ConvertXtoDVD Alternative?

[foxbox]

I've had various problems with this software, and an unsure if newly installed version 2.2.2.56 is going to solve them.

So, moving a step up from 'all in one' converting, could someone advise a reliable (especially when retaining sound synching, and good quality pictures) AVI TO VOB [VIDEO_TS?] CONVERTER which I can use in conjunction with, say, IMG BURN or DVD DECRYPTER to make quality DVDs from my AVI files?

I don't have the time at the moment to learn complicated advanced converting software, but am looking for something very stable which I can spend an evening optimising to the best settings and then not have to worry about messing up my AVIs. I assume burning the resulting VOB/VIDEO_TSs with IMG BURN or DVD DECRYPTER is fine?

Thank you in advance!

[jagabo]

nevermind

[45tripp]

Your burning software is fine.

ConvertX is prettty good.

What problems have you had?
If you are specific about them someone is bound to help.

You wanna step up from one pass encoding to 2 pass with frameserving.

Use avisynth to serve up to HC,
Separate audio encoding with aften to dolby.
An authoring app. I like dvd-lab.

As a first step, try Favc.
A frontend for the software I've recommended.
To get an idea of what to expect.

gl

[guns1inger]

I don't have the time at the moment to learn complicated advanced converting software, but am looking for something very stable which I can spend an evening optimising to the best settings and then not have to worry about messing up my AVIs

There are so many things wrong with the statement it's hard to find a place to start.

1. Video is complex. If you want quality, learn how to do it properly. That takes time. If you don't have the time, then don't make quality your priority.

2. Every video is different. There is no optimum setting that will give you perfect results every time for every video. Video is complex . . . . See point 1.

3. Simple conversion programs like ConvertXtoDVD don't have lots of settings you can optimise. They hide all of that from the user because they are designed for people who believe they are too busy to learn how it works. If you want quality, simple programs are not the way to go. Video is complex . . . . See point 1 (again).

Favc is a good one to look at. DVD Flick is another. But I'm not convinced you will get much more out of them than you will ConvertXtoDVD.

[mats.hogberg]

Your best bet would be getting an AVI DivX/XviD capable player. No conversion blues at all. Just write as data to CD-R / DVD-R and pop it in your player.

/Mats

[PuzZLeR]

You want quality and you want it simple when it comes to video? Well, after you spend many hours experimenting, read many posts in forums and accumulate a small stack of DvD coasters in the process, I'd say you're half-way there...

Video is an extreme technological undertaking. So, either you accept a simple solution for average results or you put a serious effort into learning. No, I'm not being mean here. I'm just being honest.

Ok, anyhow on to your problem.

Your problem with ConvertXtoDvD is not clearly stated, but from your post, I get the feeling you're getting bad quality and/or audio/video sync problems with this app.

First of all, I find ConvertXtoDvD one of the best converters to MPEG-2/DvD, so I imagine maybe your settings (yes, there ARE settings there) are for a combination of speed/low quality. Go to Options -> Encoding tab -> and for "Encoding quality/speed" try High quality/Slow encoding. As well, for Conversion priority don't select TimeCritical. Select Normal instead.

For the A/V sync issues, keep in mind that MPEG-2 uses timestamps and AVI doesn't, so it is quite normal to have this problem converting from one to the other, and if ConvertXtoDvD is giving you this problem, then it's quite likely not the only app that will have this problem.

The best thing to do in this case is learn a process called "demuxing" and "muxing" where you would need to separate the video and audio streams (demuxing) and join them back together again (muxing) in the final conversion. As well, it's sometimes best to have the video converted to MPEG-2 beforehand, then place it into other separate DvD author/burn apps which will just add menus, DvD structure and burn the project without re-encoding. Although ConvertXtoDvD is very good in most cases, an all-in-one app can create many problems for others.

Look into ProjectX and TMPGEnc, which offer demuxing, muxing, MPEG encoding and look into the DvD author/burn apps mentioned in earlier posts.

If a great app like ConvertXtoDvD is not doing it for you, then you need to go the longer route I'm afraid.

[foxbox]

Thank you for your mixed responses.

Am I correct that 'quality' means 'audio and video in sync after converting, and after burning'? I must admit, I had heard that ConvertXtoDVD is one of the best ('all in one') in this department. Perhaps it is too much to expect this software to achieve 'quality' in so much as a consistently synched-up conversion (almost) each time. My conversions in recent weeks simply haven't been running well.

The following films were checked as perfectly in-sync AVI files, but after converting with ConvertXtoDVD, the resulting discs became suddenly out of sync after about half way through, to last the rest of the film. Trying to get to the bottom of it, I have converted again several times and the film actually becomes out of sync in the VIDEO_TS file - before it is burned to DVD.

Also note the percentage of disc occupation - I am used to seeing it much higher, so could this be a factor?

[CONVERSION/BURN 1]

17/06/2007 17:26:43 info ********** Report session closed ***********
17/06/2007 17:20:17 info Media removed. Burning layer not ready to write
17/06/2007 17:19:51 info Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\AVSEQ01\ has been removed
17/06/2007 17:19:51 info Finalization Time 00:00:28 - Total completion time 00:05:20
17/06/2007 17:19:23 info Write finished in 00:04:52 - Finalization start here. Avg. burn rate 5.42
17/06/2007 17:15:08 info Lead-in burning time (mS) 37557
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Write started 974304 sectors to write
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Init success: DVD-R packet writing
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Writing speed requested x6.0, effective x6.0
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Available write speed: 16x, 12x, 8x, 6x
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Media ID: SONY16D1
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Media type: DVD-R
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Unspecified Mode
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Scanned files #7, folder #2 - total size 1994276864 b. (1.86 Gb.)
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Inserted media type : DVD-R
17/06/2007 17:14:30 info Write started
17/06/2007 17:14:29 info --------------Encoding end--------------
17/06/2007 17:14:29 info Media name: "PRD 2"
17/06/2007 17:14:29 info Burned folder: "C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\AVSEQ01\"
17/06/2007 17:14:14 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
17/06/2007 17:14:12 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
17/06/2007 17:14:12 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
17/06/2007 17:14:12 info Total size in built folder 1901 Mb., Target size DVD5 4400 Mb., Occupation 43.22%
17/06/2007 17:14:12 info Conversion completed in 01:18:42
17/06/2007 17:14:01 info ------------Converting Menu--------------
17/06/2007 17:14:01 info Generated duration 6215.12 sec., expected 6213.56 sec.
17/06/2007 17:14:01 warning 26 frames dropped
17/06/2007 17:14:01 warning 77 frames duplicated
17/06/2007 17:11:15 info Chapter #21 start at 99:59.840
17/06/2007 17:06:31 info Chapter #20 start at 94:59.880
17/06/2007 17:02:51 info Chapter #19 start at 90:0.080
17/06/2007 16:59:16 info Chapter #18 start at 84:59.840
17/06/2007 16:55:39 info Chapter #17 start at 80:0.000
17/06/2007 16:51:53 info Chapter #16 start at 74:59.920
17/06/2007 16:48:00 info Chapter #15 start at 69:59.800
17/06/2007 16:44:20 info Chapter #14 start at 64:59.760
17/06/2007 16:40:39 info Chapter #13 start at 60:0.000
17/06/2007 16:36:55 info Chapter #12 start at 54:59.720
17/06/2007 16:33:08 info Chapter #11 start at 49:59.680
17/06/2007 16:29:30 info Chapter #10 start at 45:0.120
17/06/2007 16:25:55 info Chapter #9 start at 39:59.720
17/06/2007 16:22:11 info Chapter #8 start at 34:59.680
17/06/2007 16:18:34 info Chapter #7 start at 30:0.120
17/06/2007 16:14:50 info Chapter #6 start at 24:59.960
17/06/2007 16:11:08 info Chapter #5 start at 19:59.840
17/06/2007 16:07:12 info Chapter #4 start at 14:59.680
17/06/2007 16:03:14 info Chapter #3 start at 9:59.680
17/06/2007 15:59:24 info Chapter #2 start at 5:0.040
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Stream #1 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Stream #0 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Output Stream#1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 192 kb/s, no automatic gain control
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Output Stream#0 - Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 720x576, 1/25, q=2-31, 5639 kb/s
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Video Stream #0 framerate : 25.00 Fps (source 25.00 Fps), no pulldown
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info No pulldown: Frame duplication/removal will be used.
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Video source original frame rate: 25.00
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info PAL 25 FPS output format set automatically
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Fullscreen (4:3) set automatically
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Video bitrate 0/5639/8808 Kbps (min/avg/max)
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Converting "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info ----------------Title #1----------------
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Project size 4.3 Gb. (145 Mb. audio - 4.16 Gb. video)
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Stream #1 - Audio: mp2, 44100 Hz, stereo, 160 kb/s
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Stream #0 - Video: mpeg1video, yuv420p, 352x288, 1/25, 104857 kb/s
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info 2 Stream(s) found - est. duration 01:43:33.560
17/06/2007 15:55:29 info Opening file "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
17/06/2007 15:55:27 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [X] Don't fix audio gaps
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [ ] Engine Log
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info Encoder quality: 50%
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info --------------Encoding begin--------------
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info --------------Menu settings end--------------
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [X] Sequential playback
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [ ] Loop playback
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [ ] Auto start playback
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [X] Menu
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info --------------Menu settings begin--------------
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info --------------Default burn settings end--------------
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info Default speed selected: 6x
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [X] Delete files after burn complete
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [X] Don't eject after burn complete
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [ ] Prefer SAO for DVD-R
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [ ] Include originals
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info [X] Burn result to DVD
17/06/2007 15:55:26 info --------------Default burn settings begin--------------
17/06/2007 15:51:01 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
17/06/2007 15:50:59 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
17/06/2007 15:50:59 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
17/06/2007 15:50:59 info Version 2.1.14.223
17/06/2007 15:50:59 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\vso\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
17/06/2007 15:50:59 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
17/06/2007 15:50:58 info ******************** Report session started ********************

