Got mine yesterday [Archive] - iAudiophile.net Forums

matthannan

12-08-2005, 23:58

So far so good! One thing that bugs me is the lack of mpg support. I am MythTV junkie with an PVR-350 tuner card. This basically spits out mpg files (MythTV makes them .nuv, rename to .mpg and it works fine). As my first test, I copied an episode of Beavis and Butthead recorded from MTV2 off of the Linux box and onto a Windows machine to test out the Jet software. Conversion went fine. Now if I could find something like this for Linux, I'd be really happy. Any suggestions?

I am looking for more info from the crew as to what you think the best way to rip DVD's (yes, I actually own the DVD's I want to rip) for viewing on the A2. I have the following at my disposal:
Fedora Core 2 (MythTV backend)
Suse 10.0/Windows XP dual boot
Mac Mini running Tiger

I am trying the Mac route with Handbrake, but it is taking WAY too long to rip Monty Python's Holy Grail. I have messed about with trying to rip DVD's in Linux, but it always seemed that I would be doing myself a favor by just beating my head against the wall. I will go the Windows route if I have to.

Mainly, tho, I am looking for settings I should be shooting for.

In all, I am very happy with my A2 so far. I think I could have done much worse (ahem, Archos PMA-400).

Thanks for the forum. I was unable to join the iAudio forum for some reason.

johnny33

12-09-2005, 00:26

my congrads on your new A2, matthannan. Sorry I seem lost in your techno about MythTV spitting out nuv files then renamed to mpeg's; also am perplexed at about your ripping DVDs from Mac or Window settings.

For me i just rip/ record simply from the good o' home DVD machine onto the A2, taking full advantage of the A2's recording capacities spitting out mpeg4-ASF files. The A2's ASF file-format can record 4-hour straight without taking a breath (or taking a break)..... ~^~

The resulting ASF files recorded by A2 (i.e 480*272 pixel + 800 kps bitrate) & then played in the A2's 4-inch screen look nice enough to me, but I gather it's not so nice enough playing in my 21-inch PC monitor.

Enjoy your new A2, matthannan, & look forward to your review report of A2 if any too ++

P.S. i like Monty Python's Holy Grail too, and like the others I've ripped the LOR's trilogy onto my A2 ....~^~

matthannan

12-09-2005, 09:37

Sorry for the confusion. It was getting late when I posted it.

MythTV is a Linux based PVR (ala Tivo). (http://www.mythtv.org)
It records in a file format called .nuv. As I am using a particular capture card, it is a simple matter to rename the file to .mpg and it works just fine.
(EX: MythBusters.nuv ---> renamed to MythBusters.mpg)

That sounds like a good plan on recording straight from the DVD player, but in my case, my DVD player is the Mac Mini! Also, I am looking to find a decent balance in quality/size to be able to store the avi files and view them on either a PC, the TV via the Mac Mini or the A2. I believe that I will be able to set the size and everything in MythTV to rip the DVDs. I have never really had a need to do this before, so I have not looked to deeply into it.

For you Linux geeks out there, I am going to try the Jet software under WINE when I get home tonight. I tell ya' if it works or not.

johnny33

12-09-2005, 09:53

i get what you mean now, matthannan.

Still, since I just record straightly from my DVD player to the A2 and since I aint a Linux geek, I find myself unable to join in your discussion anymore here. Nevertheless, I'm still interested in following your thread about ripping DVDs from your MythTV.

One thing before my leaving: A2 produces its recorded video file as ASF file only, which in my opinion is inferior quality than AVI file when being played to the bigger screen such as your PC Monitor, but no difference in quality when ASF & AVI both being played in the 4-inch LCD.

ASF occupies smaller disk-space than AVI does occupy, though.++

matthannan

12-09-2005, 12:36

Aye, aye. I am not figuring on using the A2 for permanent storage, but rather loading it up for the daily train ride (1 hour each way) and for the weekend.

That is why using avi is not a big deal to me.

OK, back to work for me. I'll see how WINE goes for running the Jet software and will let you all know the results later tonight.

Boeingball

12-09-2005, 12:42

A simple solution for ripping your dvd's would be the following:

Goto: http://www.anydvd.com

Check it out.

I don't use it but have heard people that have had success with it.

MCSmarties

12-09-2005, 12:49

Me, I use the methods described on www.doom9.org.

Auto Guardian Knot is great for beginners, Guardian Knot gives better quality but is more tedious.

I ripped all my DVDs to Xvid at 5MB/s, 480 x 272 resolution in anticipation of buying a PMP.
They are now stored on DVD+R (DVD5) at about 8 movies per DVD.
When I want to load a movie to my A2, I just pop the DVD with XViD files into my computer and copy/paste directly to A2 - takes 2-3 minutes per movie.

But PREPARING this "database" took a while, several weeks of constant encoding! ;)

matthannan

12-09-2005, 20:01

Well! I had smashing success with ripping Holy Grail with Handbrake on the Mac Mini. Took forever, but it looks awesome on the A2.

