I need serious help converting AVI to MPG - please read

[M.AD]

I have been trying to convert AVI files to VCD complient MPGS for months, but on my new computer something always goes wrong. Granted, I have been able to make some VCDs, but encoding seems to be a hit and miss thing, and recently my success rate has been next to nothing.

I have an Athlon XP 2000+ system, running Windows XP. I download AVI files from the web, and play them to make sure they work. This is where it goes pear shaped.

If the AVI does not load, I have used VirtualDUB, NanDub and DivFix to make the file work. If they succeed (DivFix is a pain sometimes) TMPGEnc accepts the file. I even do the splitting in VD to ease the process in TMPG.

The problems in TMPGEnc all seem to be random. I have got read errors, write errors, or even just crash to desktop, with no explaination or pop up whatsoever. These erros occur at random intervals on the same AVI, and most of the time comes up with a different error.

I have tried other software - Phillips MPEG encoder and AVI2MPG included - but these always crash when I try and open the source file.

Codec wise, I installed the NIMO codec pack, and then removed it and downloaded all of the latest codecs myself manually. Even when I formatted my PC, I installed manual codecs butthe same problems occur.

For months now I have tried to fathom a solution, but the fact that the errors in TMPG are random make it hard to pinpoint the problem. I have used earlier versions, latest versions, installed / uninstalled software, but nothing changes.

I have tried to add as much detail as possible. If anybody can suggest anything I would be extremely grateful. Even if you point out the glaringly obvious - I might have missed it out trying to find a more complex solution. Please help - this is driving me crazy

[M.AD]

I have also just used Gspot to check a file, and this also gets an error - illegal operation, needs to close. What is causing this?!

[Conquest10]

sounds like theres something seriously wrong with the file if it crashes everything that opens it.

[SaSi]

Installing and un-installing codecs is sometimes the root cause of the problem. I've had similar problems with you, with Tmpgenc producing garbage video or crashing without a reason while encodng perfectly valid AVI files I've encoded before. Or DivX encoding garbage AVIs.

I've solved my problem by re-installing the OS and only the codecs/apps I need. And making a backup image of the system disk to revert to if/when my problems come back.

If your problem is purely caused by the AVI files (DivFix implies that they have problems), try the following. Open one of the AVIs with VirtualDUB and save a substantial part of it (10min - depending on how much disk space you can spare) as discrete pictures. Surely not a fast thing to do, but VirtualDUB can do it. Then, create an AVI file with VirtualDUB using these pictures. Then encode this AVI. This AVI will be a legal AVI, without lost frames, broken links, etc. If it encodes ok, then you must suspect the sources you are using. Otherwise, I would recommend a re-installation of the OS.

[Heavensent]

i whould check the ram, it might not be the problem but it sounds like it.

there is a program you can use for that, its called "docmemory"

[M.AD]

k thanks for the input -

Opened NanDub (Virtual Dub has issue with audio) and try doing the image stream process, but get an error about invalid handle?

And I tried using that memory scan - install to floppy disk, boot, but when I go to perform a test it crashes and my PC reboots

Is that bad?

[Heavensent]

i think its bad.
but if you want to have no doubt, just install same kind of ram
from a friends computer.
or if you have 2 sticks of ram, try them one by one, and see if it makes
a difference.

i had a computer once that acted just about the same way yours is
acting right now, and it took me forever to understand it was the ram.

[M.AD]

Before I go and spend money on new RAM, how do I prove that that is the problem, other than swapping it? I have reseated my RAM (512 single stick), and have another older PC in the house but I think it uses different spec ram.

Any other things I should try, software-wise?

[tinpaul]

BAD FRAMES IN AVI. FILE......TOO MANY OF THE SAME CODICS

[Heavensent]

if you allways get an error when the software is trying to enalyse it,
then there isnt much you can do with software.
you have to swap the ram and see if everithing is ok.
you can try other ram checkers, but if you keep getting an error
then chances are that you need a new ram.

you said its a new computer?
is it still under warrenty?
just bring it to the store that you baught it from, and tell
them that you think the ram is bad, they can check it on the spot
with a hardware ram checker, or they can check it with another ram.

[M.AD]

there isnt much you can do with software, you have to swap the ram and check.
if the ram is THAT bad, you will allways get an error or something
when the software is trying to enalyse it.
you can try other ram checkers,but if you allways get an error
then chances are that you need a new ram.

you said its a new computer?
is it still under warrenty?
just bring it to the store that you baught it from, and tell
them that you think the ram is bad, they can check it on the spot
with a hardware ram checker, or they can check it with another ram.

Erm... I built my PC :P

Anyway, I think I have managed to encode the AVi using TMPGEnc (changed settings slightly). Problem now is audio syncing

Thx for all of your help so far, btw

[Heavensent]

i just edited the message...
right on time

[Heavensent]

if it is the ram, then you will keep having a hard time converting
files.
i hope im wrong