[CONVERSION/BURN 2]

12/06/2007 22:01:38 info ********** Report session closed ***********
12/06/2007 22:01:28 info Media removed. Burning layer not ready to write
12/06/2007 21:45:41 info Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\AVSEQ01\ has been removed
12/06/2007 21:45:41 info Finalization Time 00:00:24 - Total completion time 00:03:43
12/06/2007 21:45:17 info Write finished in 00:03:19 - Finalization start here. Avg. burn rate 5.07
12/06/2007 21:42:35 info Lead-in burning time (mS) 37598
12/06/2007 21:41:57 info Write started 622336 sectors to write
12/06/2007 21:41:57 info Init success: DVD-R packet writing
12/06/2007 21:41:57 info Writing speed requested x6.0, effective x6.0
12/06/2007 21:41:57 info Available write speed: 16x, 12x, 8x, 6x
12/06/2007 21:41:57 info Media ID: SONY16D1
12/06/2007 21:41:57 info Media type: DVD-R
12/06/2007 21:41:57 info Unspecified Mode
12/06/2007 21:41:56 info Scanned files #7, folder #2 - total size 1273442304 b. (1.19 Gb.)
12/06/2007 21:41:56 info Inserted media type : DVD-R
12/06/2007 21:41:56 info Write started
12/06/2007 21:41:56 info --------------Encoding end--------------
12/06/2007 21:41:56 info Media name: "My DVD"
12/06/2007 21:41:56 info Burned folder: "C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\AVSEQ01\"
12/06/2007 21:41:41 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
12/06/2007 21:41:39 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
12/06/2007 21:41:39 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
12/06/2007 21:41:39 info Total size in built folder 1214 Mb., Target size DVD5 4400 Mb., Occupation 27.60%
12/06/2007 21:41:39 info Conversion completed in 00:52:22
12/06/2007 21:41:27 info ------------Converting Menu--------------
12/06/2007 21:41:27 info Generated duration 5878.57 sec., expected 5877.04 sec.
12/06/2007 21:41:27 warning 10 frames dropped
12/06/2007 21:41:27 warning 29 frames duplicated
12/06/2007 21:40:02 info Chapter #20 start at 94:59.860
12/06/2007 21:37:30 info Chapter #19 start at 89:59.811
12/06/2007 21:34:51 info Chapter #18 start at 84:59.644
12/06/2007 21:32:07 info Chapter #17 start at 80:0.095
12/06/2007 21:29:21 info Chapter #16 start at 74:59.661
12/06/2007 21:26:38 info Chapter #15 start at 69:59.862
12/06/2007 21:23:58 info Chapter #14 start at 64:59.946
12/06/2007 21:21:15 info Chapter #13 start at 59:59.646
12/06/2007 21:18:37 info Chapter #12 start at 55:0.096
12/06/2007 21:15:55 info Chapter #11 start at 49:59.796
12/06/2007 21:13:18 info Chapter #10 start at 44:59.747
12/06/2007 21:10:38 info Chapter #9 start at 40:0.064
12/06/2007 21:07:56 info Chapter #8 start at 34:59.647
12/06/2007 21:05:15 info Chapter #7 start at 29:59.714
12/06/2007 21:02:35 info Chapter #6 start at 25:0.048
12/06/2007 20:59:53 info Chapter #5 start at 19:59.998
12/06/2007 20:57:08 info Chapter #4 start at 14:59.698
12/06/2007 20:54:30 info Chapter #3 start at 9:59.899
12/06/2007 20:51:48 info Chapter #2 start at 4:59.716
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Stream #1 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Stream #0 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Output Stream#1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 192 kb/s, no automatic gain control
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Output Stream#0 - Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 720x480, 1001/24000, q=2-31, 5975 kb/s
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Video Stream #0 Pulldown : 23.976 -> 29.97 Fps
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Video source original frame rate: 23.98
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info NTSC 29.97 FPS output format set automatically
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Fullscreen (4:3) set automatically
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Video bitrate 0/5975/8808 Kbps (min/avg/max)
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Converting "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info ----------------Title #1----------------
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Project size 4.3 Gb. (137 Mb. audio - 4.16 Gb. video)
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Stream #1 - Audio: mp2, 44100 Hz, stereo, 160 kb/s
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Stream #0 - Video: mpeg1video, yuv420p, 352x240, 1001/24000, 104857 kb/s
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info 2 Stream(s) found - est. duration 01:37:57.038
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Opening file "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [X] Don't fix audio gaps
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [ ] Engine Log
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Encoder quality: 50%
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info --------------Encoding begin--------------
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info --------------Menu settings end--------------
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [X] Sequential playback
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [ ] Loop playback
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [ ] Auto start playback
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [X] Menu
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info --------------Menu settings begin--------------
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info --------------Default burn settings end--------------
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Default speed selected: 6x
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [X] Delete files after burn complete
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [X] Don't eject after burn complete
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [ ] Prefer SAO for DVD-R
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [ ] Include originals
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info [X] Burn result to DVD
12/06/2007 20:49:16 info --------------Default burn settings begin--------------
12/06/2007 20:48:59 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
12/06/2007 20:48:57 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
12/06/2007 20:48:57 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
12/06/2007 20:48:57 info Version 2.1.14.223
12/06/2007 20:48:57 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\vso\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
12/06/2007 20:48:57 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
12/06/2007 20:48:56 info ******************** Report session started ********************

For this next conversion - the first with newly installed version 2.2.2.256 - encoding apparently went successfully but my resulting disc was only partly burned. ConvertXtoDVD announced: 'operation complete', and duly deleted the converted file.

