VirtualDob error message about variable bitrate *solved*

[Meriks]

When I open this AVI file with Xvid compression, I get this error message:

AVI: Variable bitrate (VBR) audio detected. VBR audio in AVI is non-standard and you may encounter sync errors up to 52456ms when attempting to extract WAV files or processing the audio in Direct Stream Copy mode. Full Processing mode is recommended to decompress or recompress the audio. (butrate: 147.6 ± 31.0 kbps)

VirtualDob is honest here! I really get sync issues when I modify the file and save it. So, how can I decompress and recompress the audio part using VirtualDob?

[Baldrick]

Use virtualdubmod instead and select no when it asks if you want to rewrite the header. Or try avidemux.

[Meriks]

Does selecting "NO" in virtualdubmod result in the VBR being fixed? Or does it merely stop the sync problem but leave the audio in "variable" bitrate format?

[Meriks]

Oh and also, as you may know, I want to fix a delay in the audio. I could do it by going to Audio > Interleaving in VirtualDub; I can't find a similar option in VirtualDubMod. How do I do this in VirtualDubMod?

[jagabo]

Does selecting "NO" in virtualdubmod result in the VBR being fixed? Or does it merely stop the sync problem but leave the audio in "variable" bitrate format?

Variable bitrate itself isn't a problem. I believe the problem has to do with some programs that handle VBR audio incorrectly. The author of VirtualDub appears unwilling to perpetuate the incorrect audio and insists on "fixing" it. But the fix causes sync problems. VirtualDubMod gives you the option of not fixing it so you don't get sync problems.

Oh and also, as you may know, I want to fix a delay in the audio. I could do it by going to Audio > Interleaving in VirtualDub; I can't find a similar option in VirtualDubMod. How do I do this in VirtualDubMod?

Go to Streams -> Stream List. Right click on the audio stream and you'll see the list of options that you get in VirtualDub when you select the audio menu.

[Meriks]

In Stream List, I only have one item:
Source : Input AVI file
Desc. : AVI audio stream 1 (.... MP3)
Length : ...

Oh and I really want to fix this VBR thing because the file really gets played weird in different players. How can I demux it and remux it with CBR format without loosing sync?

EDIT:

I figured how to fix the audio lag without changing to CBR. Nevertheless, I'm still eager to learn about VBR and CBR thing

[jagabo]

From the Streams List dialog right click on the audio stream (or in VirtualDub select the Audio menu) and select:

Full Processing Mode
Conversion (optional, if you need to change any audio parameters)
Compression (select encoder and CBR parameters)

When you save the AVI the audio will be saved as specified.

[Spideray]

The big problem with VBR audio is that most standalone DVD player/recorders with AVI support specifically Home Theatre DivX format require the audio to be at a CBR and the FOURCC of the video to be DX50 or DIVX to ensure no playback problems. Check out my Fixya tips here for conversion of AVI that will give you problems to those that won't.

http://www.fixya.com/support/r4096773-convert_ans_avi_mp3_vbr_cbr_virtualdub

If you play CBR audio AVI files on your PC you have many playback options usually a player that uses the libavcodecs like VLC Player, Mplayer and KMPlayer will play the file with no errors this can't be said for all players even the DivX player may suffer audio synch as VBR is not the standard as all will tell you even if the VBR audio is aligned with interleaves you may still have problems.

[[_chef_]]

In Stream List, I only have one item:
Source : Input AVI file
Desc. : AVI audio stream 1 (.... MP3)
Length : ...

Oh and I really want to fix this VBR thing because the file really gets played weird in different players. How can I demux it and remux it with CBR format without loosing sync?

EDIT:

I figured how to fix the audio lag without changing to CBR. Nevertheless, I'm still eager to learn about VBR and CBR thing

..you should already know or who has created that "avi" ?!

[sambat]

It's not an 'Error' message - it's a warning.
You can select 'Audio > Full Processing Mode > Compression > No Compression'
'File > Save WAV'
'Audio > Audio from other file' and reload the wav.