1src Forums - Movieplayer Issues Fixed!!!

MisterClie

06-23-2003, 02:38 AM

Ok guys, this is my first post and it looks set to rock the house. To play high quality full screen movies off your CF cards (with no errors or freezes) follow this simple procedure:

By the way, I am using a 1GB Sandisk and it works perfectly :)

1) Download "TMPGEnc" (free!) from http://www.tmpgenc.net/

2) Import your AVI/MPG/DivX etc file into TMPGEnc and process it using the following settings:

MPEG-1 320x240 25fps CBR 1150kbps, Layer-2 32000Hz 192kbps

3) Rename the output file "MOV00001" and put it in the following directory on your CF card:

/MSSONY/MOML0001/...

In Cliefiles your file should appear as "MOV00001.MPG". If you have more than one file, rename "MOV00002", "MOV00003" etc.

4) Start Movieplayer and choose "MPEG Movie format". Your file will appear and will play very nicely indeed - equivalent to or better than Sony HQ mode!!

5) If you get skipping, this can be fixed by splitting the file into two before processing with TMPGEnc. I recommend "AVI-MPG-ASF-WMV Splitter" from http://www.boilsoft.com/

6) If you need to join movies before processing, I recommend "Easy Video Joiner" from http://www.DoEasier.org/
It is the only joiner I have found which keeps audio and video in sync!! :) (I also notice DoEasier have a splitter as well but I haven't tried it)

Notes:

- Being .MPG's, the files will be larger than .MQV's but with 1GB to burn I don't really care!

An example: one of my files, a 33MB DivX becomes 55MB.

- I played around with the bitrate settings and found that as you reduce from 1150kbps in TMPGEnc, the files do get a lot smaller. Strangely though, when I went from 1150 to 1000 I started to get some skipping in the motion. I didn't try anything under 1000kbps so play around and post your results here.

- I only tried 25fps and the default 29.97 for most MPG's. 25fps results in a smaller file but I haven't played around too much with lower than this. Does anybody here know the max fps for Movieplayer?

- If you try to strip the audio in TMPGEnc by choosing "Video only", Movieplayer won't recognise the file and you will most likely have to soft reset. I haven't played around too much with reducing the audio bitrate so again post any results here.

- You may find movies over 100MB will skip every now and then. If this happens, split in two using Boilsoft's splitter and everything should be smooth again. :)

Well, as I said, this procedure is working perfectly for me and I have tried heaps of movies on my 1GB Sandisk - all working nicely.

ENJOY! ;)

MisterClie

06-23-2003, 02:50 AM

Guys,

I forgot to mention - if you need to join DivX/AVI files, I recommend Virtualdub from http://www.virtualdub.org (free!). Open the file, then go "File...Append AVI segment" until you have added all your segements, then go "File...Save as AVI".

N.B. You have to make sure that "Audio...Direct stream copy" and "Video...Direct stream copy" are selected.

:D

MisterClie

06-23-2003, 03:10 AM

When you open your Movie File in TMPGEnc, you can leave the default audio settings from the original movie. It seems the main thing to check is that Constant Bit Rate - 1150kbps is selected. Even if you leave the fps at 29.97 it seems to play fine.

Also, I noticed that Variable Bit Rate MPG's play better if they are converted to CBR - 1150kbps before installing on the Clie.

N.B. By running all MPG's (even those which you believe should approximate the above settings) through TMPGEnc you also ensure that Bitrate and Clip Duration will display correctly on the Clie (important if you have been joining and splitting segments)

MisterClie

ashVID

06-23-2003, 03:36 AM

Interesting findings but while your numbers may indeed work well, the Clie is not even coming REMOTELY clost to utilizing the settings. For instance, the processor on the Clie cannot process 25 FPS at that bitrate and cant even come close to actually processing that bitrate. Take a file and run it thru Image Converter, then check the bitrate and FPS of the output file. IC maximizes a file to the specs that the Clie can handle.

I suggest that you your numbers could be halved and gve the same result. Dropping from 1150 to 1000 in bitrate should make it easies for the clie HOWEVER the calculation of what it can ACTUALLY handle is a divider of 1150, not 1000, therefor it can adjust to the math easier. Drop your bitrate to 575 and your FPS to 15 and see what happens...