[CONVERSION/BURN 3]

25/06/2007 12:08:31 info ********** Report session closed ***********
25/06/2007 12:08:14 info Media removed. Burning layer not ready to write
25/06/2007 12:05:50 info Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\GNE has been removed
25/06/2007 12:05:50 info Finalization Time 00:00:15 - Total completion time 00:02:48
25/06/2007 12:05:35 info Write finished in 00:02:32 - Finalization start here. Avg. burn rate 6.10
25/06/2007 12:03:40 info Lead-in burning time (mS) 38474
25/06/2007 12:03:02 info Write started 574032 sectors to write
25/06/2007 12:03:02 info Init success: DVD-R packet writing
25/06/2007 12:03:02 info Writing speed requested x16.0, effective x16.0
25/06/2007 12:03:01 info Available write speed: 16x, 12x, 8x, 6x
25/06/2007 12:03:01 info Media ID: SONY16D1
25/06/2007 12:03:01 info Media type: DVD-R
25/06/2007 12:03:01 info Ultra DMA mode 4 (ATA66)
25/06/2007 12:03:01 info Scanned files #7, folder #2 - total size 1174501376 b. (1.09 Gb.)
25/06/2007 12:03:01 info Inserted media type : DVD-R
25/06/2007 12:03:01 info Write started
25/06/2007 12:03:00 info Media name: "GNE"
25/06/2007 12:03:00 info Burned folder: "C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\GNE"
25/06/2007 12:02:55 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
25/06/2007 12:02:54 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
25/06/2007 12:02:54 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
25/06/2007 12:02:43 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
25/06/2007 12:02:41 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
25/06/2007 12:02:41 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
25/06/2007 12:02:41 info Version 2.2.2.256
25/06/2007 12:02:41 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\VSO\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
25/06/2007 12:02:41 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
25/06/2007 12:02:41 info ******************** Report session started ********************


25/06/2007 11:08:36 info ********** Report session closed ***********
25/06/2007 11:07:52 info --------------Encoding end--------------
25/06/2007 03:25:16 info Total size in built folder 1120 Mb., Target size DVD5 4400 Mb., Occupation 25.46%
25/06/2007 03:25:16 info Conversion completed in 00:29:33
25/06/2007 03:25:09 info ------------Converting Menu--------------
25/06/2007 03:25:09 info Generated duration 5288.49 sec., expected 5289.00 sec.
25/06/2007 03:24:11 info Chapter #18 start at 84:59.844
25/06/2007 03:22:20 info Chapter #17 start at 80:0.045
25/06/2007 03:20:28 info Chapter #16 start at 74:59.628
25/06/2007 03:19:02 info Chapter #15 start at 69:59.828
25/06/2007 03:17:25 info Chapter #14 start at 65:0.029
25/06/2007 03:15:55 info Chapter #13 start at 59:59.979
25/06/2007 03:14:14 info Chapter #12 start at 54:59.679
25/06/2007 03:12:41 info Chapter #11 start at 49:59.629
25/06/2007 03:11:06 info Chapter #10 start at 45:0.080
25/06/2007 03:09:33 info Chapter #9 start at 39:59.780
25/06/2007 03:07:49 info Chapter #8 start at 34:59.981
25/06/2007 03:06:18 info Chapter #7 start at 29:59.931
25/06/2007 03:04:25 info Chapter #6 start at 24:59.631
25/06/2007 03:02:50 info Chapter #5 start at 19:59.948
25/06/2007 03:01:05 info Chapter #4 start at 14:59.899
25/06/2007 02:59:18 info Chapter #3 start at 9:59.982
25/06/2007 02:57:29 info Chapter #2 start at 4:59.932
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Stream #1 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Stream #0 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Output Stream#1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 192 kb/s (Copy)
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Output Stream#0 - Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 720x480, q=2-31, 6642 kb/s
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Video Stream #0 Pulldown : 23.976 -> 29.97 Fps
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Image processing: Fast bilinear resampler (640*264)->(720*352)
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Image processing: Pad (Left:0 - Top:64 - Right:0 - Bottom:64)
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Video source original frame rate: 23.98
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Output resolution: FULL D1 [720*480]
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info NTSC 29.97 FPS output format set automatically
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Widescreen (16:9) set automatically
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Video bitrate 0/6642/8808 Kbps (min/avg/max)
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Converting "C:\Program Files\BitLord\Downloads\GNE.avi"
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info ----------------Title #1----------------
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Project size 4.3 Gb. (123 Mb. audio - 4.16 Gb. video)
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Stream #1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 192 kb/s
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Stream #0 - Video: mpeg4, yuv420p, 640x264
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info 2 Stream(s) found - est. duration 01:28:08.997
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Opening file "C:\Program Files\BitLord\Downloads\GNE.avi"
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info [X] Don't fix audio gaps
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info [X] Engine Log
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info Encoder quality: 50%
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info --------------Encoding begin--------------
25/06/2007 02:55:43 info --------------Menu settings end--------------
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [X] Sequential playback
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [ ] Loop playback
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [ ] Auto start playback
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [X] Menu
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info --------------Menu settings begin--------------
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info --------------Default burn settings end--------------
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info Default speed selected: 16x
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [X] Delete files after burn complete
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [X] Don't eject after burn complete
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [ ] Prefer SAO for DVD-R
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [ ] Include originals
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info [ ] Burn result to DVD
25/06/2007 02:55:42 info --------------Default burn settings begin--------------
25/06/2007 02:50:23 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
25/06/2007 02:50:20 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
25/06/2007 02:50:20 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
25/06/2007 02:50:20 info Version 2.2.2.256
25/06/2007 02:50:20 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\VSO\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
25/06/2007 02:50:20 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
25/06/2007 02:50:20 info ******************** Report session started ********************

Now I would like to bring to attention disc writing speeds. I became aware some weeks ago that my burns seemed to be taking longer than usual. It seems when I select, say, 6x, the discs sometimes only burn at 1-2x. When selecting 16x, burning reaches 6x max. See CONVERSION 5 for achieving only 1.75x burn rate despite 6x selected. So far as I am aware, burning speeds using other applications seem unaffected by the 'go slow' of ConvertXtoDVD.

[CONVERSION/BURN 4]

