Guide to convert Divx to KVCD
 

Converting Divx/Xvid (AVI files) to KVCD

Introduction:

Like so many visitors to KVCD, I too originally visited to convert Divx’s to a format that would play on my TV and keep the same picture quality as Divx. Months later, I found myself using the KVCD process for all my video backups. My family and I are impressed with the picture quality. I know anyone who takes the time to learn the KVCD process will also be very impressed.

Software:

Software	Official Site
Tmpgenc	http://www.Tmpgenc.net/e_download.html (version 2.511.2 )
VCDEasy	http://www.VCDEasy.com/VCDEasy.zip
Headac3he	http://darkav.de.vu
VirtualDub	http://virtualdub.sourceforge.net
AviSynth	http://www.avisynth.org (get version 2.08 )
BBMPEG	http://members.cox.net/beyeler/bbmpeg.html
MovieStacker	http://www.kvcd.net/MovieStacker_v1.1.1.zip
ToK	http://www.kvcd.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3096

Getting Started:

Before we start it’s important to determine if KVCD encoded mpeg-1 movies will play on your DVD player. Start by checking the DVD Player Compatibility Chart for your DVD player. Even if it’s not listed there’s still a chance it can play KVCD movies. Try making a small test clip using this process (say 30 seconds) burn this to CD-RW and play this as a test. If it still fails, post the problem on the forum for help from others who may have solved your problem.

Next make sure the proper codec’s have been installed and Divx is working by playing your video. If your Divx is not high quality, then don’t expect a better VCD. Don’t expect miracles. Going from a smaller resolution to a higher one (e.g. 320x240 to 704x480) will not give you a good picture. Try to go for a resolution equal or less. (e.g. 640x480 to 528x480 kvcdx3). Use file size predictor (described later) to judge how many CD’s it will take to convert. As an example, If you want only 1 CD try KVCD Template 352x240 KVCD-LBR, or if 2 CD’s try 528x480 kvcdx3. Finally, take your time and when asking for help, please explain what you have done and your problem with details when you post. Your problem can be solved faster that way.


Step 1 - Audio:

Use VirtualDub:

• Go to File>open>(select your avi file)
• You will get a message “VBR audio stream detected” Just click on “OK” button
• Go to File>File Information (check Video Stream and write down resolution).
• Write down the total number of frames and the time in seconds.
• Go to Audio>Full Processing mode (check this)
• Go to File>Save as WAV (save file with wav extension)
• When done close VirtualDub.

Use Headac3he:

• Select Source File> (locate your audio.wav file from VirtualDub)
• Select Destination Format> choose type as .mp2
• Click Options twice
• Select Channel mode> (dual channel)
• Select Bitrate> (choose the quality you want. I start with 128kb, but you can
• Increase this if there is room left after creating the video part)
• Click Start
• When finished close Headac3he (you are now ready for the video)

Step 2 - Video

Use MovieStacker:

The avs script below was created by "MovieStacker" a utility developed by Mauddib. The nice feature about this utility is the ability to saveyour favoriate scripts to load when you need them. For the latest optimal
script try this link: http://www.kvcd.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3483

Use Tok:

Tok can automatically find the CQ value and encode your movie: http://www.kvcd.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3096
This nice utility by hedix is quick and easy to use.

• Go to Settings>load all your programs. MadPlay can be found
• with DVD2SVCD.
• Go to Main Tab>Select you avs script created by MovieStacker.
• Go to Audio>Select your .mp2 file created by Headac3he.
• Go to Bitrate and make sure your max bitrate is correct for the
• resolution you picked (e.g. 352x240 with max bitrate 1800)
• Go to Space>select how many CD's your using
• Uncheck>Prediction only and No Encoding.
• Click on Start.

When finished view directory where your movie.mpg's were created. You’ll notice their numbered, e.g. movie00.mpg, movie01.mpg, etc. bbMPEG split the movie and created files according to the file size 794MB for each CD. Play the movie.mpg to see if audio and video is in sync. I use Zoomplayer, Bsplayer or Radlight. If you don’t have any of these, use Windows Media Player (WMP). Next, your ready to burn this great creation.


Step 3 - Burning your movie to CD

I prefer VCDEasy, but Nero is also a good choice :D

-black prince

Hi black prince

The guide looks really impressive :lol: i look forward to the rest of the guide :P

I have a query. What about the following blockbuster filters:
Blockbuster(method="noise", variance=.5, seed=1)
Blockbuster(method="sharpen", detail_min=20, detail_max=90, strength=7)

Do you not recommend these for low resolutions or something?

Thanks. :D

I did what Kwag said but i still have the same problem but with line 10 now i added a new line

LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\MPEG2DEC.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\LegalClip.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\Blockbuster.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\FluxSmooth.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\Sampler.dll")
Loadplugin("C:\Avi Stuff\LegalClip.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\Gripfit\GripFit_Preview.dll")
avisource("D:\Films\Austin.Powers.In.Goldmember.DV L.Xvid.ShareReactor.avi")
LegalClip()
GripFit( width=528, height=480, overscan=2)
Blockbuster(method="noise", variance=.4, seed=1)
LegalClip()
#Sampler(length=24)

any ideas?

also does anyone have a Excel file for the File Prediction?

and last question i got my predicted file size to 13.575meg for 90meg of audio and a 94 minute long film. Is this right?

Line 10 would be GripFit 8O. What's the frame size of the original AVI? To find out, load it up in WMP and hit File->Properties->Details.

@Adder,

Adder wrote:Blockbuster noise seemed to have no effect on dark areas when using
Tmpgenc's CQ. If your avi movie has blockiness already, this would
not improve it. Blockbuster noise is useful when the source is DVD.