And I did this at 720x400, same frame rate as the source, using FFmpeg (faster on the Mac than Xvid). I set the target size to 700MB, also. The file looks great on both the A2 and the PC. So, there you go. A success for Mac users.

Thanks for the replies, BTW. I like this community!

johnny33

12-09-2005, 22:09

matthannan

12-09-2005, 22:33

Bugger. Looks like installing the Jet software under WINE is going to cause a headache. DirectX9 is needed. There is a work-around, but it is going to be more than I have in me tonight. I'll keep working on this.

I can't beleive that I am the first Linux geek to buy an A2! But, maybe I am. It is that new.

BTW, can anyone of you point me to the registration page on the Cowon site? I do not seem to be able to find it. Five years, dude. Yes, I need to register!

matthannan

12-09-2005, 22:41

if I guess correctly, then your 720*400 file (Holy Grail) isnt able to play full-frame at A2 (i.e. stretched fully to the 4 corners of the A2 LCD). A2 currently doesnt have a zoom video feature to play the 4:3 video correctly; not even v1.46 beta firmware upgrade could've fixed that.
Well, I am looking at it now. They are discussing the wing speed velocity of laden sparrows and it seems to be 16:9 to me! There is a bit of a black band between the image and the plastic casing, no more than 1/8 inch. I figure this is just the edge of the actual displayable space, tho.
Bring out your dead!

Video and sound synch are right on the money. This is awesome!

The Beavis and Butthead I watched the other night was in 4:3. This is definitely in 16:9.

I am waiting now on the end of the rip of the widescreen version of Blade Runner via MythTV. Looks like it is going well. I'll post that info tomorrow.

Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

johnny33

12-09-2005, 22:53

Well, I am looking at it now. They are discussing the wing speed velocity of laden sparrows and it seems to be 16:9 to me! There is a bit of a black band between the image and the plastic casing, no more than 1/8 inch. I figure this is just the edge of the actual displayable space, tho.
Bring out your dead!

Video and sound synch are right on the money. This is awesome!

The Beavis and Butthead I watched the other night was in 4:3. This is definitely in 16:9.

I am waiting now on the end of the rip of the widescreen version of Blade Runner via MythTV. Looks like it is going well. I'll post that info tomorrow.

Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

Well, it's 16:9 format alright, but we must demand more, matthannan. Besides 16:9, we want full-frame, meaning no more black band between the image and the plastic casing and the video filled fully to the 4-corners of your A2 screen. If your recorded video is in 480x272 pixel, then you get full-frame (I'd tested that); if it isnt 480x272, then a black band appears between the image & plastic casing of A2, most probably.

some brands of PMP (such as Archos 500 & Maxian T600) have a zooming feature which magnifies the middle part of your input video source to full up the 4 corners of the screen -- i.e. The top & bottom of the input video source may've been cropped out for that effect.

Cheers / johnny

P.S. I like BladeRunner very much too, especially the stunning colors they filmed in that were truely unforgetable....amm, where's the VCR of BladeRunner that I keep around i need that now...:hi:

matthannan

12-09-2005, 23:26

Well, like the thread says, I got it yesterday! Or the day before now. I am still learning the thing for myself! Please place no demands on me. I will tell you what I find. I will not lie about it. You want 462xwhatever? I will test it again at that, but remember my quest is different than yours. I just need an entertainment unit. Some of you (crazy) people seem to be looking for Nirvana (not the band) from a piece of plastic and glass. I am looking for a mid-ground between what looks good on TV (analog CRT, of course), CRT monitor (between three diff operating systems) and the A2. The A2 is just a vessel to me. It is by no means the center of the universe. I can live with that 1/8th inch between the edge of the image and the plastic housing.

And please, call me Matt.

matthannan

12-09-2005, 23:37

P.S. I like BladeRunner very much too, especially the stunning colors they filmed in that were truely unforgetable....amm, where's the VCR of BladeRunner that I keep around i need that now...:hi:
There seem to be certain DVDs that I use for testing out new technologies with. Blade Runner is always right at the top of the list. I would have used it as the litmus test for Handbrake/OSX, but my family is ga-ga for Monty Python, and I actually have to repack the A2 and wrap it up for my mom to give back to me on Dec 25. We both went in on the thing, but she paid the bulk. So I am looking to pack it full with more than just tunes...and at the same time figuring what OS/software does the best job of getting me movies.

BTW, is Felix the Cat still copywrited? Anyone know where I can get LEGAL copies, if it is now PD?

johnny33

12-09-2005, 23:48

okie, Matt.

480X272 is just for the A2 video displaying full-frame purpose -- i.e. pixel-to-pixel the file can be displayed full-frame without loss of the top & bottom part of the input source. Had A2 possessed the zooming feature which magnifies the middle part of any input source, then your 720*400 file (Holy Grail) could be displayed at full-frame too.