24/06/2007 16:26:24 info ********** Report session closed ***********
24/06/2007 16:21:38 info Media removed. Burning layer not ready to write
24/06/2007 16:21:33 info Finalization Time 00:00:24 - Total completion time 00:03:20
24/06/2007 16:21:09 info Write finished in 00:02:55 - Finalization start here. Avg. burn rate 6.76
24/06/2007 16:18:53 info Lead-in burning time (mS) 39720
24/06/2007 16:18:13 info Write started 731232 sectors to write
24/06/2007 16:18:13 info Init success: DVD-R packet writing
24/06/2007 16:18:13 info Writing speed requested x16.0, effective x16.0
24/06/2007 16:18:12 info Available write speed: 16x, 12x, 8x, 6x
24/06/2007 16:18:12 info Media ID: SONY16D1
24/06/2007 16:18:12 info Media type: DVD-R
24/06/2007 16:18:12 info Ultra DMA mode 4 (ATA66)
24/06/2007 16:18:12 info Scanned files #7, folder #2 - total size 1496467456 b. (1.39 Gb.)
24/06/2007 16:18:12 info Inserted media type : DVD-R
24/06/2007 16:18:11 info Write started
24/06/2007 16:18:10 info --------------Encoding end--------------
24/06/2007 16:18:10 info Media name: "APRED"
24/06/2007 16:18:10 info Burned folder: "C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\APRED.TAR\"
24/06/2007 16:17:55 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
24/06/2007 16:17:53 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
24/06/2007 16:17:53 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
24/06/2007 16:17:53 info Total size in built folder 1427 Mb., Target size DVD5 4400 Mb., Occupation 32.44%
24/06/2007 16:17:53 info Conversion completed in 00:37:31
24/06/2007 16:17:44 info ------------Converting Menu--------------
24/06/2007 16:17:44 info Generated duration 6129.72 sec., expected 6130.29 sec.
24/06/2007 16:17:44 info 2 frames duplicated
24/06/2007 16:17:02 info Chapter #21 start at 99:59.877
24/06/2007 16:15:20 info Chapter #20 start at 95:0.077
24/06/2007 16:13:50 info Chapter #19 start at 89:59.777
24/06/2007 16:12:02 info Chapter #18 start at 84:59.844
24/06/2007 16:10:04 info Chapter #17 start at 80:0.045
24/06/2007 16:08:10 info Chapter #16 start at 74:59.745
24/06/2007 16:06:19 info Chapter #15 start at 69:59.695
24/06/2007 16:04:31 info Chapter #14 start at 64:59.896
24/06/2007 16:02:41 info Chapter #13 start at 59:59.979
24/06/2007 16:00:44 info Chapter #12 start at 54:59.679
24/06/2007 15:58:53 info Chapter #11 start at 49:59.629
24/06/2007 15:57:03 info Chapter #10 start at 44:59.947
24/06/2007 15:55:14 info Chapter #9 start at 39:59.897
24/06/2007 15:53:22 info Chapter #8 start at 34:59.730
24/06/2007 15:51:27 info Chapter #7 start at 29:59.931
24/06/2007 15:49:32 info Chapter #6 start at 24:59.998
24/06/2007 15:47:40 info Chapter #5 start at 19:59.698
24/06/2007 15:45:44 info Chapter #4 start at 15:0.032
24/06/2007 15:44:00 info Chapter #3 start at 9:59.849
24/06/2007 15:42:09 info Chapter #2 start at 4:59.932
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Stream #1 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Stream #0 Sync. delay : 83.42 ms
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Output Stream#1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, 5:1, 448 kb/s (Copy)
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Output Stream#0 - Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 720x480, q=2-31, 5441 kb/s
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Video Stream #0 Pulldown : 23.976 -> 29.97 Fps
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Image processing: Fast bilinear resampler (544*304)->(720*480)
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Image processing: Deinterleave (544*304)
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Video source original frame rate: 23.98
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Output resolution: FULL D1 [720*480]
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info NTSC 29.97 FPS output format set automatically
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Widescreen (16:9) set automatically
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Video bitrate 0/5441/8552 Kbps (min/avg/max)
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Converting "C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\Desktop\APRED.TAR.avi"
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info ----------------Title #1----------------
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Project size 4.3 Gb. (333 Mb. audio - 3.96 Gb. video)
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Stream #1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, 5:1, 448 kb/s
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Stream #0 - Video: h264, yuv420p, 544x304
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info 2 Stream(s) found - est. duration 01:42:10.291
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Opening file "C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\Desktop\APRED.TAR.avi"
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [X] Don't fix audio gaps
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [X] Engine Log
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Encoder quality: 50%
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info --------------Encoding begin--------------
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info --------------Menu settings end--------------
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [X] Sequential playback
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [ ] Loop playback
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [ ] Auto start playback
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [X] Menu
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info --------------Menu settings begin--------------
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info --------------Default burn settings end--------------
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Default speed selected: 16x
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [ ] Delete files after burn complete
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [X] Don't eject after burn complete
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [ ] Prefer SAO for DVD-R
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [ ] Include originals
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info [X] Burn result to DVD
24/06/2007 15:40:21 info --------------Default burn settings begin--------------
24/06/2007 15:39:53 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
24/06/2007 15:39:50 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
24/06/2007 15:39:50 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
24/06/2007 15:39:50 info Version 2.2.2.256
24/06/2007 15:39:50 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\VSO\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
24/06/2007 15:39:50 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
24/06/2007 15:39:50 info ******************** Report session started ********************

[CONVERSION 5]

04/06/2007 15:30:52 info ********** Report session closed ***********
04/06/2007 15:30:14 info Media removed. Burning layer not ready to write
04/06/2007 14:52:47 info Folder C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\OMC\ has been removed
04/06/2007 14:52:47 info Finalization Time 00:00:32 - Total completion time 00:26:04
04/06/2007 14:52:15 info Write finished in 00:25:32 - Finalization start here. Avg. burn rate 1.75
04/06/2007 14:27:20 info Lead-in burning time (mS) 37444
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Write started 1647776 sectors to write
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Init success: DVD-R packet writing
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Writing speed requested x6.0, effective x6.0
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Available write speed: 16x, 12x, 8x, 6x
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Media ID: SONY16D1
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Media type: DVD-R
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Unspecified Mode
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Scanned files #9, folder #2 - total size 3373543424 b. (3.14 Gb.)
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Inserted media type : DVD-R
04/06/2007 14:26:42 info Write started
04/06/2007 14:26:41 info --------------Encoding end--------------
04/06/2007 14:26:41 info Media name: "OMC"
04/06/2007 14:26:41 info Burned folder: "C:\Documents and Settings\Richard\My Documents\ConvertXtoDVD\OMC\"
04/06/2007 14:26:26 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
04/06/2007 14:26:24 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
04/06/2007 14:26:24 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
04/06/2007 14:26:24 info Total size in built folder 3217 Mb., Target size DVD5 4400 Mb., Occupation 73.12%
04/06/2007 14:26:24 info Conversion completed in 01:13:19
04/06/2007 14:26:14 info ------------Converting Menu--------------
04/06/2007 14:26:14 info Generated duration 6722.18 sec., expected 6722.72 sec.
04/06/2007 14:26:14 info Ext. Subtitle file C:\Program Files\BitLord\Downloads\OMC\OMC.srt has provided 1082 / 1082 entries
04/06/2007 14:25:36 info Chapter #23 start at 110:56.700
04/06/2007 14:21:54 info Chapter #22 start at 104:59.843
04/06/2007 14:18:38 info Chapter #21 start at 100:0.044
04/06/2007 14:15:11 info Chapter #20 start at 95:2.747
04/06/2007 14:11:57 info Chapter #19 start at 89:59.944
04/06/2007 14:08:47 info Chapter #18 start at 84:59.644
04/06/2007 14:05:40 info Chapter #17 start at 80:0.095
04/06/2007 14:02:30 info Chapter #16 start at 74:59.795
04/06/2007 13:59:14 info Chapter #15 start at 70:3.616
04/06/2007 13:55:56 info Chapter #14 start at 64:59.812
04/06/2007 13:52:45 info Chapter #13 start at 60:2.515
04/06/2007 13:49:29 info Chapter #12 start at 54:59.963
04/06/2007 13:46:08 info Chapter #11 start at 50:12.309
04/06/2007 13:42:43 info Chapter #10 start at 45:15.512
04/06/2007 13:39:21 info Chapter #9 start at 39:59.697
04/06/2007 13:36:18 info Chapter #8 start at 35:19.667
04/06/2007 13:32:36 info Chapter #7 start at 30:0.098
04/06/2007 13:29:09 info Chapter #6 start at 24:59.798
04/06/2007 13:26:08 info Chapter #5 start at 20:17.516
04/06/2007 13:22:47 info Chapter #4 start at 15:4.703
04/06/2007 13:19:39 info Chapter #3 start at 9:59.649
04/06/2007 13:16:24 info Chapter #2 start at 5:2.352
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Stream #2 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Stream #1 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Stream #0 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Output Stream#2 - subtitle ()
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Output Stream#1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 192 kb/s, no automatic gain control
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Output Stream#0 - Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 720x480, 1001/24000, q=1-31, 5195 kb/s
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Video Stream #0 Pulldown : 23.976 -> 29.97 Fps
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Padded source image : Left 0, Top 16, Right 0, Bottom 16
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info External Subtitles: Total 1082 entries built
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Ext. Subtitle file C:\Program Files\BitLord\Downloads\OMC\OMC.srt loaded - 1082 entries found
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Video source original frame rate: 23.98
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info NTSC 29.97 FPS output format set automatically
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Widescreen (16:9) set automatically
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Video bitrate 0/5195/8808 Kbps (min/avg/max)
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Converting "C:\Program Files\BitLord\Downloads\OMC\OMC.avi"
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info ----------------Title #1----------------
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Project size 4.3 Gb. (157 Mb. audio - 4.14 Gb. video)
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Stream #1 - Audio: mp3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 128 kb/s
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Stream #0 - Video: mpeg4, yuv420p, 640x336, 911/21845
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info 2 Stream(s) found - est. duration 01:52:02.723
04/06/2007 13:13:05 info Opening file "C:\Program Files\BitLord\Downloads\OMC\OMC.avi"
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [X] Don't fix audio gaps
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [ ] Engine Log
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info Encoder quality: 100%
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info --------------Encoding begin--------------
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info --------------Menu settings end--------------
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [X] Sequential playback
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [ ] Loop playback
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [ ] Auto start playback
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [X] Menu
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info --------------Menu settings begin--------------
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info --------------Default burn settings end--------------
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info Default speed selected: 6x
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [X] Delete files after burn complete
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [X] Don't eject after burn complete
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [ ] Prefer SAO for DVD-R
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [ ] Include originals
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info [X] Burn result to DVD
04/06/2007 13:13:04 info --------------Default burn settings begin--------------
04/06/2007 13:03:57 info New media inserted. Burning layer is ready to write
04/06/2007 13:02:43 info Newer version (2.2.1.253) is available on internet
04/06/2007 13:02:35 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
04/06/2007 13:02:35 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
04/06/2007 13:02:35 info Version 2.1.14.223
04/06/2007 13:02:35 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\vso\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
04/06/2007 13:02:35 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
04/06/2007 13:02:34 info ******************** Report session started ********************

