Hi, I have a real newbie question. I saved a bunch of recordings captured on an old ATI Rage 128 Pro AiW card in MPEG-2 format, 720x480, NTSC (525 lines). I realize now that my choice was sub-optimal for using the files to create SVCD's, but it's too late now.

I'm trying to salvage them by using TMPGEnc to re-encode the files into a more SVCD-friendly 480x480 resolution, but what seems to happen is the top and bottom (and possibly the left and right) get cropped off.

I used the standard SVCD template, and selected a source aspect ratio of 1:1 and a video arrange method of "Center (custom size) - 720x480" (in the Advanced tab). I've tried various other settings, but I can't seem to prevent the cropping. Am I doing something wrong, or am I just asking the tool to do something it can't do?

I like TMPGEnc, think it's really cool, but getting the right settings is really confusing me. :(

Well you could just leave it as it is and not bother re-encoding. Just simply run it through the 'Simple multiplexer' in the MPEG tools using the SVCD option and burn as normal.
This way you will maintain maximum quality and your DVD player should handle it fine.

If you still want to re-encode then use the settings below.
Under advanced tab:-

Source ratio: 4:3 525 line(NTSC)
Arrange method: Fullscreen(keep aspect ratio)

Under System tab:-

System stream setting: MPEG2 Super VideoCD(VBR)

Under Video tab:-

Stream type: MPEG2
Size: 480x480
aspect ratio: 4:3 display

Bear in mind SVCD will always look compressed when played in a non SVCD capable player such as Mediaplayer. You will need a real MPEG2 player such as Windvd.

Thank you for your advice. I will give it a try.

Happy New Year! :)

Nope, the re-encoding settings didn't work. :( I understand that the SVCD file will look compressed on Mediaplayer, because it doesn't 'know' that the file will be played back using a stand-alone DVD player; it just 'knows' that the file frames are 480x480, so it displays the SVCD as looking squashed. But what I don't understand is why TMPGEnc clipped off the tops and bottoms of the frames during the encoding process.

I would rather not bother with re-encoding, but I'm trying to get the file size down to where I can burn it onto a CD-R rather than a DVD-R.

I would really appreciate any more advice you could give me! Thank you! :)

Nope, the re-encoding settings didn't work. :( I understand that the SVCD file will look compressed on Mediaplayer, because it doesn't 'know' that the file will be played back using a stand-alone DVD player; it just 'knows' that the file frames are 480x480, so it displays the SVCD as looking squashed. But what I don't understand is why TMPGEnc clipped off the tops and bottoms of the frames during the encoding process.

I would rather not bother with re-encoding, but I'm trying to get the file size down to where I can burn it onto a CD-R rather than a DVD-R.

I would really appreciate any more advice you could give me! Thank you! :)

Make sure you haven't actuall got a check mark in the cropping option under the advanced settings.

What does the image look like in the preview before encoding?

Nope, cropping isn't enabled. The preview does show the the same truncated frame that is produced; thank you for suggesting looking at it before running the encoding. :)

I did find a workaround after reading and searching a few message boards all night... I used Virtual Dub to resize the frame, and then frameserve the result to TMPGEnc for encoding. Perhaps not the most elegant solution, but it works well (and reasonably quickly), and the final output looks great!

Now my only problem is that the audio and video have gotten out of sync somehow... the original wasn't perfectly sync'd correctly (drift), but my final file is off by about 4 seconds at the beginning, and over 10 seconds at the end (two hour capture).

Funny thing is, I ran a small test case using a custom setting to save an SVCD-compliant file (instead of the 720x480 one that's causing the problems), and demuxing and remuxing it doesn't appear to create any sync issues.

Maybe I should consider giving up on trying to make SVCDs and use the files to make mini-DVDs as is described in pcphotovideo.com

ashy, thank you for your patience, help, and suggestions! :)

Hi,

How can I do batch processing?

I convert CDG to mpg (for VCD karaoke use) and I have to convert files one at the time...

Thank's for your anwser.

http://www.videogeneration.com.au/batchlist.htm

When I browse an avi file, it said "File " xxxxxxxxx" can not open, or not supported." But I have install The codec and cannot play the movie in Window media player. What should I set to let the avi file accept for converting?
Thanks in advance.

Install FFDSHOW.

I used to be able to choose 9500 as the maximum bitrate (In 2-pass VBR), but now I can only choose 8000. What do I have to do to get the 9500 back?

Open the unlock-Template first - voilà!

dose any one know how to get the sound to work when converting RM files in TMPGEnc 2.5 to VCD.

You need to convert the audio to WAV first.
Easy with Graphedit.

thanks but i was hoping to find a way without recoding with a second ap but if thats the only way it will have to do

You can, but it involves the use of AVISYNTH.
You would need to use a script like below then load the .AVS file into TMPG and encode as normal.

>DirectShowSource("D:VCD moviesTestsAVsample.rm",FPS=(25))


Where FPS is the frame rate of your source.

thanks for the info but as im new to it all i would need help on how to use the info to do that ,(thanks).

