[Solved] How to watermark using Virtualdub Mod?

[pras92]

I have a avi file that i need to watermark(text) throughout the runtime.
Followed this guide https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/191496-Put-a-custom-watermark-on-your-video
The watermark is shown in the preview window, and the Output window pane on the main window, but it doesn't show in the output file.
Tried Avidemux, using the same pic created for the Virtualdub Mod tut. But Avidemux shows the black background.
I'm not used to doing avisynth scripts.
Any suggestions?

[hech54]

I have a avi file that i need to watermark(text) throughout the runtime.
Followed this guide https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/191496-Put-a-custom-watermark-on-your-video
The watermark is shown in the preview window, and the Output window pane on the main window, but it doesn't show in the output file.

What output compression did you set?

[pras92]

I tried High compression, but it projected a file size for which i couldn't afford to buy hard disk space.
Then used Direct stream copy.

[Selur]

Direct stream copy, will simply copy the video stream so it can't add/change anything.

[pras92]

But all the 3 methods other than DSC, Fast recompress, Normal recompress, Full processing mode gives the same huge output.
Isn't there a way to add text watermark to avi?

[poisondeathray]

But all the 3 methods other than DSC, Fast recompress, Normal recompress, Full processing mode gives the same huge output.
Isn't there a way to add text watermark to avi?

"huge output" is dependent on the bitrate

filesize = bitrate x running time


Using a lower bitrate will lower the filesize in direct proportion

[Selur]

Sure there is but if you select anything other than 'direct stream copy' you need to specify how Virtual Dub should recompress (Video->Compression) the content, the default setting is to save the new content uncompressed, which explains the huge output file size.

[pras92]

Using a lower bitrate will lower the filesize in direct proportion

Yeah, i'm aware of that. I was afraid that i'd lose a sizeable amount quality on reducing the bitrate.
Though i'd like to give a try now. Thanks for reminding about the bit rate thing.

*Edit: How can i change the bitrate in virtualdub mod? I can't find the options.

[Selur]

The target bitrate is a setting which should be part of the codec configuration of the codec which is used for recompression. (Video->Compression)

[pras92]

Sure there is but if you select anything other than 'direct stream copy' you need to specify how Virtual Dub should recompress (Video->Compression) the content, the default setting is to save the new content uncompressed, which explains the huge output file size.

I already tried ffdshow and wasn't satisfied with the output quality. Other codecs are new to me, so i hesitated trying them.
I believe there are filters for importing external codecs such as x264 and AVC into virtualdub mod. Gonna try find some.
Thanks for your help.

[pras92]

The target bitrate is a setting which should be part of the codec configuration of the codec which is used for recompression. (Video->Compression)

The option to change bitrate is available only for cinepack codec and Microsoft RLE codec. Why is that?

[Selur]

because these seem to be the only codecs you have that have a bitrate option, not all codecs do.
ffdshow normally allows to use multiple other codecs that do,... (assuming the vfw support for these encoders has been enabled in ffdshows configuration)

[pras92]

For now, i added xvid codec and it lets me change the bitrate. Now i can make the output (with the watermark, using Full processing mode) in reasonable size.
I'll try ffdshow (and that vfw thing) and other codecs for later use.
Thanks a lot for your help.