I do (usually - unless doing a quickie I'm not needing in best quality) have ConvertXtoDVD set to HIGH QUALITY/SLOW ENCODING, NORMAL PRIORITY, DON'T FIX AUDIO GAPS (if there are any issues in my downloaded AVIs, I make a new AVI file after fixing it in 'AVIMUX_GUI'), AUTOMATIC TV & VIDEO.

I agree think 'de/muxing' is what I should learn since consistent A/V sync is very imortant in my burns and this is not apparently achievable with simpler software. However, those in the know please look at my logs for anything significant, and appreciate your feedback. And what about this slowing down of burn speeds?

Thanks again.

[guns1inger]

I would also not it let it delete the files or burn the files. At least then you can do some basic troubleshooting.

[mats.hogberg]

The following films were checked as perfectly in-sync AVI files,

How do you know that? If you're about to say you can play them back from start to end with a media player, that says nothing.
If you get a sudden sync problem in the middle of a conversion, I'm confident the AVI (or other source video) is somehow damaged at that spot. A player can handle bad spots with grace - an encoder needs each and every video/audio frame to be decodable and good. If not, it can just stop, or continue with what it got - and possibly introduce some sync issue.
IMO, what you want doesn't exist. Basically, you want something where you can pour any liquid in one end, and have 12 years Single Malt Whisky come out the other. It wont happen.

/Mats

[guns1inger]

something where you can pour any liquid in one end, and have 12 years Single Malt Whisky come out the other

Put me down for one of them

[foxbox]

How does one find out if the original AVI file is damaged - can you see anything in the above logs to suggest this? It does seem a strange coincidence that two different films I have burnt in a week (from totally different sources) suddenly go out of sync at around the same point when they have been converted. This has never happened before.

I'll try and check 'Fix Audio Gaps', encode again, and report the results - I do not expect wine (or whisky) from water, but water instead of mud would be nice

In the meantime, any thoughts about the low percentage of disc capacity I have mentioned above, or the severely reduced burning speeds problem?

Cheers.

[guns1inger]

low capacity is pretty simple - most of your source is rubbish. It is relatively low resolution, heavily compressed video. The first one listed appears to come from a VCD or SVCD, others are 544 pixels horizontal resolution. ConvertXtoDVD, like all one-click-wonders, does a single pass VBR encode. This isn't hugely accurate to begin with when working toward a target size. ConvertXtoDVD is also unique in that it also looks at the encoding from the source, and uses, if possible, some of the same data storage stats from the original compression. So it may well decide that it simply does not need to use the full bitrate available to it.

As I pointed out in my earlier posts, if you want control, you have to use the tools that provide that level of control. One-click-wonders do not.

Uncheck the boxes in the burn options so ConvertXtoDVD doesn't burn or delete the files. Run a conversion and play the results. If the problem is occurring on the HDD version at the same point consistently, suspect source is the most likely cause. You can try scanning the original for bad frames using virtualdub or similar, or doing a frame by frame playback where the problem occurs to see if there is breakup at all. Chances are, however, that if you do find a problem, you won't be able to fix it.

That's the problem with downloading avi files - it's a crap shoot - with crap usually being the operative word.

[mats.hogberg]

One way to see if an AVI is broken, is to run it thu Virtual Dub MP3 Freeze and have it report broken frames, even if the AVI can still be damaged, if it passes the bad frames test.
Another way to better your odds (as a general rule - not saying this is the case here) is to avoid DLing from variopus P2P networks. Also, make sure you have the latest greatest build of the source codec - like DivX and XviD. It's no unherad of, that an older codec (and in effect all applications trying to decode) chokes on a particular AVI that a recent version has no problem with. Of course, it could also be the other way around -
And again: All trouble (well, most) is avoided with a DivX/XviD capable DVD player. That would fit your "water in, water out" analogy - No conversion.

/Mats

[MysticE]

You might give Avi2Dvd a shot (free) and use HCenc (included) as the encoder. It's basically a front end for many of the free apps that are recommended here. I also routinely run all my AVIs through AVI-Mux GUI (even though it's included in Avi2Dvd) first, and also use it to combine multiple part AVi's. This seems to almost guarantee no conversion created sync issues. The end results are simply superb.

http://www.trustfm.net/divx/SoftwareAvi2Dvd.html

http://www.alexander-noe.com/video/amg/

As a side note the Avisynth scripts it creates are perfect, for some reason the AR is always a wee bit off when I try to use FitCD.

[foxbox]

One way to see if an AVI is broken, is to run it thu Virtual Dub MP3 Freeze and have it report broken frames, even if the AVI can still be damaged, if it passes the bad frames test.
Another way to better your odds (as a general rule - not saying this is the case here) is to avoid DLing from variopus P2P networks. Also, make sure you have the latest greatest build of the source codec - like DivX and XviD. It's no unherad of, that an older codec (and in effect all applications trying to decode) chokes on a particular AVI that a recent version has no problem with. Of course, it could also be the other way around -
And again: All trouble (well, most) is avoided with a DivX/XviD capable DVD player. That would fit your "water in, water out" analogy - No conversion

Are you saying do not download AVI files from various P2P networks, or to stick to the same one, or to expect problematic conversions with many AVI files if obtained this way?

I will update all codecs (last done several months ago), and I still want to convert my AVIs to DVD format at the moment.

The following two logs are from earlier today. They are both conversions of the same AVI file, difference being I selected 'fix audio discontinuities' for the second conversion. I have just checked the resulting VIDEO_TS folders, and can report that the first conversion (without 'fix audio discontinuities') went out of sync suddenly at around 20 minutes. The second conversion (with 'fix audio discontinuities') appears in sync throughout. I have not watched the whole film, but have checked points at start, middle and end and everything appears okay.

From this, should I assume that 'fix audio discontinuities' is the way to go, even though in its AVI format the file plays in sync on my computer? I sometimes use AVIMUXGUI to line up sound and vision in a whole new file for bad AVIs prior to converting with ConvertXtoDVD, though I know this is not to blame for my recent bad conversions.

