luck.

[BorgmanJayce]

I'm using NiTroGen's Bitrate Calculator to try and get the filesize down to a more reasonable level and it kind of works but the filesize is still bigger than the original sourcefile and I don't know if there's any profile settings in Xvid that I need to play with via VirtualDub to change it so that I can get a file size that's of similar quality to the original sourcefile but which allows me to have a resize filter added to the output version.