virtualdub vs others

[dude112]

I've always used virualdub with the cccp codecs with ffdshow and avisynth to convert convert mkv's and whatnot to avi with xvid codec.
How does this program compare to others video converter?
I ask because I'm wondering if there's any difference between virtualdub quality and others like http://video-converter-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Hope to see your imput.

[Baldrick]

Stick to virtualdub or avidemux or xvid4psp. All those trialwares are basicly based on similar free tools like ffmpeg, mencoder, etc.

[dude112]

alright thx. I'll stick with Vdub.

[jagabo]

AviSynth + VirtualDub is unbeatable.

"Reviews" like the one you linked to are there to sell that company's products. They are not legit reviews.

[redwudz]

I might add that programs like VirtualDub are just the 'tools' to use the codecs. If you are encoding to Xvid or other codecs, it's the codecs themselves that are doing the work. It's also in the codec settings that you make your adjustments for quality, size, etc. It's the same with similar programs. But VD (And AVISynth) are great tools.

There are unfortunately a lot of not-so-good pay converter programs out there. And many use freeware programs that those pay programs are charging you for.

[jagabo]

I might add that programs like VirtualDub are just the 'tools' to use the codecs...

Well, if you're only reencoding that's the case. But if you doing any kind of filtering AviSynth, with its internal scripting abilities and all the available third party plugins, is the most powerful tool there is.

[sumeshkri]

but as far as the common man is concerned there is problem with the avisynth scripting. for every occasion /action you have to find out the scripts. where to find all these? when we consider the free programmes very rarely u find independent programmes. that is the main drawback.once u install one programme it notifies u to install this and that. for eg, i installed jubler , it demands some scripts to download.but there are some good free programmes also. IMGburn found to be independent and becomes my favorite dvd burning soft. vobmerge also helps me to join vobs. thanks to baldrick who recommends the free programmes.

[manono]

but as far as the common man is concerned there is problem with the avisynth scripting. for every occasion /action you have to find out the scripts. where to find all these?

If you're serious about a video encoding hobby it's in your best interests to learn AviSynth. To learn how to make scripts there are "helper" programs such as AVSEdit, and at AviSynth.org you'll find a wealth of information, including information about the built-in filters, the 3rd party filters, and sample scripts and functions for all kinds of situations and uses. All of the 3rd party filters also have docs included that usually explain how to use them. Although it takes practice to get good at it, and lots of study and experimentation, to think or say that the "common man" can't get it is just an excuse for laziness.

And since you're in India, and since Indian DVDs are the very worst in the world, then you, of all people, should make it your business to learn AviSynth as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. Many Indian DVDs can only be improved with the use of AviSynth scripts.

http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/avisynth_tutorial.cfm
http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/Main_Page
http://www.bwtorrents.com/forumdisplay.php?f=8

[sambat]

A sweeping generalization is that the problem with Avisynth is that the people who understand the scripts can't write coherent sentences explaining there function.
Go to a site that lists Avisynth examples and you will soon realize that unless you have an instinctual grasp of the subject, the examples are, at best, obtuse.
Some sites will give a minimal script, explain its operation then immediately jump to complex examples that are of no help.
The 'helper' programs only help if you already have a handle on the basics - it's getting the handle that eludes most people.
I've learned more from posts on this site - and that's because it the scripts are addressing real problems - than any other. (don't go to Doom9:you are expected to know the answer before having the temerity to ask).

[jagabo]

A sweeping generalization is that the problem with Avisynth is that the people who understand the scripts can't write coherent sentences explaining there function.

Or, more generally, programmers don't want to be bothered with things like documentation and bug fixes.

[gadgetguy]

A sweeping generalization is that the problem with Avisynth is that the people who understand the scripts can't write coherent sentences explaining there function.

Or, more generally, programmers don't want to be bothered with things like documentation and bug fixes.

In my experience it's not so much that programmers don't want to be bothered, it's that they just aren't any good at writing the documentation and take too much for granted.

To be fair, AviSynth is a tool that the developers assume a certain skill level to use. When I bought my VOM it was assumed I already knew what to use it for, so the instructions were basic, "cables plug in here, batteries go there" stuff. I learned what to use the tool for, from my instructors in school. All of the filters that I have used in AviSynth came with instructions on what each parameter is for, but I don't always understand what it means. The dictionary, reading forums like this one, and experimentation is how I learned the filters that I use. All of which takes time and effort, but if you really want to do this stuff, there are no shortcuts. The good news is that AviSynth is completely non-destructive. You can make all the mistakes in the world and you still haven't done any damage to the source material. So experiment, make mistakes, set the parameters to wild numbers and see what happens and have fun.

[redwudz]

One of my favorite AVISynth scripts to open Real Media files in VirtualDub Mod: DirectShowSource("C:\LOTR.RM", fps=29.97, convertfps=true) Substitute your own location and file name in place of 'C:\LOTR'. This also works with other file types that VDM can't open directly. For that script you also need a RM codec, but installing Real Alternative player will do that.

Just this simple script convinced me how handy AVISynth is.

[ecc]

A sweeping generalization is that the problem with Avisynth is that the people who understand the scripts can't write coherent sentences explaining there function.

Or, more generally, programmers don't want to be bothered with things like documentation and bug fixes.

Actually, I've found the documentation that goes with the Avisynth installation to be very informative. When there's something I truly do not understand and can't find an explanation for it elsewhere, I just ask here.

[sumeshkri]

A sweeping generalization is that the problem with Avisynth is that the people who understand the scripts can't write coherent sentences explaining there function.

Or, more generally, programmers don't want to be bothered with things like documentation and bug fixes.

i may devote some time for this. thanks and have nice day.