For comparison, I have a Quiktime version of the Matrix Reloaded trailer converted with IC. Output file is 15fps and ONLY 65kbps bitrate and it looks STUNNING...

ash =o)

Eddy

06-23-2003, 03:55 AM

Cool! This can be a possible solution for me since I also have a 1G SanDisk CF. :D
Though I must say, file size would be one of the main concern (as you've already mentioned), since ImageConverter generates the same equal/better quality file in a much smaller file size.

Would you mind to share some file size examples? eg. a 90mins movie in *.mpg format would be how big of a file size? Oh, also I know there's a 128MB file size limit to run movies in MoviePlayer, so does this also applies to the mpg files as well? Or is there no boundary, but I think I have just answered my own question. LOL :p

by the way, congrads to your first post! :D

MisterClie

06-23-2003, 03:58 AM

ashVID,

Thanks for the tip! I resampled to 575kbps @ 15fps and the output file is identical in quality. It is also THE SAME SIZE as the original DivX file.

Thanks!

MisterClie

Eddy

06-23-2003, 04:03 AM

Originally posted by MisterClie
/MSSONY/MOML0001/...
In Cliefiles your file should appear as "MOV00001.MPG".
One thing about the mpeg while in MoviePlayer is the fact that you can't have thumbnail, neither can you change the file name. (not the same as dealing with files in *.MQV format). But it works! :D
Better than having the 1G CF collecting dust. :)

Eddy

06-23-2003, 04:07 AM

I resampled to 575kbps @ 15fps and the output file is identical in quality. It is also THE SAME SIZE as the original DivX file.
SAME SIZE? This seems to be getting better and better as I read along. Gotta try this out.

ashVID

06-23-2003, 04:12 AM

This definitely sounds better than Kinoma and the file sizes smaller too, good news.... I suspect the Clie can handle bitrates that are in multiples of between 63-64 as this is what IC defaults too. Dont go lower than 15fps though, you might experiment with bitrates that go in multiples of 63.8... as this can greatly reduce file size but can cause an image to get fuzzy if too low...

ash =o)

MisterClie

06-23-2003, 04:17 AM

Eddy,

That's right, it doesn't look like thumbnail works but "NX Movie Aide" is a program which lets you rename the file. Find it here: http://www.greendragonsoftware.com/software/palm/nxmovieaide/index.shtml

P.S. Actually I think this only works with .MQV files - bummer.

hansschmucker

06-23-2003, 04:22 AM

Be sure to check Motion search precision in settings: It's usually set to motion estimate search. Set it to highest quality and you can reduce the video data rate by about 1/3 without any loss in quality. Also set the encode type to non-interlaced.

You can also safely decrease audio quality 224kbit is the standard, but 112 is more then appropriate for a movie

Eddy

06-23-2003, 04:31 AM

Thanks MisterClie & AshVID, very nice going there!
Seems like you guys are getting so close to the actual bitrates which ImageConvertor will accept or generate. This is definitely good news indeed.
There were so many issue being raised here and there, & the main problem being ImageConvertor, that nobody had the exact bitrates that IC accept/produces. Now with this out in the clear, I can free my 1G SanDisk, & surely many others out there with 1G CFs would definitely find this to be a helpful solution. once again thanks for the detailed info. :D

MisterClie

06-23-2003, 04:45 AM

Quick note on the 575/15 settings - I am getting a few pauses every now and then compared to 1150/25. File sizes are a lot smaller though! :)

hansschmucker

06-23-2003, 05:33 AM

About image converter:
The bitrates are accesible via regedit.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Sony Corporation/Image Converter
Datarate settings can be modified (32-128 I believe) as well as Video (32-384?) and framerate (5-15 , multiply *1000)...

jackho

06-23-2003, 07:11 AM

Originally posted by hansschmucker
About image converter:
The bitrates are accesible via regedit.exe
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Sony Corporation/Image Converter
Datarate settings can be modified (32-128 I believe) as well as Video (32-384?) and framerate (5-15 , multiply *1000)...

Yes, video is up to 384 only. I've tried to change it to higher bitrate but failed in conversion.