It's not hard really.
All you need do is download and install AVISYNTH.
Then simply put in a text file a line similar to the one I have posted. The only difference being the name and the path to your source file and the frame rate of the movie.
Finally rename the text file with an .AVS exstension instead of .TXT then just treat the AVS file like any other movie file. You can even play the file in Media player.

Thanks Ashy for the info i tryed but just did not work.
this is wat i put.(>DirectShowSource("C:Documents and SettingsSIDDesktopVCD moviesTestsAVsample.rm",FPS=(25)).
with a RM test file on my desktop renamed test.also tryed changing over VCD with RM in the above scriped

No that's wrong you don't need the >
That was put there to make this board highlight the line and you have also used the path to my file not yours.

You only need what is posted below, put the RM file on your desktop and name it AVsample.rm then use the follwing line.


DirectShowSource("C:Documents and SettingsSIDDesktopAVsample.rm",FPS=(25))

One other thing change the figure where it says FPS=(25)) at the end ogf the line to the frame rate of *YOUR* file, so instead of 25 put in the actual frame rate of the .RM file

thanks ASHY .
Did as you seed but only got this on tmpeg preview window.

Directshowsource:couldn't open file C:documents and settingssiddesktopAVsample.rm:
An object or name wasnot found.
(C:Documents and settingssiddesktopAVsample.rm.avs,line1

I must still be doing it wrong.

ashy just seen your last message so will try that

still only get the sam results

Hi, im currently having the same problem also. I have made the AVS file and i have tried loading it as the "Video" portion of the encoding
It still doesn't work, theres no sound.
Could you specify where to load it? Thanks

Ok lets start from the beginning and do this the easy way.

1. Make sure you have the latest version of AVISYNTH installed

2. Install this codec:
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm then reboot.

3. Place the real media file in the root of your C: drive drive and rename it - AVsample.rm

4. Place a script like the one below in a text file and rename the text file - test.avs

DirectShowSource("C:AVsample.rm",FPS=(15))

(remember to change the 15 to the frame rate of YOUR file)

5. Now to check that you have done everything properly, load the test.avs file into mediplayer and play it.
If you have done it correctly it should play like any other media file.

Now go ahead and load it into TMPG.

many thanks Ashy got it right this time, Hade made a mistake with the renaming the sorce file but also downloded 2 insted of 2.5 AVsynth.
Had a problem with the sound but corrected that by puting (8.02FPS) insted of just (8FPS)so many thanks for all your help i would not have done it without that.

You will find AVISYNTH an invaluable tool. There is nothing it can't do as far as Video work is concerned.

I always use it for resizing and frame serving to CCE.

ashy i hope to find out over time moor about this ap and how to use it but if i get stuck as likle i will and my frends are not into this i would like to be able to ask for help again so may thanks.

Hello,

As I'm a newbie on this BBS first of all I would welcome everybody here.

Here is my problem I could't find a definitive solution and asking for help.

I capturing images directly from my TV set to a avi file.
The format captured is PAL, 25 fps.
(The TV is a standard old 1996 4:3 29" SONY)

GSpot informs of the resolution 720x576 of captured file.

I'm trying desperatly to encode the file in a SVCD format with the following parametes:
Source Aspect ratio: 4:3 Display
Video arrange method: Center
Frame is clipped to 720x570 (cut the noise at the bottom @ top)

Video stream is set:
Size: 480x576
Ratio: 4:3 Display (the same as source then)

The trouble is after encoding and authoring to a SVCD disk I'm obtaining (while playing in my DVD player) large black bands on the top and the bottom of the screen.
So - the picture is squeezed.
This happens when the settings of the DVD player are set to 4:3 LetterBox or 16:9 Wide. If I change settings to 4:3 Pan&Scan the bands are over but the with of the image exeedes the screen (but the height is perfect)

I guess sure there is something wrong with the encoder settings but I really do not know where is the error I'm making.

What settings should I put in the encoder in order to obtain a normal (without bands) picture?

Does anybody help me?

Thanks (and please do not shout on me too violently if the answer seems for you evident - this is my 3rd night I'm trying to solve the problem)

Greetings from Paris

Raphael

1. Wrong cropping. Unly use 8,12,16,18 and so on, never 2,6,10,14... Crop to 720x568
2. Wrong setting. Use Center (Custom size) 480x568
3. Use 480x576 (4:3) as target size


That's all

>1. Wrong cropping. Unly use 8,12,16,18 and so on, never 2,6,10,14... Crop to 720x568
>2. Wrong setting. Use Center (Custom size) 480x568
>3. Use 480x576 (4:3) as target size
>
>
>That's all

Hello again,
Thanks B_Racer for the suggestions. I spent some time to reencode some test files.
Unfortunately there is no improvement. I still have that black bands on the top & at the bottom of the screen.
Before I'll ask for more help I will however check the burned CDs on an another DVD player and TV set (in case of a problem with the hardware).
I'll come back soon.

Raphael

I'm using these settings since years - they are working if the source is correct.
If your TV a 4:3 one, you can't use 16:9 or 4:3 letterboxed settings on the Player - it always will squeeze the picture. Only pure 4:3 is the correct choice.

