Encoding H.264 using VirtualDub, only using 1 core instead of 4?

[tigerb]

1st time encoding using H.264 with VirtualDub , during the 1st try...VirtualDub just crashed, went into X264VFW configue and saw there is a tick box for VirtualDub HAck (don't know what's that for) but selected anyway....2nd try (now), it's encoding but kinda slow down everything on my PC e.g. FireFox is opening slow, Windows is opening folder slower etc....from the task bar, is my H.264 encoding using only 1 core instead of 4 cores? (Q6600/4GB ram), or this is normal for encoding in H.264 with VirtualDub?

Thanks.

[poisondeathray]

My understanding is that the Vdub hack is to "force" h264 video into the .avi container and allow b-frames to function

It works most of the time, but you should really consider using something else like .mp4 or .mkv as the container which are properly supported (vdub can't output .mp4 or .mkv, avidemux can)

It is easier to lower the process priority (in the processes tab in task manager, find virtualdub and right click it => set priority low)

But if you want to limit to 1 thread, the 3rd tab:; or adjust it to 6 if you want the fastest. #CPU cores x 1.5 is the optimal performance formula for x264. I think threads=0 is "auto", which defaults to 1.5 x #cores

[tigerb]

Woot, thanks poisondeathray!

Didn't see the 3rd tab, now I will select 4 instead of the default 1 8)

It works most of the time, but you should really consider using something else like .mp4 or .mkv as the container which are properly supported

I'm lost, how to use .mp4/.mkv and what's container? don't laugh...newbie here

[poisondeathray]

I'm lost, how to use .mp4/.mkv and what's container? don't laugh...newbie here

No worries, don't be afraid to ask we are all trying to learn stuff here...

Basically, there are different wrappers or containers that can hold different audio & video formats. Think of it as a box that holds video and audio. Each type of container has different specifications and has it's own pros/cons for different situations. Some are compatible with some software/players or audio/video codecs and some are not.

.mp4 and .mkv are examples different types of containers, as are .avi and .mov, and there are several others like .ts, .m2ts, etc....

vdub cannot export .mp4 or .mkv, but it can import the audio & video indirectly if you frameserve with avisynth, or use the directshow plugin.

avidemux can import and export both these containers

[tigerb]

That's very nice of you poisondeathray 8)

OK, more reading into Avisynth.....but...Avisynth is for programmers right? it's not like Avidemux/VirtualDub..there is no Gui in Avisynth?

I have Avidemux....will try that out!

Best regards.

[poisondeathray]

Yes avisynth consists of scripting and very powerful, I'm learning new stuff and functions every week and still haven't even scratched the surface .

But learning curve is steep, but I highly recommend learning at least basic concepts because just about everything in video uses it in some form or another. Many of the gui's use avisynth in part of the back end operations.

http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/Main_Page

[tigerb]

Yes avisynth consists of scripting and very powerful, I'm learning new stuff and functions every week and still haven't even scratched the surface .

But learning curve is steep, but I highly recommend learning at least basic concepts because just about everything in video uses it in some form or another. Many of the gui's use avisynth in part of the back end operations.

http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/Main_Page

Thanks for the link, perfect for newbie like myself :P

Much appreciated!