94519nx60

06-23-2003, 01:56 PM

This is really interesting. Here's another idea (I don't have time to try it right now). How about reducing the pixel size to whatever the Clie screen is? Standard Mpeg1 is 352x240 for NTSC. Combine the pixel reduction with video/audio bitrate reduction and I have a feeling you have some pretty impressive file sizes. I wonder if the Clie would play them.

94519nx60

06-23-2003, 01:59 PM

One reason this might be working is that Mpeg1 is much less processor intensive than Mpeg4 (at least on a pc). I don't know why getting the file from CF vs MS would make such a difference, but if the CF driver is taking system resources that would normally be used for decoding MPEG4 straight from a MS, that could be a factor.

ibooyaka

06-23-2003, 05:45 PM

Great findings indeed! Has anyone had any issues with this method besides perfecting the quality? Do all the files open up or do some still hang w/ a 1gb card? I'm happy my Sandisk may come to use finaly and can't wait to try this method when I get home this evening. Thanks.

MisterClie

06-23-2003, 06:47 PM

ibooyaka,

All files should work fine. All we need to do is work out some optimum settings and TMPGEnc can replace Image Converter until Eruware's driver gets fixed! My 1GB Sandisk plays all movies I have tried without skipping, so faster cards should have no problems at all.

Time to dust the cobwebs off your 1 Giggers :D

pjf357

06-24-2003, 01:14 PM

Hi everybody! My First post.
Just converted the matrix and it works great!
but files where bigger than the 128m limit. They still played!
So I tryed joining them in to one big file with EZ joiner 450megs approx.
Watching it on nx70v now as i write this and it plays great.
Looks like mpeg removes the 128 limit!

pjf357

06-24-2003, 01:27 PM

By the way settings i use in tmpgenc are video 374 kbps 15 fps audio 32000 Hz stereo 96kbps high quality motion scan

Eddy

06-25-2003, 12:46 AM

wow, great going there pjf357! I had the same thought about the 128MB barrier, you've beat me to the test first! This is incredible findings everybody! now we can have one full movie intacted without splitting them into several sections. That is if the movie plays fine without glitching then you won't have to cut it up to pieces. :D

rlpc8

06-25-2003, 08:59 AM

Hello all,

I am using these parameter and it plays really smooth:

video : 380kbit
Audio : 44100, mono, 64Kbitd
fps : 25
video size : 320x240

Daghis

06-25-2003, 10:02 AM

I did some tests with my Sandisk 1GB card and had positive results. I used very low values so I could get more movies on my flash storage to take with me on my upcoming trip. The values I used were 320x240, 255 Kbps video, 112 Kbps audio, 15 fps.

A 1.5 hour movie takes about 260 MB.

Dripps

06-25-2003, 10:07 AM

Will you notice difference if audio is set to stereo or mono in either quality or file size? Sorry if this is too stupid for answer but I've read this thread and already found about 4 different setting suggestions which all report works just fine. I want to know how fine....how many corners can be cut before noticing a difference.

Dripps

06-25-2003, 10:10 AM

By the way I converted my copy of NEMO and think it came out great although I did notice some jerking. I used 320X240 15 fps CBR 575 kps 32000Hz 96 kps audio (I think).

jackho

06-25-2003, 10:39 AM

I I found that 1st time playing has some skippings, but after scroll and replay, it can play smoothly. (320x240 25fps CBR 575 video & 44.1KHz 112Kbps audio)

Although this can help to fix all video problems using CF, it takes too much time to convert. In my old notebook, it takes double than Image Converater (if I use highest quality).

Michael Quach

06-25-2003, 12:40 PM

Anyone try this on a Kingston 1GB yet?

Eddy

06-25-2003, 03:29 PM

A 1.5 hour movie takes about 260 MB.
So with a 1G Compact Flash we can get around 3 movies in there and plenty of room for MP3s and other applications! :D

mkpc

06-25-2003, 04:50 PM

Okay, I am doing everything that has been suggested in this post (settings for TMPGEnc, etc.), but I still cannot play an entire movie from my Sandisk 512CF card without the movie being choppy or freezing up.  I am using the latest version of Eruware's CF driver, the mpeg1 movie plays fine on the PC, it plays on the NZ90, but is choppy and eventually freezes up.  I have tried different settings, even different programs (Pinnacle systems Studio 8), but no luck.  I have broken the movies up into 4 or 5 different sections, and each of those play fine - it's only when I try to do the entire movie that I have problems.

