Best video converter

Phoenixmgs · 08-27-2007, 18:17

I just purchased an A2 off the Internet and I was wondering what conversion software is the best. I haven't converted DVDs to AVI since DVD Shrink came out. But back in the day, I used to use Flaskmpeg and Xmpeg. I remember Xmpeg used to give me better looking conversions but Flaskmpeg was the most reliable (not quite as sharp looking but the video usually played very smooth without any hiccups, which is my main priority). Are these still quality converters? I read some of MCSmarties posts that recommend Gordian Knot. I'm not at all hesitate at learning how to use a new converter program. Also, I remember using the radium mp3 codec to encode the audio and it produced better quality than LAME (there would be occasional pops here and there with LAME). Does this still hold true?

I've read about the audio sync issues with the Cowon D2 and ffmpeg is supposed to be able to encode videos without any syncing issues. Are the same issues present with the A2? Should I use ffmpeg to encode, or (xivd codec itself, the xvid encoder found in ffdshow, or something else)? If ffmpeg is the best solution, should I use the Super program? In addition, I have read the "b-frames" post in another topic, is that a complete fix?

tari · 08-27-2007, 21:38

I can't say anything about how well anything will work with the A2, but I use MediaCoder (http://mediacoder.sf.net/) for all my transcoding needs. I've found that normalizing the audio (mp3 -> LAME mp3) will end up with some sync issues, but that's all I've seen. I've found it easier (much easier, in fact) to use than Gordian Knot (tried it, it was a mess to set up), and it seems to provide all the same functionality.

For DVD ripping, I use DVD decrypter, then transcode that to Xvid with MediaCoder, works just great.

MCSmarties · 08-28-2007, 11:11

IMO FlaskMpeg is a fossil from the stone age of video converting - but back in the day, it was indeed the best thing around.

I notice you refer to Gordian Knot - while it is extremely powerful, an easier way would be to use AutoGK ('Auto Gordian Knot') instead.
Very easy to set up and use and very powerful...

doniago · 08-28-2007, 11:59

Fair Use Wizard is a good alternative to AutoGK. I use both of them.

pdw · 08-28-2007, 14:19

I use mencoder for converting to my U3.

Phoenixmgs · 08-28-2007, 22:50

Thanks for your input so far. I've tested out AutoGK and Super. I really didn't like Super but AutoGK worked very well. Since I don't have my A2 yet, I don't know how well the video will play on it but the video plays great on my computer (I mainly concerned with audio sync). I specifically tested AutoGK on a trouble spot I remember having with an episode of Arrested Development - Season 1 years ago with Flaskmpeg. AutoGK did a much better job on the trouble spot but didn't quite encode the video perfectly. I'll probably try out the Fair Use Wizard tomorrow.

jimgordon · 09-17-2007, 11:54

Hello Everyone

For DVDripping/conversion for my A2 I use a programme JET DVD Ripper ( this is not the same as Jet audio). The programme is available for $20, offers you plenty of options and shuts down windows when it is finished. It is simple to use and does a good job.

The best free prog is the aforementioned Iriververter. My only problem with this is it has a tendancy to convert the wrong soundtrack too! There are other free programs but I have found these to be temperamental/unreliable.

Good luck and remember fair use only!
Jim

baddog993 · 09-23-2007, 15:59

For ripping to conversion try avi.net, lots of things to love about this converter, its easy to use and its free. http://www.clonead.co.uk/

there is the link click on avi.net and download away, it does require the .net software to be installed on windows, and there is a guide on the web site on how to use it. The program will convert dvds over to avi and you can pick your speed. I love this program, works very good for a non tech like myself. I have had no trouble when using the program for converting over. Great results and no synch issue.

tedkord · 10-23-2007, 22:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phoenixmgs

Thanks for your input so far. I've tested out AutoGK and Super. I really didn't like Super but AutoGK worked very well. Since I don't have my A2 yet, I don't know how well the video will play on it but the video plays great on my computer (I mainly concerned with audio sync). I specifically tested AutoGK on a trouble spot I remember having with an episode of Arrested Development - Season 1 years ago with Flaskmpeg. AutoGK did a much better job on the trouble spot but didn't quite encode the video perfectly. I'll probably try out the Fair Use Wizard tomorrow.

AutoGK has been flawless for me for encoding my DVDs to use on my A2. I use DVD Decrypter in IFO mode (autoselect the main movie PGC), then AutoGK to encode the raw VOBs to XVid. Generally, I use the auto quality settings, and encode to best quality for a given size (usually 700mb for a 1.5 hr movie, scaled to the movie length for longer/shorter movies) It not only works great on my A2, but the Xvid files look really good on a computer, too. Absolutley no audio sync problems, no artifacting.

