Output Color Problem

[apparition]

I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out why the output color of anything that I encode comes out lighter than the source? I've searched the forums and couldn't find anything on this.

It doesn't seem to matter what I'm converting from,whether the source is DVD,MKV,Etc. I'm converting to Xvid via AVS script and Virtual Dub Mod. It seems that in V Dub Mod even before I select a compression method it is already faded. I have the encode and decode settings both set to 24 bit true color. I've tried a bunch of different settings and I'm completely lost at this point. I'm not sure if it's something in V Dub or in FFD show. If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it.

[poisondeathray]

How are you watching/determining this? Are you saying in the vdub preview pane or a media player?

Only 1 video application at once can make use of the graphics card overlay or a certain renderer. So if you have them open side by side, close one media player. e.g. watch the source in a media player. Close it. Then watch the encoded video in a media player and compare

[manono]

Are your sources hi-def and you're converting to standard-def? Or vice-versa? You're using Fast Recompress in VDubMod, aren't you? Post your script.

But poisondeathray is probably correct that it's an overlay problem if you're comparing before and after at the same time.

[apparition]

I haven't been trying to compare them side by side in the media player at the same time. It just always seems a little off. However after what you have told me,I notice that when I swap the input and output frames in V Dub that it doesn't look faded anymore. I'm gonna encode something now and I'll take screen shots of them and compare side by side that way.

Some of my encodes are from Hi-def x264 to Xvid just for compatability and others are DVD to Xvid. I never use the Fast Recompress,I always use Full Processing.

I use a fairly simple script. Here is the one I'll be using on this one.

DGDecode_mpeg2source("C:\Working Folder\BehindEnemyLines\TS.d2v", cpu=4, info=3)
ColorMatrix(hints=true, threads=1)
#deinterlace
crop( 0, 64, 0, -62)

LanczosResize(704,288) # Lanczos (Sharp)
#denoise

[manono]

Where do these scripts come from, MeGUI?

Unless going Hi-Def<->Standard Def, you don't need the ColorMatrix filter. Is the source really so bad that it needs deblocking? If not, don't use a CPU setting.

And always use Fast Recompress whenever possible, like when feeding the encoder an AviSynth script with all filtering taking place in the script. It's possible, I suppose, that any perceived color differences are because of the colorspace conversions taking place when using Full Processing. That's more jagabo's specialty than mine, though.

[apparition]

yea Im using MeGUI. I will try not using the cpu setting as most sources I use don't need deblocking. I don't use many filters,however I do use a sharpening filter. That's the reason I have been using Full Processing. I'm pretty new to using scripts and I don't know how to use the sharpening filter via script yet. I guess the main time I do notice the color issue is with the x264 to Xvid conversions,however I never use the ColorMatrix filter with those. Should I?

[manono]

I guess the main time I do notice the color issue is with the x264 to Xvid conversions,however I never use the ColorMatrix filter with those. Should I?

As I said before, if going from Hi-Def to Standard-Def (?) then yes, you have to do a colorimetry conversion, using either the ColorMatrix filter, or perhaps the BT709ToBT601 filter. If you don't account for the colorimetry change, the colors after the encode will be different from those of the source. If using ColorMatrix:

ColorMatrix(mode="Rec.709->Rec.601",Clamp=0)

And if it's interlaced you add in that parameter as well.

I don't use many filters,however I do use a sharpening filter. That's the reason I have been using Full Processing.

AviSynth has the built in and easy to use Sharpen filter:

http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/Sharpen

However, many people (jncluding me) prefer one of the sharpening functions:

http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/External_filters#Sharpeners

I use LimitedSharpenFaster quite a bit:

http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/LimitedSharpen

But I might question whether or not a Hi-Def source being downscaled even needs any sharpening.

[apparition]

Thank You so much for your help. I just did another encode without using any filters in VDubMod and using the Fast Recompress instead of Full Processing. There was a huge difference in the final output colors. Doesn't appear washed out and faded anymore. Also I agree that the Hi-Def being downscaled doesn't need any sharpening. Use that more with DVDs and other stuff.

Now my question to you,if you don't mind helping me a little further. It would be greatly appreciated and thank you for your help thus far. I would like to try the LimitedSharpenFilter you have suggested. I have downloaded all the required filters. But as I said before I am kinda new to this. So I'm not sure where to place the filters. I'm assuming in the AviSynth plugin folder. But do I just place just the dll files or every file. Some have multiple folders also which has confused me a tad.

[poisondeathray]

Put limitedsharpenfaster.avs in the avisynth/plugins folder

If you want it autoloading, just rename it .avsi (instead of .avs), otherwise you have to specify LoadPlugin(".../limitedsharpen.avs")

To load it in your script
WhateverSource()
LimitedSharpenFaster()

Make sure you read the instructions for the variables and settings, you can change the strength settings for example.

[apparition]

Thank You. What about the required filters,where do I put them?

[poisondeathray]

You need the .dll's to be in the avisynth/plugins directory to autoload, otherwise you have to load each them manually in the script. If you have them autoloading, you can omit the 1st line:

LoadPlugin("PATH/whateverplugin.dll")
WhateverSource()
LimitedSharpenFaster()

[Gavino]

Put limitedsharpenfaster.avs in the avisynth/plugins folder

If you want it autoloading, just rename it .avsi (instead of .avs), otherwise you have to specify LoadPlugin(".../limitedsharpen.avs")

Whoops, I think you mean Import, not LoadPlugin here.

[poisondeathray]

Put limitedsharpenfaster.avs in the avisynth/plugins folder

If you want it autoloading, just rename it .avsi (instead of .avs), otherwise you have to specify LoadPlugin(".../limitedsharpen.avs")

Whoops, I think you mean Import, not LoadPlugin here.

Nice catch, I can't screw up with you around Gavino!

Cheers

[apparition]

Thank You all for your help. My color issue is fixed and I have the filters working.