Oh, and could it just be coincidence that some of my recent synching problems have come from apparently good AVIs generated from BIN/CUE files through Daemon Tools? Just a thought.

2 logs follow, please note the 'engine log' errors?

09/07/2007 22:02:35 info ********** Report session closed ***********
09/07/2007 22:02:18 info --------------Encoding end--------------
09/07/2007 20:14:44 info Total size in built folder 1784 Mb., Target size DVD5 4400 Mb., Occupation 40.56%
09/07/2007 20:14:44 info Conversion completed in 00:45:50
09/07/2007 20:14:37 info ------------Converting Menu--------------
09/07/2007 20:14:37 info Generated duration 7226.52 sec., expected 7225.28 sec.
09/07/2007 20:14:37 info 19 frames dropped
09/07/2007 20:14:37 info 56 frames duplicated
09/07/2007 20:14:27 info Chapter #25 start at 120:0.120
09/07/2007 20:12:31 info Chapter #24 start at 115:0.080
09/07/2007 20:10:26 info Chapter #23 start at 109:59.680
09/07/2007 20:08:26 info Chapter #22 start at 104:59.640
09/07/2007 20:06:28 info Chapter #21 start at 100:0.120
09/07/2007 20:04:40 info Chapter #20 start at 95:0.080
09/07/2007 20:02:50 info Chapter #19 start at 90:0.040
09/07/2007 20:01:07 info Chapter #18 start at 85:0.000
09/07/2007 19:59:20 info Chapter #17 start at 79:59.960
09/07/2007 19:57:35 info Chapter #16 start at 74:59.920
09/07/2007 19:55:42 info Chapter #15 start at 69:59.880
09/07/2007 19:53:49 info Chapter #14 start at 64:59.840
09/07/2007 19:51:55 info Chapter #13 start at 59:59.800
09/07/2007 19:50:05 info Stream #1 - Audio sync at 3305520.00 ms: 48.00 ms added
09/07/2007 19:50:05 info ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]concealing 348 DC, 348 AC, 348 MV errors
09/07/2007 19:50:05 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]Warning MVs not available
09/07/2007 19:50:05 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]skipped MB in I frame at 9 4
09/07/2007 19:50:05 info Stream #1 - Audio sync at 3305064.00 ms: 336.00 ms added
09/07/2007 19:50:02 info Chapter #12 start at 54:59.760
09/07/2007 19:48:02 info Chapter #11 start at 49:59.720
09/07/2007 19:46:06 info Chapter #10 start at 44:59.680
09/07/2007 19:44:09 info Chapter #9 start at 39:59.640
09/07/2007 19:42:07 info Chapter #8 start at 35:0.120
09/07/2007 19:40:11 info Chapter #7 start at 30:0.080
09/07/2007 19:38:09 info Chapter #6 start at 25:0.040
09/07/2007 19:36:11 info Chapter #5 start at 20:0.000
09/07/2007 19:34:20 info Chapter #4 start at 14:59.960
09/07/2007 19:32:27 info Chapter #3 start at 9:59.920
09/07/2007 19:31:32 info Stream #1 - Audio sync at 439176.00 ms: 48.00 ms added
09/07/2007 19:31:32 info Stream #1 - Audio sync at 437592.00 ms: 1488.00 ms added
09/07/2007 19:31:31 info ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]concealing 215 DC, 215 AC, 215 MV errors
09/07/2007 19:31:31 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]Warning MVs not available
09/07/2007 19:31:31 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]ac-tex damaged at 18 10
09/07/2007 19:30:43 info Chapter #2 start at 4:59.880
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Stream #1 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Stream #0 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Output Stream#1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 192 kb/s, no automatic gain control
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Output Stream#0 - Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 720x576, q=2-31, 4801 kb/s
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Video Stream #0 framerate : 25.00 Fps (source 25.00 Fps), no pulldown
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Image processing: Fast bilinear resampler (352*288)->(720*576)
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info No pulldown: Frame duplication/removal will be used.
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Video source original frame rate: 25.00
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Output resolution: FULL D1 [720*576]
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info PAL 25 FPS output format set automatically
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Fullscreen (4:3) set automatically
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Video bitrate 0/4801/8808 Kbps (min/avg/max)
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Converting "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info ----------------Title #1----------------
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Project size 4.3 Gb. (168 Mb. audio - 4.12 Gb. video)
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Stream #1 - Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, stereo, 112 kb/s
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Stream #0 - Video: mpeg1video, yuv420p, 352x288, 104857 kb/s
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info 2 Stream(s) found - est. duration 02:00:25.280
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Opening file "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [ ] Don't fix audio gaps
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [X] Engine Log
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Encoder quality: 50%
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info --------------Encoding begin--------------
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info --------------Menu settings end--------------
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [X] Sequential playback
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [ ] Loop playback
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [ ] Auto start playback
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [X] Menu
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info --------------Menu settings begin--------------
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info --------------Default burn settings end--------------
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Default speed selected: 6x
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [ ] Delete files after burn complete
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [X] Don't eject after burn complete
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [ ] Prefer SAO for DVD-R
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [ ] Include originals
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info [ ] Burn result to DVD
09/07/2007 19:28:53 info --------------Default burn settings begin--------------
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info Version 2.2.2.256
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\VSO\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
09/07/2007 19:26:45 info ******************** Report session started ********************


09/07/2007 19:26:46 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info Version 2.2.2.256
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\VSO\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
09/07/2007 19:26:46 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
09/07/2007 19:26:45 info ******************** Report session started ********************


