DV to VCD in ffmpegX

[SCB]

I wanted to convert some DV footage to VCD in ffmpegX but get errors when I try. Do I need to convert to some other format so ffmpegX can read it? If so, how would I go about doing this? Also, when is ffmpegX v.0.0.3 gonna be ready, major? I can't wait for it.

[major]

ffmpeg doesn't read DV right now, you should first convert it to say MPG2 like if you were authoring a DVD. I need to find some free time to finish 0.0.3 which is almost done.

[SCB]

OK, thanks for the tip. I'm sure this sounds like a stupid question but what app do I need to use in orderto convert DV to MPG2 or some other format that ffmpeg will read?

[major]

huh, if you have a G4 you could try with the Apple MPEG2 encoder quicktime plugin bundled with DVDSP which is reasonably fast. When it is installed you can simply open your source in quicktime player and select Export > MPEG2. Be sure to use a proper video bitrate, ie >4Mb so as to keep high quality. Other mpeg2 encoders include Astarte M-Pack and Mediapipe. You can also try iDVD which supports drag and drop of quicktime files.

[major]

I wanted to convert some DV footage to VCD

BTW if you simply want a VCD you should better drop your .mov DV file into Toast which will convert your footage in one pass.

ffmpegX should be used for xVCDs creation ie non-standard VCDs with higher bitrate (typically 2000 kbps) & greater image size (depending on which size your specific DVD player will accept).