MKVmerge gui Subtitle Format utf-8 and audio compression?

[Minderbinder]

I record movies on TV, demux them (and cut out the commercials) through ProjectX - retaining the subtitles (utf-8), and then create mkv files through mkvmerge gui (most of the time). The problem comes when the audio is a 192 kbps file - the playback device I use makes the audio unpleasant - the sound kind of pulses instead of playing smoothly. I always select no compression on each track, but the end file always comes out smaller than the sum on the sizes of the original combined tracks. I do not know if the compression (?) is part of the problem or not, but I don't seem to be able to do anything to effect it.

It may be worth noting that if I take the exact same audio and video file and put them in a mpg (2) container, I can play it on the same playback device and everything sounds fine.

I think I would be happy to use Handbrake (if that's better). The audio seems to come out fine, however, the subtitles always come at as ASS, which my player doesn't seem to understand. I import the srt files into Handbrake, but I can't figure out a way to make them retain that format.

I'm sure there is much in this post that conveys my ignorance about video, but if anyone is willing to help, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Baldrick]

Please give more information.

What video and audio codecs? mpeg2 or h264? audio format?
What playback device?

Handbrake will reconvert the video so I wouldn't use it.

[Minderbinder]

I've attached the Media Info text from the audio and video files after demuxing with Projectx. I'm also attaching the Media Info text from the resulting mkv file created with Mkvmerge GUI v7.4.0 ("Circles") 64bit.

I access these files (stored on my Synology DS1513+ NAS) wirelessly from my Telstra T-box (It's a Netgem device that I believe it's based on the N8000). All the Mkvmerge 256 Kbps files (Media Info text attached) create *no* noticeable sound issues with the Tbox, but the 192 Kbps files have kind of a crackle in them about every 3 or 4 seconds. Also, the sound from the192 Kbps files plays just fine from VLC or WMP - so I understand part of it is an interoperability issue.

Thanks so much for your assistance.

[Selur]

Have you read https://github.com/mbunkus/mkvtoolnix/wiki/Improving-playback-compatibility-with-players ?
May be your player simply doesn't like one of the newer mkv container features.

[netmask56]

Would you post a MediaInfo file of a original file off the T-Box pre-demuxing? Always thought T-Box blocked downloads unlike the Beyonwiz and Topfield, Humax boxes...

The rest of the info posted looks 100%

You could try an earlier version of MKVMergeGui although since I think v6 it no longer uses header compression if that is causing a problem

[Minderbinder]

Actually, I don't record on the T-box, I just use it as a playback device. I record with a hard drive attached to a super cheap TEAC HDB850. Do you still want the Media Info file for the orig recording?

[Minderbinder]

May be your player simply doesn't like one of the newer mkv container features.

Thanks for the tip. I'm testing your theory now. This is possibly an ignorant question, but if my player doesn't like some of the newer features, shouldn't the sound problem appear in all the mkv files and not just the ones the have 192 Kbps audio? The 256 Kbps files play just fine.

[Minderbinder]

Not using SimpleBlock elements seems to have done the trick. This will make my life much simpler - should have asked you folks long ago! Thanks everyone, and specifically Selur!

[netmask56]

Actually, I don't record on the T-box, I just use it as a playback device. I record with a hard drive attached to a super cheap TEAC HDB850. Do you still want the Media Info file for the orig recording?

No not that you have solved the problem. I'm not familiar with Simpleblock ? Interesting to know the TEAC HDB850 doesn't encrypt most of the big name brands do. You should look at the new Beyonwiz T3 based on the Enigma design but it's getting pretty mature now with the latest firmware updates. Records 6 channels simultaneously with 3 built in tuners or 8 if you add the USB tuner (still a bit dodgy unless you have a really strong signal).

[Minderbinder]

You should look at the new Beyonwiz T3 based on the Enigma

Yeah, I remember your suggestion from when you helped me before, and I will keep it in mind for when I have some money to play with.

The TEAC thing I have is just a basic set top box - maybe 45 bucks. Only way to record through it is with *your own* hard drive. I would be a little skeptical of a set box company's right to encrypt files on a hard drive they didn't supply; but then again I'm not a lawyer.

Thanks for your input!