And ANY CRT-TV will cut off the edges of your pic/video because of the overscan area. That's also why on DVD authoring tools an safe Area is used.

Forget about what it looks like on your TV for the mo.
What does the picture look like when played through a proper MPEG2 player like WINDVD on your PC?

>Forget about what it looks like on your TV for the mo.
>What does the picture look like when played through a proper MPEG2 player like WINDVD on your PC?

Hello Ashy... and Happy New Year to all of fellows here.
Sorry not replying quickly - I've been out from home for a couple of days

Answering your question: while playing movie on a PC I have a perfect 4:3 picture. No bands - no squeeze - no edges cut.

Amazing isn't it?

Raphael

Then your DVD player is set to output a 16:9 picture instead of 4:3

You must change the output to 4:3

Which player do you have?

Pioneer DV-454

>Then your DVD player is set to output a 16:9 picture instead of 4:3
>
>You must change the output to 4:3

The output is set by default to 4:3 Letterbox

This is an issue with your DVD player not the encoding.
Try this, set the DVD player to output 16:9 then play the DVD. Now set your TV while the DVD is playing to 4:3.

I would guess that 4:3 pan&scan is the correct setting for your DVD player to output a 4:3 image in the proper dimensions.
The loss you are experiencing at the sides happens on all TV's and is simply overscan.
If the image is like you say perfect height wise and the image is not distorted in any way then the image is being correctly displayed.

How much of the image do you actually lose from the sides?

>This is an issue with your DVD player not the encoding.
>Try this, set the DVD player to output 16:9 then play the DVD. Now set your TV while the DVD is playing to 4:3.

I did it and IT WORKS!!
a) first set 16:9 output on DVD
b) run the my test SVCD movie
c) controlled TV settings (was 16:9 - bizzarre!?!) and set to 4:3
d) bingo! it works!

I think DVD output signal switch automaticaly the original TV 4:3 settings to 16:9. When I turned off the player and switched on again I had once again set the TV to 4:3.

>How much of the image do you actually lose from the sides?

Around 1÷2 cm from each side. Do you think it is possible to display all the image on the screen?


Thanks for your help!

Raphael

>Around 1÷2 cm from each side. Do you think it is possible to display all the image on the screen?

Perfectly normal.
Do you lose the same amount using the method I gave you above for displaying the image on your TV?

P.S. do you have a zoom button on your remote?
If you do try pressing it a few times. Sometimes it will allow you to zoom out not just in.

Okay, I can encode in TMPGEnc just fine (using the Super VCD template). The resulting MPEG looks perfect, sounds perfect. It plays perfectly in Windows Media Player...but, if I try to 'fast forward' it, or click to another scene in the file, I get a "Windows Media Player has encountered and unknown error", with a close dialog box. This has happened with multiple versions of Media Player and with about several MPEGs I've tried to make now, all with varying lengths. Anyone know what the deal is here?

Guess you need other DirectShow Filters for MPEG-Playback or an other Player.
Try Media Player Classic or VLC (Video Lan Client). Both of them do include theyr own MPEG-Decoders.

How to see KVCD movies

Open your eyes ...! Ask the people of the kvcd.net

K(S)VCD are simply VCDs encoded with a diffetnt bitrate with new templetes for TMPGenc 2.5 (I don't know wat to do to XPRess).
They have the same viewing limitations of (S)VCDs.

If I am currently encoding an Mpeg, can I do other things on the computer at the same time without it messing up the encode?

your encode won't mess up, it'll just take longer to encode. multiple tasks can be real slow if your cpu is slow.

where can I find any help or something thet explain how to use the program

Try using WinMX and search for things like How to fit a movie on a cd r or KVCD for beginners. Thats where i found out. You can email me at passionfruit49@hotmail.com if you are desperate.

I have down loaded the program onto a new Gateway Computer.
I thnik I have the necessary support programs in place but can't get
this program to run.

My thoughts on using it are simple, I already have a movie recorded
to DVD. I simply want the re-record it but this time take advantage of
this programs ability to change a widescreen version to full screen, those black bars on the top and bottom of the screen drive me crazy.

Can anyone help? This seems like a great program if I could just get it to work I'd probably buy it!

bill1433

Hi everyone. I am using the newest version of TMPGenc Plus. I went into MPEG tools and De-Mux'd a MPEG-2 file into a m2v and mp2 files. While staying in MPEG tools, I then tried to multiplex these files into a MPEG-1 file. Trying both the "Simple Multiplex" and "Multiplex" tabs, and trying all 4 of the MPEG-1 types in the drop down box (automatic, VBR, VCD, and VCD non-standard), I have not been able to convert the m2v and mp2 files into a MPEG-1. The output is always a MPEG-2 file.

I have no problem converting MPEG-1 files into MPEG-2, but it doesn't seem to want to convert MPEG-2 to MPEG-1. The output always stays MPEG-2, even though I select the various MPEG-1 options as the output type.

Please help me guys.

Heidi

You can't change MPEG2 to MPEG1 just by multiplexing. You can put MPEG2-Videostreams into a MPEG1-System-Stream, but the Video will stay at MPEG2

Ok. So how do I do it?
Thanks.