I do not have the MSPro update patch from Sony installed on my NZ90 since I don't have a MSPro and probably won't ever get one.  But a few posts I've read suggested that it is necessary for the CF driver to play movies - or am I misunderstanding that?  Is that only if you have a MSPro? 

I'll install the patch if it will help my movie playing ability, but I don't want to if it won't.  Any suggestions?

Thanks

Eddy

06-25-2003, 05:23 PM

well, this is at your own decision really, but eruware driver 1.2 was mentioned to be working better with the MS Pro Patch, many users had encountered problems dealing with the driver without the MS Pro Patch. Better yet, why not just make a MSBackup then install the MS Pro patch to see if there're any differences, if not then just do a hard-reset and recover your clie back to before? :p

mkpc

06-25-2003, 06:57 PM

Thanks, Eddy - I think I'll do just that.  I'll post later and let you know if it helped or not. 

mkpc

06-25-2003, 08:46 PM

Installed the MSPro Patch - no notable difference in how the movies played.  One thing I did discover (prior to installing the patch) is that the the beginning of the movie is jerky and choppy, but if I stop the movie, then move the slider a few millimeters, then push play, it will play just fine!  If I stop the movie and go back to the beginning, it will still be choppy and jerky. So it seems if I'm content to miss the first part of the movie, the rest will play nicely after moving the slider bar a little.  Wierd...

This behavior remained after installation of the MSPro patch. 

Even with this little anomaly, I'm still THRILLED that I can even play an entire movie (I'm watching "Family Man" right now) from the CF card!  I'm confident the "bugs' will be worked out, eventually.  Meantime, I can live with missing the beginning of the movie!

 

pjf357

06-27-2003, 09:46 AM

Same Here. If I move it just a touch forward plays great.
Kinda strange.

VLevyNYC

06-28-2003, 09:09 PM

Originally posted by MisterClie

3) Rename the output file "MOV00001" and put it in the following directory on your CF card:

/MSSONY/MOML0001/...

In Cliefiles your file should appear as "MOV00001.MPG". If you have more than one file, rename "MOV00002", "MOV00003" etc.

4) Start Movieplayer and choose "MPEG Movie format". Your file will appear and will play very nicely indeed - equivalent to or better than Sony HQ mode!!

Thanks for the instructions! I followed everything but I improvised in #3 because I am not using a CF card, but a 128MB MS. So what I did was put the file in Palm/Programs/MoviePlayer--the same place where the other videos were in. Is that the right direcroty? I dont have a /MSSONY/MOML0001/ directory.

Anyway, needless to say (with my luck) when I opened MoviePlayer there was no Mpeg found there, and I can't seem to have the file played. The file IS on my MS, but I can't get it to play. Arghh!!! D'oh!!

Someone please help

jackho

06-28-2003, 09:30 PM

You need to check the filename and path. Path that should be DCIM/101MSDCF, and filenames should be started from MOV00001.MPG (all in caps).

And also, remember to select MPEG format in MediaPlayer, otherwise, it will show MoviePlayer format only.

VLevyNYC

06-28-2003, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by jackho
You need to check the filename and path. Path that should be DCIM/101MSDCF, and filenames should be started from MOV00001.MPG (all in caps).

And also, remember to select MPEG format in MediaPlayer, otherwise, it will show MoviePlayer format only.

So if I dont have that path, should I create it? Is it "PALM/DCIM/101MSDCF"?

jackho

06-28-2003, 09:44 PM

I tried that both /MSSONY/MOML0001 and /DCIM/101MSDCF paths are working for MoviePlayer, sorry.

They all are under the root of MS or CF. Not in PALM folder. Of course you need to make one by yourself if there hasn't...

LoneWolf

06-29-2003, 12:23 AM

Just want to thank all of you for the hard work on this and are willing to share the info....THANKS!!!!

