Converting MKV to XViD for car players

[Tobbev]

Hi

I have been struggling a bit to convert mkv files to XViD for my built in rear seat entertainment system. Converting them to DVD works great, but I'd like to minimize the number if discs I have in the car.

The system I have is from Myron & Davies, http://www.media.volvocars.com/media/images/low/38630_1_5.aspx and the specs are as below:

Compatibility formats:
MP3 playback (ID3 TAG)
AVI or MPEG-4 format with DivX / Xvid support (DivX 3.11, DivX4, DivX5 GMC)
AC3 and MP3 audio in DivX video both CBR and VBR ADPCM audio, PCM audio, OGG vorbis audio, WMA Subtitles files must be in "SMI" type

I have tried to convert according to the above several times (XViD), but even though the filenames comes up on the screen, nothing happens when I select one of the files.

Can anyone give me some input on what software I shall use, and maybe even the settings to create a working file with the above information? I guess I'm doing something wrong when selecting the codec, but I'm honestly not sure.

Thanks
Tobbe

[Baldrick]

Be sure that you don't use HD frame size/resolutions. Anything above 720x576 pixels may cause problems.

I would use free converters like xmedia recode, video to video converter. Under the video and audio codec choose xvid and mp3. And under video size keep it under 720x576.

If they all fail maybe try the official divx converter (included in divx plus).

[Tobbev]

Hi

Thanks for the input. I'm trying the official divx converter now (havent tried that before, one of the few I haven't tried). Will know the outcome in a few hours.

Tobbe

[Tobbev]

Just finished converting.

The result was a FS video (seems to be a bug according to the forum at divx). Converting again by manually entering the correct resolution.

Tobbe

[Tobbev]

Just tried the second conversion. The file plays fine on my computer (.divx extension), but same result as before in the car. It shows up in the file list on the unit, but when I press play it just does not play, nothing happens. Sigh...

Tobbe

[jman98]

Don't use Divx Converter. Use Xvid4PSP.

Divx Converter was designed for idiots to use. I'm NOT calling you an idiot for using it. Not at all. But the program was designed to be simplistic to a fault and it completely lacks options that users can set except for the type of output it produces (ie. Home Theater). However, your real problem is that your files end in .divx. Rename them to end in .avi and your player will probably play them without any issues. I still believe that Xvid4PSP is better because you have more control over the final output and can set various options like bit rate.

[Tobbev]

Hi Jman

Ok, will tri xvid4psp right away.

Thanks!

Tobbe

[dfisher052]

You might also want to try Format Factory. You can custom output. I've used it to convert MKV to DIVX & XVID (prefer) with excellent results.

[Baldrick]

Try also the avi hardware preset/format in xvid4psp 5.XX. It should be best for portable players.

Or it might be something wrong with your car player.

[Tobbev]

Converted with xvid4psp using the hardware preset, and it still does not work. Tried it in both players (I have one in each headrest). I'm close to giving up

I'll contact Volvo and see if they can provide a file that they know should work.

Tobbe

[jman98]

Install MediaInfo and use it to get the information about one of your files that won't play and post it here. We can see if anything looks weird in your AVI files that might be a playback problem. But we need more details about what exactly the player can play. It may have very strange requirements.

[Tobbev]

Hi

Here is the mediainfo output from the file I did with xvid4psp

General
Complete name : E:\test.avi
Format : AVI
Format/Info : Audio Video Interleave
File size : 1.07 GiB
Duration : 1h 34mn
Overall bit rate : 1 629 Kbps
Writing application : VirtualDubMod 1.5.10.3 | www.virtualdub-fr.org || (build 2550/release)
Writing library : VirtualDubMod build 2550/release

Video
ID : 0
Format : MPEG-4 Visual
Format profile : Simple@L1
Format settings, BVOP : No
Format settings, QPel : No
Format settings, GMC : No warppoints
Format settings, Matrix : Default (H.263)
Codec ID : DIVX
Codec ID/Info : Project Mayo
Codec ID/Hint : DivX 4
Duration : 1h 34mn
Bit rate : 1 492 Kbps
Width : 640 pixels
Height : 272 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 2.35:1
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Compression mode : Lossy
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.357
Stream size : 1 005 MiB (92%)
Writing library : Lavc53.33.0

Audio
ID : 1
Format : MPEG Audio
Format version : Version 1
Format profile : Layer 3
Codec ID : 55
Codec ID/Hint : MP3
Duration : 1h 34mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 128 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 86.2 MiB (8%)
Alignment : Aligned on interleaves
Interleave, duration : 42 ms (1.00 video frame)
Interleave, preload duration : 504 ms
Writing library : LAME3.99r
Encoding settings : -m s -V 4 -q 2 -lowpass 17 -b 128


As you say, the problem probably boils down to what the players actually are certified to be able to play. I called Volvo and they said to grab files from divx's website and try those. I grabbed 2 trailers (mp4) and after burning those the units just rejected the disc....

Tobbe

[jman98]

Nothing looks weird in your file. You'll have to find someone who's familiar with it and see what they really play. By the way, what kind of disc are you burning to? Type and manufacturer both please. It could even be as simple as the disc you are using. For example, RW media might not be supported or AVI files can only be on DVD single layer discs and you used CD-R, etc.

[Tobbev]

hi

The discs I have been using for this are the same DVD-R's as I have used when I have converted files to DVD, and they work fine in the player when used for DVD. I have also tried to put my xvid and divx conversions on CD-R , but that doesn't work either.

I don't know the exact brands though (its freezing outside) but I will check tomorrow.

I have sent an e-mail to the manufacturer of the units as well, I hope they can clear things up.

Tobbe

[dfisher052]

There is a very remote possibility that your car player will play XVID's but not DIVX. I found that with a Bluray player that I just bought. I think it has something to do with licensing. Just a thought.

[jman98]

dfisher052 has an excellent suggestion. Use the AVI FourCC Code Changer program to change the FourCC code to Xvid and see if that fixes the problem.

[Tobbev]

I'm not sure on how to use it.

When I load a file, DIVX pops up in both boxes, but I can not select XVID in any of them.

Any suggestion?

[Baldrick]

You can type Xvid manually.

[Tobbev]

Just tried it. Changed the FourCC to Xvid, but the result was the same. I'm giving up right now. I'll await an answer from the manufacturer of the unit and/or Volvo before wasting more DVD-R's.

Thanks for all the input so far!

Tobbe

[Tobbev]

Update!

After a lot of digging and a lot of great help from Volvo, it turns out that the firmware in my players was bad.

After getting new firmware installed, all works great.

Tobbe