Perhaps you're right: i'm perfectionist, demanding the A2 to work more for us. ++

matthannan

12-09-2005, 23:56

Just for a bit of personal history, I am not an iPod switcher. I am coming from an Archos MultiMedia Jukebox 20. I have laughed at iPod users (my own family included) for YEARS now about their devotion to the iPod. My old Archos was doing video before Apple even realized it was possible! Of course, LCD technology has come a LONG way since then. But in the end, my old Archos is still rocking out. I came to the A2 because I wanted the massive video and the much longer battery time.

And, again, I dig this community. It seems that this is the right time for me to find you! :bigthumbs

johnny33

12-10-2005, 01:03

I aint IPod fan neither too (though I couldnt hv helped but to have gotten the IPod Nano for myself & only later having it put up for sale at eBay). I had Archos PMA 430 briefly for sometimes & later switched to Iaudio X5L, so I admit Iaudio products always been my fancy as such.

I dig this community 2; & love to read about other users' experiences like yours to broaden my horizons (whether it's A2 or some other PMP). Cheers/johnny

matthannan

12-10-2005, 10:23

I was looking at the PMA-430, too. I read on one of its fan sites that Archos was going to stop supporting it, tho. I think this was due to low sales (The thing is $650!). So, I searched on and came up with the A2.

Do I miss the wireless Web access? Slightly. Do I miss the PIM features? Only kindda, and it seems they were not executed all that well.

I have to tell you tho, the A2 is everything I hoped it would be.

matthannan

12-10-2005, 10:45

OK, back to the testing.

I ripped the widescreen version of Blade Runner via MythTV at the "Good" setting. MythTV is famous for such vague descriptions. I figured "Good" would be good enough for the A2.
Turns out that "Good" means 704x480, 23fps, Xvid and DVM. And the file is 1.5 gig! On the A2 it is not even close to full-screen, about a 1/4" of black all round.

I am reripping it at the lowest setting, "Medium".

matthannan

12-10-2005, 17:39

Medium = 544x320, 23fps, Xvid, 870.5Mb
Survey says: NG.Still no where near full-screen.
Looks like the Mac is the way to go so far.

johnny33

12-10-2005, 23:08

I'll say no need to strive for full-screen for your A2 showing from your MythTV , Matt, because any pixel over 480*xxx already good-looking enough on your A2.

Moreover, NTSC-standard only requires 525*xxx pixel so your 544x320 (Medium) file already good-looking showing on your TV set too.

Had A2 had the zooming function for 4:3 or 16:9 video files for its video display, you'd get full-screen for every file you feed in there too. Keeping fingers crossed if Iaudio would be adding that Pan & Zoom function in future firmware fixes.++

peters

12-10-2005, 23:50

Get a copy of AVI.net.

Rip the DVD to your HD using DVD Decrypter.
Convert to Divx with AVI.net - set it to size the movie to 1gb.
Enjoy an outstanding rip.

matthannan

12-11-2005, 18:25

Thanks, Johnny. That is great news! I now have both the MythTV server and the Mac Mini ripping my DVD collection.

PeterS, that site seems to be down. Also, from what I can gather, that is a Windows software. I trying to keep to OS X or Linux. Getting to Windows requires a reboot! :eek:

Off topic, but I still wanted to mention this: My sister was shopping for a new iPod for her eldest daughter. She was going to get a 40Gig HP iPod, but she read a couple of bad reviews and asked me for my advice. iAudio X5 has been ordered. I am a good uncle.

johnny33

12-11-2005, 21:28

.................................................
Off topic, but I still wanted to mention this: My sister was shopping for a new iPod for her eldest daughter. She was going to get a 40Gig HP iPod, but she read a couple of bad reviews and asked me for my advice. iAudio X5 has been ordered. I am a good uncle.

For many ipod is for style & peer recognition just as what Louis Vuitton (LV) handbags could've meant to many females, even though ipod is void of functionalities in the eyes of us many males. You made a good recommendation, Matt, and your niece would realize that some day :hi:

MCSmarties

12-12-2005, 15:19

manhattanan:
OK you had no way of knowing this, but what PeterS refers to is a program CALLED AVI.net
(yes, with the .net and all), NOT a website :). Google for it.

Personally, I prefer AutoGK but it's a tight competition. AVI.net is definitely a good program as well.

To learn a lot about ripping and encoding, check out www.doom9.org

matthannan

12-12-2005, 20:29

I find this info on AVI.net:
Latest version:
1.4 (Nov 01, 2005)

Main tool site and mirror download site:
Main tool and download site - 3.2MB
No mirror added yet

Other info:
Requires Windows XP & .net framework & avisynth & Xvid or DivX

Like I said, I am trying to stay away from Windows as much as possible. I am sure this program is quite good, but I am making due with the primative tools that are Mac OS X and Linux. :bigsmile:

That doom9 site looks very good. I will start digesting that page as time allows.
Thanks!