VLevyNYC

06-29-2003, 01:07 AM

Originally posted by LoneWolf
Just want to thank all of you for the hard work on this and are willing to share the info....THANKS!!!!

Ditto! THREE WORDS: You Guys Rock!!! Just created those folders and am watching Simpsons' "Lemon of Troy" as we speak.

Oh, btw, this may be from left field, but if anyone wants to download EVERY Seinfeld episode ever, some guy put up an FTP site that allows you to do so! I found him on WinMX and he e-mailed me the username/password for the site. Here below is that email if anyone is interested. It just dawned on me that I could share this with everyone as I was watching the first clip; if I cant share technical knowledge, maybe this is the second-best thing! Enjoy!

 If you want to you can download the Seinfeld episodes from my FTP-server. I have all 180 episodes. The address is tp://62.13.56.134/">ftp://62.13.56.134 (moz-txt-link-freetext href=")
User=Seinfeld
Password=Kramer
Username and password is case sensitive.
I suggest you use a FTP program like GetRight or SmartFTP when you download. Good luck and if you have any questions or suggestions  I omitted his email since he didnt send it to this site, but if you do have questions, just post them here and I'll do my best to answer them.

VLevyNYC

06-29-2003, 11:21 AM

Follow-up question: Using these settings (MPEG-1 320x240 15fps CBR 575kbps,  Layer-2 32000Hz 192kbps, mono audio), I am getting a 28MB filed converted into a 125-126MB file. Is that normal--to have a 4x multiple conversion? Can anyone recommend better settings to make the converted file reasonably smaller (eg, 50-60MB, so I fit two episodes on a MS)?

jackho

06-29-2003, 09:32 PM

That depends on your original file's quality, if your sources are not in high quality, better to lower your settings (framerate, streamrate and audio bitrate) during conversion.

You need to check your source for the original info (such as using VirtualDub).

VLevyNYC

06-29-2003, 10:32 PM

OK I download it. How do I check a video file's propertiers using VirtualDub?

skorpiankh

06-29-2003, 11:42 PM

It's actually quite common if the original file was an avi. Avi's use compression to make the file small but mpg1 is a raw file so it is a much larger in comparison. The settings you're using are fine. It's just the trade off of file size for mpeg1 stability using a CF card or use a MS and use image converters mpeg4.

jackho

06-30-2003, 05:47 AM

MPEG1 is also compressed format of video, but not much compression when compared w/ MPEG4 of course. Only uncompressed AVI is raw. For settings mentioned in this thread is to produce a good quality MPEG1 file which size is near to MPEG4 produced by ImageConverter. I tried that method on my video (arround 23mins, original AVI (DiVX5) is more than 200MB) after conversion is only about 120MB (a little bit larger than MQV).

So, I think that the original file is too low quality or too high compression to make this result in VLevyNYC case.

VLevyNYC, did you run VirtualDub first? :) If you opened AVI file, you can go to File -> Properties... But it can only show about resolution, audio bitrate but not video streamrate... And, I think your audio is a little bit high in bitrate, try to lower it to 112 or below...

trayip

07-10-2003, 10:39 PM

Hmm, this didn't seem to work for me. I got a Viking 512 MB CF card. I tried encoding like a 3 minute clip at 320 x 240 (But it did it at 352 x 240 i think), 32000 hz 96kbps (or whatever), 15 fps at 374 kbps. I renamed it and copied it over to the right directory. Movieplayer saw the video and all, but when i tried to play it, nothing happened, it was blank, nothing played. It didn't hang or whatever, it just didn't play the video.

VLevyNYC

07-10-2003, 10:49 PM

I have been encoding Seinfeld episodes to Clie format using the TMPGEnc mentioned earlier. I have converted about 60 files thus far, all around 40MB each, which become about 105MB when converted. Below are the settings I used to get the multiple listed.

