Encoding Codec

[Track]

I'm rendering time-lapses with VirtualDub using Lagarith and using Xvid4PSP to convert the time-lapse into a smaller file.

However, the codec that came with the program aren't very good. Sometimes they don't work entirely.


Where do I get better ones?


Thanks

[smrpix]

Never used Xvid4PSP, but perusing the version history the included codecs are good to excellent. Problem must be elsewhere. Perhaps you can provide more details about your files, settings, etc.

[manono]

Yeah, he's not making any sense and I do use XviD4PSP.

Track, can you be more specific? What codec are you using for the video, and what container? And at what settings? If you don't know please post the text file from MediaInfo. I do this all the time, using a Lagarith source for making MP4s for eventual upload to YouTube and XviD4PSP makes very nice looking videos.

[Track]

I either use VirtualDub or VideoMach to create an AVI file using Lagarith.

This AVI file cannot be read by: Handbrake, Xvid4PSP, Sony Vegas.

[DarrellS]

If you're already using Virtualdub, why would you use another program? Virtualdub can do everything you want to do. Either use the XviD encoder or the DivX encoder. The Lagarith encode is an un-needed step. Just encode to XviD.

[manono]

Although I open my Lagarith AVIs in XviD4PSP inside of an AviSynth script, I just tested with one I have by opening it directly. It worked fine. Is there audio included in yours? If so, what kind?

[Track]

If you're already using Virtualdub, why would you use another program? Virtualdub can do everything you want to do. Either use the XviD encoder or the DivX encoder. The Lagarith encode is an un-needed step. Just encode to XviD.

That's the second part of my problem.

Problem #1: I can't open Lagarith AVI files in anything besides VirtualDub.

Problem #2: None of the codec I have work. I've reset the settings but the encode either fails or I get something entirely opposite to what I wanted (CBR of 20 @ 3840x2560 final file size 3.8MB).

Although I open my Lagarith AVIs in XviD4PSP inside of an AviSynth script, I just tested with one I have by opening it directly. It worked fine. Is there audio included in yours? If so, what kind?

No, no audio.

Not sure how to continue from here. Maybe I should re-install all my programs..

EDIT: I downloaded the newest 64-bit version of VirtualDub and there are literally almost no codec available. I am assuming this is because I don't have any 64-bit encoding codec. So, where do I get them?

[manono]

I'd stick with everything 32 bit, if I were you. Don't know if that explains your problem or not, though.

[Track]

I'd stick with everything 32 bit, if I were you. Don't know if that explains your problem or not, though.

I downloaded the newest 32-bit version and tried to encode first using x264 then Xvid. Both of them just stalled.. nothing was happening, stuck at the first frame. Lagarith is the only codec that consistently works.

EDIT: I installed this:
https://www.videohelp.com/tools/Win7codecs

Now the Xvid and H264 codec are gone from the compression selection screen in VirtualDub.

I am getting desperate here..

[Hoser Rob]

Installing 3rd party codec packs may have been OK pre vista but microsoft specifically recommends not installing on a win7 system on their tech support section.

And it is apparently a common (but ill advised) method to try to make programs work properly. They can cause conflicts and in your case I think they have.

What other codec packs have you possibly installed? I'd suggest installing codec tweak tool and repointing everything back to directshow (ie. windows). Then uninstall all that crap. Then, if you must, just install vdub recommended codecs.

I ended up doing much the same thing in windows because I got sick of trying windows 7 media software and having them install 3rd party codecs that, in windows, take over the whole system without asking or informing you they're going to do it. Then I stuck to programs that don't need external codec packs.

[smrpix]

CBR of 20 @ 3840x2560 final file size 3.8MB

Very unusual. Sort of 4K -- but not really. Constant Bit Rate of 20? Is that really what you mean?

[Track]

So, you're saying that there is some sort of conflict between the codec and that is what is causing them to not work?

I have found a decent method to fix my problem. The newest version of Handbrake supports the Lagarith AVI file VirtualDub creates, so I've been able to convert it to a smaller file.


I still have had no luck using the H.264/Xvid codec.

[smrpix]

CBR 20 is impossibly low for an image of 3840x2560 (or even a proper 3840x2160 for that matter) try CRF 20 in x.264 out of virtual dub. No problem creating that here -- but of course the file is much larger than 4mb.

How are you planning to watch this? Do you have a 4k tv?

edit: No problem opening in Vegas or handbrake either -- but playback is predictably sluggish.