09/07/2007 18:38:23 info ********** Report session closed ***********
09/07/2007 18:38:20 info --------------Encoding end--------------
09/07/2007 15:40:09 info Total size in built folder 1784 Mb., Target size DVD5 4400 Mb., Occupation 40.56%
09/07/2007 15:40:09 info Conversion completed in 00:42:59
09/07/2007 15:40:01 info ------------Converting Menu--------------
09/07/2007 15:40:01 info Generated duration 7226.52 sec., expected 7225.28 sec.
09/07/2007 15:40:01 info 19 frames dropped
09/07/2007 15:40:01 info 56 frames duplicated
09/07/2007 15:39:51 info Chapter #25 start at 120:0.120
09/07/2007 15:38:02 info Chapter #24 start at 115:0.080
09/07/2007 15:36:06 info Chapter #23 start at 109:59.680
09/07/2007 15:34:14 info Chapter #22 start at 104:59.640
09/07/2007 15:32:24 info Chapter #21 start at 100:0.120
09/07/2007 15:30:43 info Chapter #20 start at 95:0.080
09/07/2007 15:29:00 info Chapter #19 start at 90:0.040
09/07/2007 15:27:22 info Chapter #18 start at 85:0.000
09/07/2007 15:25:41 info Chapter #17 start at 79:59.960
09/07/2007 15:24:03 info Chapter #16 start at 74:59.920
09/07/2007 15:22:18 info Chapter #15 start at 69:59.880
09/07/2007 15:20:32 info Chapter #14 start at 64:59.840
09/07/2007 15:18:45 info Chapter #13 start at 59:59.800
09/07/2007 15:17:02 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]Warning MVs not available
09/07/2007 15:17:02 info ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]concealing 348 DC, 348 AC, 348 MV errors
09/07/2007 15:17:02 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]skipped MB in I frame at 9 4
09/07/2007 15:16:59 info Chapter #12 start at 54:59.760
09/07/2007 15:15:07 info Chapter #11 start at 49:59.720
09/07/2007 15:13:18 info Chapter #10 start at 44:59.680
09/07/2007 15:11:29 info Chapter #9 start at 39:59.640
09/07/2007 15:09:35 info Chapter #8 start at 35:0.120
09/07/2007 15:07:46 info Chapter #7 start at 30:0.080
09/07/2007 15:05:51 info Chapter #6 start at 25:0.040
09/07/2007 15:04:00 info Chapter #5 start at 20:0.000
09/07/2007 15:02:16 info Chapter #4 start at 14:59.960
09/07/2007 15:00:32 info Chapter #3 start at 9:59.920
09/07/2007 14:59:39 info ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]concealing 215 DC, 215 AC, 215 MV errors
09/07/2007 14:59:39 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]Warning MVs not available
09/07/2007 14:59:39 warning ENG:[mpeg1video @ 66C57000]ac-tex damaged at 18 10
09/07/2007 14:58:53 info Chapter #2 start at 4:59.880
09/07/2007 14:57:10 info Stream #1 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
09/07/2007 14:57:10 info Stream #0 Sync. delay : 0.00 ms
09/07/2007 14:57:10 info Output Stream#1 - Audio: ac3, 48000 Hz, stereo, 192 kb/s, no automatic gain control
09/07/2007 14:57:10 info Output Stream#0 - Video: mpeg2video, yuv420p, 720x576, q=2-31, 4801 kb/s
09/07/2007 14:57:10 info Video Stream #0 framerate : 25.00 Fps (source 25.00 Fps), no pulldown
09/07/2007 14:57:10 info Image processing: Fast bilinear resampler (352*288)->(720*576)
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info No pulldown: Frame duplication/removal will be used.
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Video source original frame rate: 25.00
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Output resolution: FULL D1 [720*576]
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info PAL 25 FPS output format set automatically
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Fullscreen (4:3) set automatically
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Video bitrate 0/4801/8808 Kbps (min/avg/max)
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Converting "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info ----------------Title #1----------------
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Project size 4.3 Gb. (168 Mb. audio - 4.12 Gb. video)
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Stream #1 - Audio: mp2, 48000 Hz, stereo, 112 kb/s
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Stream #0 - Video: mpeg1video, yuv420p, 352x288, 104857 kb/s
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info 2 Stream(s) found - est. duration 02:00:25.280
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Opening file "F:\MPEGAV\AVSEQ01.DAT"
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [X] Don't fix audio gaps
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [X] Engine Log
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Encoder quality: 50%
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info --------------Encoding begin--------------
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info --------------Menu settings end--------------
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [X] Sequential playback
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [ ] Loop playback
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [ ] Auto start playback
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [X] Menu
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info --------------Menu settings begin--------------
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info --------------Default burn settings end--------------
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Default speed selected: 6x
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info Compatible media types : DVD-R, DVD-RW Seq., DVD-RW RO, DVDRAM, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW, DL DVD+R, DL DVD-R
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info New Drive selected : 0:1:0 - SONY DVD RW DW-G120A MYS2 [E] (Ide)
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [ ] Delete files after burn complete
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [X] Don't eject after burn complete
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [ ] Prefer SAO for DVD-R
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [ ] Include originals
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info [ ] Burn result to DVD
09/07/2007 14:57:09 info --------------Default burn settings begin--------------
09/07/2007 14:56:40 info User default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
09/07/2007 14:56:40 info System default language : 2057 (0x0809h) - English (United Kingdom)
09/07/2007 14:56:40 info Version 2.2.2.256
09/07/2007 14:56:40 info ExeName : "C:\Program Files\VSO\ConvertXtoDVD\ConvertXtoDvd.exe"
09/07/2007 14:56:40 info OS : Microsoft Windows XP Personal Service Pack 2 (Build 2600)
09/07/2007 14:56:40 info ******************** Report session started ********************

[steveryan]

Why are you converting VCD to DVD? It's pointless, just use TDA and that will re-sample the audio to DVD spec.

[ricardouk]

D2mp, Favc, Avi2dvd or the recent arrival Avs2dvd are good choices.

[foxbox]

Thank you, I will try these.

Why are you converting VCD to DVD? It's pointless, just use TDA and that will re-sample the audio to DVD spec.

I'm converting AVI files to DVD, and at the moment want to use a reliable all-in-one converter without having to deal with audio and video seperately.

Evidently this means having to deal with things going wrong... but it is the recent frequency of this which is troubling me, when I rarely had problems with ConvertXtoDVD in the past.

[foxbox]

I have updated DIVX (6.6.1.4) and XVID codecs (1.1.3 final), which I believe are the most up to date.

Regarding the 'fix audio discontinuities' option:-

When I come by some AVI files, they are occasionally - due to their foreign and B-movie nature - out of A/V sync to varying degrees. This might not be the fault of the AVI creator, since the problem may lie in the source print.

As I have explained, I use AVIMUXGUI to put in a + or - delay, and save the modified file as a new AVI.

If my recent out-of-sync problems in VIDEO_TS are indeed caused by bad AVI files and not my software, and selecting 'fix audio discontinuities' in ConvertXtoDVD appears to stop the sync problems developing during conversion, then can I safely assume I should continue fixing the 'source' synching with AVIMUXGUI, and have ConvertXtoDVD then 'fix audio discontinuities' to ensure no further sync issues appear during the AVI conversion to DVD?

Knowledgeable people on this, thank you for taking the time to offer your guidance and opinions here - I will persevere with ConvertXtoDVD as long as I can but I really must stop these damned files going out of sync during conversion (so many AVIs to get off my PC and onto disc). The annoying part is, this seems to have only recently started happening.
My codec lists follow, though I though ConvertXtoDVD uses its 'own' codecs during processing?


VIDEO CODECS

cvid;Enabled;Cinepak® Codec;1.10.0.11;Radius Inc.;C:\WINDOWS\system32\iccvid.dll
divx;Enabled;DivX;6.6.1.4;DivX Inc.;C:\WINDOWS\system32\DivX.dll
i420;Enabled;Microsoft H.263 ICM Driver;5.1.2600.2180;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msh263.drv
iv31;Enabled;Intel Indeo R3.1;5.1.2600.2180;No company info;C:\WINDOWS\system32\ir32_32.dll
iv32;Enabled;Intel Indeo R3.2;5.1.2600.2180;No company info;C:\WINDOWS\system32\ir32_32.dll
iv41;Enabled;Intel Indeo® Video 4.5;4.51.16.03;Intel Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\ir41_32.ax
iv50;Enabled;Intel Indeo® video 5.10;R.5.10.15.2.55;Intel Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\ir50_32.dll
iyuv;Enabled;Intel Indeo(R) Video YUV Codec;5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_Microsoft Corporation;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\iyuv_32.dll
m261;Enabled;Microsoft H.261 ICM Driver;5.1.2600.2180;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msh261.drv
m263;Enabled;Microsoft H.263 ICM Driver;5.1.2600.2180;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msh263.drv
mrle;Enabled;Microsoft RLE Compressor;5.1.2600.2180 (xpsp_Microsoft Corporation;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msrle32.dll
msvc;Enabled;Microsoft Video 1 Compressor;5.1.2600.0 (xpclientMicrosoft Corporation;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msvidc32.dll
uyvy;Enabled;Microsoft UYVY Video Decompressor;5.3.2600.2180 (xpsp_Microsoft Corporation;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msyuv.dll
xvid;Enabled;XVID Mpeg-4;6.6.1.4;No information available;C:\WINDOWS\system32\xvidvfw.dll
yuy2;Enabled;Microsoft UYVY Video Decompressor;5.3.2600.2180 (xpsp_Microsoft Corporation;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msyuv.dll
yv12;Enabled;DivX;6.6.1.4;DivX Inc.;C:\WINDOWS\system32\DivX.dll
yvu9;Enabled;Toshiba Video Codec;5.1.2600.0 (XPClientMicrosoft Corporation;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\tsbyuv.dll
yvyu;Enabled;Microsoft UYVY Video Decompressor;5.3.2600.2180 (xpsp_Microsoft Corporation;Microsoft Corporation;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msyuv.dll