2.5x = MPEG-1 320x240 15fps CBR 450kbps,  Layer-2 32000Hz 192kbps (stereo)

2.13x = MPEG-1 320x240 12fps CBR 450kbps,  Layer-2 32000Hz 192kbps (stereo)

3x = MPEG-1 320x240 15fps CBR 575kbps,  Layer-2 32000Hz 192kbps (stereo)

That means you take the original file size (pre-encoded) and multiply by the multiplier to arrive at the Clie-compatible filze size (encoded)

Eddy

07-11-2003, 01:00 AM

Originally posted by trayip
Hmm, this didn't seem to work for me. I got a Viking 512 MB CF card. ......I renamed it and copied it over to the right directory. Movieplayer saw the video and all, but when i tried to play it, nothing happened, it was blank, nothing played. It didn't hang or whatever, it just didn't play the video.
according to what you've mentioned, seems you've done all the proper stuff, like "/MSSONY/MOML001/" with file name "MOV00001.MPG". Try going into MoviePlayer with "mpeg format" selected, click on the properties of the movie, are there full of question marks? (eg. File name:?????, bitrate: ???? file size:???? etc...?)
Either that file is not playable with the CLIE, IMHO, (perhaps with the bitrate settings of the mpeg file not being exactly correct) or might want to double check the Original file name to see if it's correct (but I doublt this has anything to do with the file name since MoviePlayer can see it there). Should be the settings of the mpeg file, that's why can't be played. I had an exact case once, try using the original poster's setting first.

I use 320x240 15fps/ 575kbyte, normal quailty, audio at 32000 196k

trayip

07-11-2003, 02:05 AM

I'll try that and let you know how it goes..cause the wierd thing is, what i'm doing works fine in normal MS..

trayip

07-11-2003, 02:38 AM

Ok Dration is #:18, Bit Rate: V:575/A:192 Stereo
Dimensions: 352 x 240
File Name: MOV0001.MPG
Data Size: 19260 KB

And nothing happens with it..

Eddy

07-11-2003, 05:53 AM

File Name: MOV0001.MPG
File Name missing one digit, MOV00001.MPG, though there shouldn't be any problem playing mpeg movies on CF Cards. & since you did mention that it plays fine off your MS. Could this be the first encounter with "mpeg format" movies not running correctly off CF Card? Can you fill in more information about your CF Card? Size, brand?
Did you use "TMPGEnc"? Surely you did, judging by your statement above.

kantana

07-11-2003, 10:05 AM

I find that MPEG1 files are worse quality than the ones created by image convertor. Also the file sizes are bigger so the bandwidth used is even higher which means the transfer rates from CF/MS has to be higher.
After using uncompressed audio in my AVI files before using image convertor I find all my files play on the Clie. If I want to seek in a file I must stop the movie first or movie player will hang the Clie.

trayip

07-11-2003, 10:29 AM

I tried 2 movies, both didn't play. One was converted from a .rm into a .avi using WinMPG (Indeo 4.5 codec). Then using The program described before, i converted it into an MPEG1 video. The other movie was a .WMV which i just converted using the program straight into an MPEG! video, and it also didn't work.

My card is a 512 MB Viking CF card (488 mb available). I also have an NX70 device, and a lexar 128 MB Memory Stick.

I also copied exactly what you have Eddy for making the MPEG's, except i used 192 KBPS audio instead of 196.

The way i would copy over the movie was either use MSImport or take out the MS and put it in my Sandisk 6in1 reader (b/c MSImport isn't really working for me now for some really odd reason..). Then i would copy it over, and play it on my device (take out the CF card). IT would play perfectly. THEN, i would take out the MS, and put bot h the MS and CF card in the 6in1 reader and copy over the movie in the same folder it read from MS, but in the CF. Then i would take out the CF put it in, mount it, then take out the MS and put it in. Then i'd go to movieplayer and try to play the movie...but to no avail....

I really wanna play movies SOMEHOW, if there was ANY WAY to play movies off the CF card, that would be perfect for me (also if AcidImage would stop freakin' freezing when i play off the CF card...)

Eddy

07-11-2003, 12:29 PM

Matt, I think you're now doing well with your movie playing off CF, nice to see a happy face! :)

Originally posted by Katana
I find that MPEG1 files are worse quality than the ones created by image convertor. Also the file sizes are bigger so the bandwidth used is even higher which means the transfer rates from CF/MS has to be higher.
Correct on the file size, a file from ImageConverter was 36MB/ now 55MB in mpeg format. But quality was the same for me, set the Image quality to highest & you will have a very good looking video. But I do like the imageConvertor better, but this is another workaround.
PS. my video was Final Flight of the Osiris, complete CG, but image quality was great!

