DivX and encoding for Standalone DVD Players

[Sandbar]

Hi there!

I have a Panasonic DVD/HDD Recorder which is able to play DivX files.
Reading the manual it can play DivX versions 3.x, 4.x and 5.x.

However, the current version of DivX is apparently now at 6.

After some searching, I still haven't been able to determine if you can do a firmware upgrade on this DVD recorder.
Or even how to do it even if you could. There's nothing in the manual or on the panasonic website.

So, does this mean if I wanted to encode video for DivX playback, I need to target an earlier version of DivX? Is this even possible? You probably are only able to encode to the latest version, right? Or is DivX generally playable on all standalone dvd players from version to version?

Thanks for any ideas on this.

Cheers,
Sandbar.

[PuzZLeR]

Probably an older player.

Try and change the FourCC code in the .avi file. You don't have to re-encode, just change the "flag" that is part of the overall container. Then maybe your player may "recognize" it.

Try changing it to DIV3, DIV4 or DIV5 until one works.

There are several tools available, such as this one.

I personally don't have a player like this so I'm hoping it's just an indicator, not the actual video stream itself. Worth trying though, hope it helps.

[jman98]

Divx 6 video is backwards compatible with previous versions. If your DVD player support version 5.x, it will play 6.x encoded video. No firmware upgrade should be required.

As a general rule, whatever you are using to encode should have some sort of profile for DVD playback. Use it. If you can't find such a profile, I suggest the following:
Do NOT use GMC and QPel at all.
Do NOT use VBR MP3 audio. CBR MP3 audio is OK.
Keep the resolution to 720x576 or less.
Keep the encoded file size under 2 GB.
If you use AC3 or DTS audio, you may need to reduce the video bit rate to 1400 Kbps or less for smooth playback.

[jman98]

One more thing - do NOT use packed bit stream either.

[guns1inger]

All of mine play packed bitstreams without any problems (Pioneer/LG) and VBR MP3. GMC and qpel vary between the players.

Safest bet is to use AutoGK or AVI Recomp, as these will force encoding to the most compliant settings.

[PuzZLeR]

At the DivX forums themselves there is lots of misconception that a "DivX Certified" player will play anything DivX. You have to stick with the profiles to guarantee compatibility if you are going to re-encode.

And that's why DivX Certification doesn't guarantee Xvid even though it's the "almost same thing". Because DivX has no control over its profiles.

But when you think about it, it makes sense. Even MPEG-2, and even at SD rez, won't play in DvD players unless it falls within a certain measure of specs.