AUDIO CODECS

0x0001;Enabled;PCM;4.0 .0;Microsoft IMA ADPCM;
0x0002.msadpcm;Enabled;Microsoft ADPCM;4.0 .0;MS-ADPCM;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msadp32.acm
0x0006.msg711;Enabled;CCITT A-Law;4.0 .0;Microsoft CCITT G.711;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg711.acm
0x0007.msg711;Enabled;CCITT u-Law;4.0 .0;Microsoft CCITT G.711;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg711.acm
0x0011.imaadpcm;Enabled;IMA ADPCM;4.0 .0;Microsoft IMA ADPCM;C:\WINDOWS\system32\imaadp32.acm
0x0022.trspch;Enabled;DSP Group TrueSpeech(TM);1.0 .0;TrueSpeech(TM);C:\WINDOWS\system32\tssoft32.acm
0x0031.msgsm610;Enabled;GSM 6.10;4.0 .0;Microsoft GSM 6.10;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msgsm32.acm
0x0042.msg723;Enabled;Microsoft G.723.1;1.2 .1;Microsoft G.723.1;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msg723.acm
0x0055.clmp3enc;Enabled;MPEG Layer-3;1.9 .305;MPEG Layer-3 Codec ;C:\PROGRA~1\CYBERL~1\Power2Go\CLMP3Enc.ACM
0x0055.l3acm;Enabled;CyberLink MPEG 1 Layer-3;1.0 .0;MP3 Encoder;C:\WINDOWS\system32\l3codeca.acm
0x0130.sl_anet;Enabled;ACELP.net;3.2 .0;ACELP.net;C:\WINDOWS\system32\sl_anet.acm
0x0160.msaudio1;Enabled;Windows Media Audio V1;4.2 .0;WM-AUDIO;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msaud32.acm
0x0161.msaudio1;Enabled;Windows Media Audio V2;4.2 .0;WM-AUDIO;C:\WINDOWS\system32\msaud32.acm
0x028E.siren;Enabled;MSN Messenger Audio Codec;4.0 .0;MSN Messenger Audio Codec;C:\WINDOWS\system32\sirenacm.dll
0x0402.iac2;Enabled;IAC2;2.5 .53;Indeo® audio software;C:\WINDOWS\system32\iac25_32.ax

[lacywest]

When I use ConvertXtoDVD and it is a long video ... I use the DVD-9 setting ... 8.5 gigs .... and then shrink the video with DVD Rebuilder or DVD Shrink

[FulciLives]

A lot of MPEG-4 AVI files (DivX and XviD format) have VBR MP3 audio and that can cause A/V sync issues when you try to convert it to another format such as a standard DVD Video.

If you want to continue to use ConvertXtoDVD then I suggest the following:

1.) Demux the audio from the AVI file. The best way is to use GOLDWAVE. Load the AVI into GOLDWAVE and save it as a PCM WAV audio file.

2.) Mux (aka multiplex) the PCM WAV audio file with the AVI file while removing the VBR MP3 audio file. This can be done easily with VirtualDubMod in DIRECT STREAM mode. The process means you will have a "new" second copy of the AVI that has the original video with your new PCM WAV audio file.

3.) Feed the new AVI into ConvertXtoDVD and say goodbye to A/V sync issues.

Here is a post that covers how to do this in a more "automatic" way: CLICK HERE

Good Luck !!!

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Pinstripes23]

When I use ConvertXtoDVD and it is a long video ... I use the DVD-9 setting ... 8.5 gigs .... and then shrink the video with DVD Rebuilder or DVD Shrink

[FulciLives]

When I use ConvertXtoDVD and it is a long video ... I use the DVD-9 setting ... 8.5 gigs .... and then shrink the video with DVD Rebuilder or DVD Shrink

I thought the same thing ... why do that? It doesn't make a whole lot of sense! Just encode once ... not encode once then transcode.

In short you get better quality if you encode once to the target size than encode over the target size then reduce to the target size with a transcoder (ala DVD Shrink).

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Pinstripes23]

As I have explained, I use AVIMUXGUI to put in a + or - delay, and save the modified file as a new AVI.

The problem with this may be that yes it is in sync only within the avi container. But when you convert it to dvd files, the software may not account for this delay. I dunno how the "audio discontinuities" in convertx works. But from experience I have attempted to convert XviD to DVD only to find out the original source was sync'd using a delay in the middle of the file. So I had to manually sync it using audition.

[lacywest]

Im talking about some very long videos ... 2.5 HRS and longer and there rated ... XXX

I guess I could process one of my videos to DVD-5 with ConvertXtoDVD and then do it again to a DVD-9 and then use DVD Rebuilder with CCE ... 5 Passes and check out the results on my two HI - DEF TVs ... Sony 51" Projection [living room] and in my bedroom .... Panasonic 42" Plasma.

But ... I don't think I can show the results here ... even tho I'm sure some of you would like me too

[Pinstripes23]

So your process is avi --> DVD5 --> DVD9 --> DVD5

Each time you encode/transcode you lose quality. As Fulci says why not encode ONCE to the desired size to begin with. A simple 2-3pass straight encode to the target dvd5 size should produce better quality than your long winded process. And will be faster.

[lacywest]

So your process is avi --> DVD5 --> DVD9 --> DVD5

Each time you encode/transcode you lose quality. As Fulci says why not encode ONCE to the desired size to begin with.

So ... you and Fulci believe the encoder in the ConvertXtoDVD is good enuff if I let it process it to a DVD-5 and I wont see any difference ... hmmm.

I know what you're saying ... but I have a hard time believing ... until I actually try each one in comparision.

My main computer ... that is in my details took a dive about 10 days ago ... I just recently brought it back to life ... my 120 GB Seagate harddrive went belly up. I stuck a Western Digital 80 GB in it and reinstalled WinXP. It is running and not rebooting anymore ... but my sound card is not working ... at least I think it is my sound card ... I have no sound coming from the Green 1/8 output jack ... I tried plugging in some headphones too and no sound from them either.

Anyways ... this comparision idea ... I will do it ... but I need to get my PC up and running ... I can take the sound card out of my wife's PC and see what happens ... we both have the same sound card.

[Pinstripes23]

So ... you and Fulci believe the encoder in the ConvertXtoDVD is good enuff if I let it process it to a DVD-5 and I wont see any difference ... hmmm.

I know what you're saying ... but I have a hard time believing ... until I actually try each one in comparision.

.

Not necessarily convertx but unless the "user" totally screws up, you should get better quality encoding ONCE and that's it. Whether it's manually or a one click app that is able to multi pass. You've been a member since 2001 with over 1000 posts ......where have you been when this is discussed all the time??

[mats.hogberg]

Are you saying do not download AVI files from various P2P networks, or to stick to the same one, or to expect problematic conversions with many AVI files if obtained this way?

I'm saying:

do not download AVI files from various P2P networks

and

expect problematic conversions with many AVI files if obtained this way?

/Mats

[foxbox]

Gotcha - don't download, too many problems

Seriously, thanks for this Fulci, I've heard about the VBR issues before and will investigate further and give these programs a try in my quest to eliminate A/V errors.

The problem with this may be that yes it is in sync only within the avi container. But when you convert it to dvd files, the software may not account for this delay. I dunno how the "audio discontinuities" in convertx works. But from experience I have attempted to convert XviD to DVD only to find out the original source was sync'd using a delay in the middle of the file. So I had to manually sync it using audition

Good points, and I found that using YAAI to re-sync did not permanently 'change' the AVI file (only for immediate playback on a PC media player). AVIMUXGUI however saves a new file, and from my previous test-burns, the 'revised' synching seems to translate through to DVD. I know what you mean with previous synching being made in the source file though, and I also do not know just how the 'audio discontinuities' function operates, especially in relation to my A/V tampering further down the line.

Could anybody deconstruct the 'fix audio discontinuities' function and explain how it works, and how it may affect other 'fixing', or how other fixing may affect it?