After using uncompressed audio in my AVI files before using image convertor I find all my files play on the Clie. If I want to seek in a file I must stop the movie first or movie player will hang the Clie.
This is a known issue, since mpeg4 compressed video is a bit intense while running off CF Card (IMHO), but with the mpeg, I found that (put aside the file size), but actually the video runs very smooth, & I can actually seek without pausing. It behaves just like a regular MS but it's CF. But the file size......

trayip

07-11-2003, 12:36 PM

Yup yup, i am, Thanks to you.

thanks again :)

skorpiankh

07-11-2003, 03:13 PM

I also use a Viking 512CF on my NX60 and have no problem playing MPGs from the CF. Are you using version 1.2 of the Eruware driver?

trayip

07-11-2003, 04:43 PM

Well it all works again, i had Cache On, so i turned it off and everyhting works fine again. My only gripe is that MPEG files are huge, i hop eruware can figure out why normal movies don't work using ImageConverter..

94519nx60

07-11-2003, 08:04 PM

I hadn't taken a look at Movie Player in while and when I did I was surprised to see that it would recognize MPGs on the CF. Poking around some more I noticed this odd behavior:

(1) Movie Player won't see any MPGs on the CF if the MS is inserted. (I'm running Eruware 1.2.)

(2) Movie Player won't see new MPGs on the CF even if the MS is not mounted unless I use Clie Viewer first to look at the file.

(3) If I use Clie Viewer, start playing the file, then return to Movie Player, the not-recognized file is then recognized!

Has anyone else seen this? Any explanation?

ps. NX-60, Eruware 1.2, Pelaca's 1.06 CF Utility, Viking 256MB CF

Eddy

07-12-2003, 12:47 AM

Originally posted by trayip
Well it all works again, i had Cache On, so i turned it off and everyhting works fine again. My only gripe is that MPEG files are huge, i hop eruware can figure out why normal movies don't work using ImageConverter..
Since you use, IMHO, a quite good CF Card, don't use the "Cache ON". It's suppose to enhance the read speed playing mp3s from the CF, but it's actually can cause minor bugs if you use it on CF Cards that don't really need it.
(I personally don't use the "Cache On" ever, it caused problems on my 256SanDisk if I turn cache ON.):(

The disadvantage with mpeg is the file size, yes, this is unavoidable. But in my personaly opinion, it plays quite smooth & less intensive for the Clie to process, you can even seek forward without having to pause the movie. The need to pause, then seek forward, was one of the minor workarounds when playing films converted by ImageConverter off CF Card.
File size for me is alright, I can always adjust or cut down on other films that I don't really need. (but I just don't like it when there's no graphical thumbnail.:() Well, give and take.

djpm05

07-12-2003, 02:31 AM

I have a problem!

I downloaded the CF drivers from the russian NX73 and I am able to look at the card from zlauncher, and all that, but movie player wont recognize the MPEG's. is anyone NOT using the eruware CF drivers?

Eddy

07-12-2003, 05:15 AM

so you are using the regular NX73 CF Slot driver rigth? Not a hacked or modified version?
Try using ClieViewer then it will read both movies stored in MS & also CF Card. This works for both ImageConvertor videos as well as mpeg movies. :)

notbugsbunny

07-14-2003, 11:07 AM

Hi everyone!

Today i got a mail from a guy who had a question about my Seinfeld episodes FTP-server. In his mail he referred to a post sent to this forum and suddenly i got the explanation to why the traffic on my FTP-server has increased dramatically the last few days. Anyway, i don't mind people visiting my server to download the Seinfeld episodes, you are all quite welcome. But please bear in mind that this is a service that i run on a surplus pc which goes up and down pretty much as it likes.

