DVDIt can't read my MPEG-2 files from TMPGEnc or Lycos

[NinaJane]

I have just purchased a new Pinoeer DVR-104 and installed DVDIt. I'm trying to create my first DVD.

When I try to import MPEG-2 files created by TMPGEnc, I get an error message from DVDIt which says:

DVDIt! could not find a suitable decoder for <filename.> Please ensure that you have a valid encoder installed.

When I try to import MPEG-2 files created by Lycos, the error message reads:

DVDIt! cannot use this file. It has missing sequence headers before each GOP. Please consult the manual of your MPEG encoder for further information on creating DVD-legal MPEG files.

The MPEG-2 file from TMPGEnc was created using the Wizard settings for DVD (NTSC) and AVISynth as a frame-server. The MPEG-2 file from Lycos was created using the Premiere 6.0 plug-in. Both files play perfectly on the Elecard MPEG-2 player.

Has anyone else had this problem? And what can I do?

Thanks in advance,

Nina

[NinaJane]

This is from Nina again: That should read Ligos (not Lycos). Sorry.

[crjackson]

I'm having the same problem. When I try to add a mpeg2 movie created from Pinnacle Studio 7, I get the same error.

I installed Sonic MyDVD and it works okay, but the program sucks. It's not flexible at adding buttons, backgrounds and such.

If you figure out how to make DVDit! work, let me know. I did a clean install of WinXP and all (8gigs) of my software trying to get this working.

Later

[SephirothEX]

I havent tried it on my MPEG 2 files yet, but in the Tools section of this website there is a sequance header program that works pretty well on MPEG 1 files. The problem from my limited knowledge is that there must be a header in front of all of the GOPs I believe for the skip feature to work or sumthing like that. I have the same problems with DVDIt which is odd considering I made a DVD soon after getting my new PC and I did not get this error with that file even tho with all my subsequent files I have done the same thing. I used TMPEG and had no problems the first time, but I believe in TMPEG you can had the sequence headers. Ok now Im babbling...

[crjackson]

Yes, it worked ONCE for me too (and Only ONCE). I just tried DVD Fusion and couldn't understand it, or get it to do anything at all. I promptly removed it and cleaned up the registry.

This really sucks. MyDVD works, but DAMN the lack of menu creations.

I'm going to try Ulead DVD, and ReelDVD first chance I get. I may turn to Pennicle again and try more of there wares...

[God_666]

Possible Solution:

Hi, I have exactly the same problem at the moment. Running XP, Pioneer AO4 burner, with mpeg files captured in Studio 7 Deluxe from VHS tape. Get the message of header GOP problem as you described when using DVDit. Having persevered for about four hours with TMPGenc trying every different combination of settings for the I,B,P frames it still would not work. For some reason, the header box is greyed out and cannot be changed. I tried to make a mpeg2 format encode in TMPGenc but it told me my evaluation period had expired. Was going to spend the $48US for the unlock key and then remembered that the A04 drive shipped with a drivers disk (incidentally for the A03) that contained a program by Sonic called MyDVD, absolutely identical to DVDit in look, feel and functionality. Now, with the same mpeg files that had failed previously etc, it works fine in creating the DVD. I have no idea what is different, but it works. Can anyone explain this to me other than DVDit is vapourware!

[dmonty]

Ninajane,
I'm assuming that you are using the version of DVDit that was bundled with your drive. I have used DVDit for about six months now and here is what I recommend...

Use the CD as a target in a skeet shooting competition, make it into a coaster, play Frisbee with it, skip it across the nearest lake, sharpen the edges and make it into a Ninja throwing star, dip it in gold and let Mr. T wear it as a medallion, lock it in a time capsule so that when its discovered in 200 years maybe THEN we will be advanced enough to get the piece of garbage to work.

Sonic (the makers of this crap) want you to use their (crappy) MPEG2 encoder in the creation of DVDs. They will not support you if you use a 3rd party encoder to create MPEG2 files. On their website they state that any MPEG2 file you attempt to import has to be DVD compliant. Meaning the MPEG2 file needs to have sequence headers (see bottom) inserted before each GOP (see bottom). This is a load of crap. If these files are not compliant then why am I able to successfully import MPEG files into SpuceUp and Ulead DVD Workshop.

Try the following:

1) Upgrade to any version of MyDVD. This watered down piece of crap is based on the DVDit engine and does not suffer from the dreaded "could not find a suitable decoder for <filename>" error. Don't ask me why their 'cheap' dvd software supports this and their flagship DVDit LE/SE/PE versions do not.
2) Visit the forums (http://forums.sonic.com). If you complain to the right people they might send you a decoder that can be plugged in to DVDit that corrects this decoder issue. But they seem to be reluctant to do this freely as they make you try a billion pointless things in an attempt to fix the issue.
3) Check your ligos settings for GOP. Set min to 1 and max to 18.
4) Create an AVI file instead of an MPEG2 file.
4) Give up on DVDit. Find a copy of SpruceUp.

Sequence Headers are sort of "Information Way points". It provides information about the timing of the MPEG, aspect ratio, GOP info, frame size, and serves as markers for random entry points (Chapters).

GOP stands for Groups of Pictures. A GOP is composed of a sequence of pictures (frames). Basically this is used to control the playback sequence of all pictures within a frame.

[lattedfw]

NinaJane,

I occasionally get the error:

"DVDIt! could not find a suitable decoder for <filename.> Please ensure that you have a valid encoder installed" (TMPGenc-encoded files)

I have found that opening the MPG file in Windows Media player, playing it for a second or two, then pausing but not stopping or exiting causes DVDit to recognize the file.

I sometimes have to save the project, exit and relaunch DVDit. I believe it has something to do with DVDit not finding the right decoder, but with the file 'playing' under Media Player, it finds it. It may have to do with the priority of the codec (specified control panel codec properties).

[dmonty]

I have found that opening the MPG file in Windows Media player, playing it for a second or two, then pausing but not stopping or exiting causes DVDit to recognize the file.

I have tried this too. This is a hit or miss workaround as it does not work for every one. I did not try changing the priority of the codec so I can't comment on it.

[rval73]

What version of DVDit are you all using?
DVDit PE 2.5 works great for me.
All my dvds are done with it. And it's the only program I've found that lets you conpress the audio to Dolby Digital allowing me to fit a little more video on my dvd.

[SephirothEX]

Referring to God666 the reason everything is locked is most likely you have a template, u have to use the unlock template in the extras folder of TMPEG and you SHOULD be able to change the settings. Let me know if this works.

[God_666]

Thanks for the info, but I am having difficulty in locating the 'extras' folder you are referring to. Any hints?

[Bud]

In TMPGEnc, when you click on the LOAD button at the bottom of the screen, this should put you in the folder that contains all your templates, you should see another folder that says EXTRAS, open that folder and you should see the unlock, just click on the unlock and any template you had open will be unlocked and you can make the cahnges you want.

Aloha
Bud

[God_666]

Thanks for that. As I had been using Pinoy's templates (from the tutorial and stuff in the Newbie section) and I had his templates in a different folder, the extras folder did not appear. Have now found it and will give it a try.

Cheers,