Blockbuster sharpen will increase file size greatly, so you must decide
whether you need it. If your trying to convert to 1 CD (800MB) then
filters that increase file size should be avoided. Filters that soften
will decrease file size (e.g. TemporalSmoother, FluxSmooth, TemporalSoften, etc.).
They could prove helpful to get more video onto 1 CD.

Thanks for the compliments about the guide. :) If the guides work out,
I plan to put out a Guide to convert SVCD (MPEG-2) to KVCD next. :)

-black prince

@MrCoopz,

MrCoopz wrote:
Could you post the resolution and framerate from VirtualDub>File>
File Information. It could be that GripFit is not handling the framerate
and thus giving you an error. :)

-black prince

Having problems with this guys,heres my avs file:
LoadPlugin("C:\Encoders\Fit cd\MPEG2DEC\MPEG2DEC.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Encoders\Fit cd\LegalClip\LegalClip.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Encoders\Fit cd\Blockbuster\Blockbuster.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Encoders\Fit cd\FluxSmooth\FluxSmooth.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Encoders\Fit cd\Sampler\Sampler.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Encoders\Fit cd\GripFit\GripFit_Preview.dll")
avisource("C:\harry.potter.2.divx")
LegalClip()
GripFit( width=528, height=576, overscan=1)
FluxSmooth()
LegalClip()
#Sampler(length=24)

When I load it into tmpg it just closes the program and sends me back to desktop without any errors could you please help me

Ok sorted this problem out I had avi source wrong,but now i have another error saying :Legal Clip source must be YUY2 what does this mean thanks!

Put ConvertToYUY2() after the AviSource line.

Black Prince heres my stuff

http://www.digitalfaq.com/archives/error.gif

I'll try and duplicate the crash here. It might be a bug in GripFit.

Your are the king thankyou works perfect now! :D

GripFit seems to accept non-YUY2 input (it shouldn't). That might be the cause -- if so, adding the ConvertToYUY2() line should fix it.

Another bug squashed :mrgreen:.

SansGrip i did this but still no joy

avisource("D:\Films\Austin.Powers.In.Goldmember.DV L.Xvid.ShareReactor.avi")ConvertToYUY2()

@MrCoopz,

MrCoopz wrote:
Your problem could be the GripFit filter. SansGrip is trying
to create the same error. Please wait until he gets back
to you :)

-black prince

oh ok sorry

and a question for u mate, what settings do i use in tmpenc if i want all my movies widescreen and full screen with no borders?

@MrCoopz,

For Full Screen, change GripFit to look like this:

GripFit( width=352, height=240, dest_anamorphic=true, overscan=1)

You shouldn't change Tmpgenc's video arrange(Center).
But, Full Screen will increase file size and your movie
may no longer fit on 1 CD with good quality. You should take
small (30 sec) clips and decide if the picture is what you want.
Genally, I use Wide Screen, (anamorphic) output because it
creates a smaller file after encoding. :D

-black prince

Isn't it the other way around :!: :wink:
You disable Anamorphic output and then your mpeg is non anamorphic. Just fixed 16:9.

-kwag

I have is a widescreen tv

and when i put films on i get borders on the top and bottom, thats all i wanna get rid of.

But if its not gonna fit on a cd ill leave it, what would u recommend?

Make sure you put a newline:

@Mrcoopz,

Black prince wrote:
Kwag's correct. It should be non-anamorphic.

-black prince

Ok i put a new line in

LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\MPEG2DEC.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\LegalClip.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\Blockbuster.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\FluxSmooth.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\Sampler.dll")
Loadplugin("C:\Avi Stuff\LegalClip.dll")
LoadPlugin("C:\Avi Stuff\Gripfit\GripFit_Preview.dll")
avisource("D:\Films\Austin.Powers.In.Goldmember.DV L.Xvid.ShareReactor.avi")
ConvertToYUY2()
LegalClip()
GripFit( width=528, height=480, overscan=2)
Blockbuster(method="noise", variance=.4, seed=1)
LegalClip()
Sampler(length=24)

and i get an unrecognised exception on line 11?

BTW i can see that me post these is taking up alot of space, so u can delete the previous ones if u wanna save room

Could u write the line out so i can copy it into my script thanks :)

Could you try the latest preview version (0.0b) of GripFit? It has some bug fixes.

I just updated and still get the same thing

That's very odd. What is the size of the source frame? How big are the existing borders, if any?

i posted some stuff on page 2 if thats any help?

and how do i find out the size of the borders?

If it's an AVI it probably doesn't have any. Play the AVI file -- is there a black border on any of the edges?

@MrCoopz

Could you use VirtualDub to cut out a very small section -- say, 3 seconds or so -- and fast recompress that with the HuffYUV codec, then send it to me? I can't duplicate the problem with the clips I have.

In Windows media player it has borders but in PowerDVD it dosnt!!

WMP adds a few pixels-wide borders on its own. If there's none in PowerDVD that means it doesn't have any :).

So are we close to solving my problem :) ?

I made a 4sec clip and it came out at 20 meg do u still want this?

btw the movie is compressed with a Xvid Mpeg4 codec are u sure u want Huffyuv?

@MrCoopz,

While your waiting grab a copy of FitCD and we can make a avs
script the old fashion way.

http://www.kvcd.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2142

Also, grab RemoveBorders from SansGrip's Filter link.
I'll be out for a while, but will walk you throught it. :)

-black prince

Ok mate ill have a got with FitCD

thanks for all ur help as well :)

Mmm, maybe not ;). Just a second should do it.

ok mate i did it where do u want me too send it too?

Its 4.5meg

@MrCoopz

Here's something that worked for Yoda, who was having problems too: upgrade your Avisynth to version 2.07. See if that works :).