I haven't tried DivX on the A2 using AGK.

seb_A2 · 05-02-2008, 11:20

Using AutoGK for the first time. Set quality to 60% and fixed resolution at 480wide. File is coming out at 1.8GB for a 90min DVD which seems pretty fecking big, was hoping for about 500mb or so?

doniago · 05-02-2008, 11:36

I always handled compression by desired file size. 700 megs for 2 hours or less, 1.4 gigs for anything over 2 hours. Never had a problem.

08-27-2007, 18:17	#1
Phoenixmgs Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2	Best video converter I just purchased an A2 off the Internet and I was wondering what conversion software is the best. I haven't converted DVDs to AVI since DVD Shrink came out. But back in the day, I used to use Flaskmpeg and Xmpeg. I remember Xmpeg used to give me better looking conversions but Flaskmpeg was the most reliable (not quite as sharp looking but the video usually played very smooth without any hiccups, which is my main priority). Are these still quality converters? I read some of MCSmarties posts that recommend Gordian Knot. I'm not at all hesitate at learning how to use a new converter program. Also, I remember using the radium mp3 codec to encode the audio and it produced better quality than LAME (there would be occasional pops here and there with LAME). Does this still hold true? I've read about the audio sync issues with the Cowon D2 and ffmpeg is supposed to be able to encode videos without any syncing issues. Are the same issues present with the A2? Should I use ffmpeg to encode, or (xivd codec itself, the xvid encoder found in ffdshow, or something else)? If ffmpeg is the best solution, should I use the Super program? In addition, I have read the "b-frames" post in another topic, is that a complete fix?

08-28-2007, 11:59	#4
doniago I, Like, Do Stuff Here. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 4,651	Fair Use Wizard is a good alternative to AutoGK. I use both of them. __________________ DonIago Iron Mod "When you do things right, people won't be sure you did anything at all."

09-17-2007, 11:54	#7
jimgordon Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 16	Best video converter Hello Everyone For DVDripping/conversion for my A2 I use a programme JET DVD Ripper ( this is not the same as Jet audio). The programme is available for $20, offers you plenty of options and shuts down windows when it is finished. It is simple to use and does a good job. The best free prog is the aforementioned Iriververter. My only problem with this is it has a tendancy to convert the wrong soundtrack too! There are other free programs but I have found these to be temperamental/unreliable. Good luck and remember fair use only! Jim

05-02-2008, 11:36	#11
doniago I, Like, Do Stuff Here. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Burlington, VT Posts: 4,651	I always handled compression by desired file size. 700 megs for 2 hours or less, 1.4 gigs for anything over 2 hours. Never had a problem. __________________ DonIago Iron Mod "When you do things right, people won't be sure you did anything at all."

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08-27-2007, 21:38	#2
tari Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 10	I can't say anything about how well anything will work with the A2, but I use MediaCoder (http://mediacoder.sf.net/) for all my transcoding needs. I've found that normalizing the audio (mp3 -> LAME mp3) will end up with some sync issues, but that's all I've seen. I've found it easier (much easier, in fact) to use than Gordian Knot (tried it, it was a mess to set up), and it seems to provide all the same functionality. For DVD ripping, I use DVD decrypter, then transcode that to Xvid with MediaCoder, works just great.

08-28-2007, 11:11	#3
MCSmarties Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 677	IMO FlaskMpeg is a fossil from the stone age of video converting - but back in the day, it was indeed the best thing around. I notice you refer to Gordian Knot - while it is extremely powerful, an easier way would be to use AutoGK ('Auto Gordian Knot') instead. Very easy to set up and use and very powerful...

08-28-2007, 14:19	#5
pdw Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Budapest, Hungary Posts: 3	I use mencoder for converting to my U3.

08-28-2007, 22:50	#6
Phoenixmgs Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2	Thanks for your input so far. I've tested out AutoGK and Super. I really didn't like Super but AutoGK worked very well. Since I don't have my A2 yet, I don't know how well the video will play on it but the video plays great on my computer (I mainly concerned with audio sync). I specifically tested AutoGK on a trouble spot I remember having with an episode of Arrested Development - Season 1 years ago with Flaskmpeg. AutoGK did a much better job on the trouble spot but didn't quite encode the video perfectly. I'll probably try out the Fair Use Wizard tomorrow.

09-23-2007, 15:59	#8
baddog993 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 9	For ripping to conversion try avi.net, lots of things to love about this converter, its easy to use and its free. http://www.clonead.co.uk/ there is the link click on avi.net and download away, it does require the .net software to be installed on windows, and there is a guide on the web site on how to use it. The program will convert dvds over to avi and you can pick your speed. I love this program, works very good for a non tech like myself. I have had no trouble when using the program for converting over. Great results and no synch issue.

05-02-2008, 11:20	#10
seb_A2 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 15	Using AutoGK for the first time. Set quality to 60% and fixed resolution at 480wide. File is coming out at 1.8GB for a 90min DVD which seems pretty fecking big, was hoping for about 500mb or so?