This service also takes away all my outgoing bandwidth from other things that i might want to do so sometimes i just have to shut the server down in order to be able to do other things. Since i'm on a leased 0,5mbit connection that i have in my home it is'nt free for me to use all this bandwidth and i'm on early retirement so i have to pay for it with my pension. So any donations are welcome to help me keep this service up and running. To donate just follow this link:

https://www.paypal.com/xclick/business=notbugsbunny%40notbugsbunny.com&item_name=Seinfeld+episodes+FTP+service&no_note=1&tax=0&currency_code=USD

If you have any questions about anything just drop me a note at seinfeld@notbugsbunny.com. I have omitted all info on how to access the server in this post since the server is under heavy load at the moment. But if you want to know how to access it just send me a mail and i'll help you out.

Finally i will have to thank everyone who made it possible for me to put together this collection of the best tv-series ever. I look forward to the day when it will be released on DVD since i will be in line to buy the whole series that day and i encourage all you fans out there to do the same. But until then i guess we all have to do with these TV-ripped episodes.

Regards

notbugsbunny

scotts

07-16-2003, 08:58 PM

OK I need a little help/advice. I have acquired some of the seinfeld episodes and have tried to follow the advice in the first message of this thread. I can get the movie to play with sound but no picture. I am just learning about vidoe conversions, etc. so I am sure it is some dumb thing I am missing. Anyone feel like tutoring a newbie? Using a NX80, CF card and mini's patched CFPlayer.
Thanks

scotts

07-17-2003, 06:54 PM

with all the new Clie activity I am hoping a bump of this message will get someone to respond
thanks

OK I need a little help/advice. I have acquired some of the seinfeld episodes and have tried to follow the advice in the first message of this thread. I can get the movie to play with sound but no picture. I am just learning about vidoe conversions, etc. so I am sure it is some dumb thing I am missing. Anyone feel like tutoring a newbie? Using a NX80, CF card and mini's patched CFPlayer.

Eddy

07-17-2003, 10:59 PM

I tried to reply last night, but as you've mentioned with all the new CLIE activity & Cliesource was hit by tremendous traffic! :eek:
My reply was actually delete then "Server not found" my gosh..

First of all, I'm not an expert whatsoever (so don't shoot) :)
If I didn't recall wrongly, those Seinfeld episodes were in mpeg format? & since you get only sound but no picture then I would assume you've converted them with ImageConverter?
Have you tried them on your MemoryStick to see if they function correctly first before transferring them to the CompactFlash?

Perhaps try the suggested TMPGEnc video edit tool mentioned on the first page of this thread. It is free & simple to use, & converts those episodes to plain CLIE friendly playable format (mpeg1). Though size is bigger in comparison to MQV (mpeg4 by imageconverter)

But MPG files must be named correctly inorder to for MoviePlayer to play them correctly. Then place the movies into the directory /MSSONY/MOML0001/, movie file to be named strictly as eg. "MOV00001.MPG" then open MoviePlayer & choose the mpeg format, you should see you movie there. :)

Hope this helps a bit. keep posting if you have problems. ;)

scotts

07-19-2003, 06:09 AM

thanks for the suggestion Eddy but I figured out what I did wrong. Using TMPGRnc, I have to process the .avi file in both the audio and the video box. I was only asking the program to re-code audio. Didn't undestand that the .avi file has both aspects coded together in one file. Happy to say I know can watch the Seinfeld epis on my Clie. By the way, since the TMPGEnc yields a large mpeg file (over 200MB) I tried running the outputted mpeg through Image Converter and it reduced the file size to around 40 MB and seems to play just as well in the .mqv format.

Eddy

07-19-2003, 06:21 AM

Originally posted by scotts
By the way, since the TMPGEnc yields a large mpeg file (over 200MB) I tried running the outputted mpeg through Image Converter and it reduced the file size to around 40 MB and seems to play just as well in the .mqv format.
yes indeed, MQV format are mpeg4 & higher compression (small file size), yet allowing very good quality in both video & audio.
Also playable with QuickTime6 right off the PC.
the mpeg is a work around for large CF Cards that some MQVs just wouldn't work on. :)

VLevyNYC

07-19-2003, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by scotts
By the way, since the TMPGEnc yields a large mpeg file (over 200MB) I tried running the outputted mpeg through Image Converter and it reduced the file size to around 40 MB and seems to play just as well in the .mqv format.

How are you doing that? I thought Image Converter only can output the files to a MS? Is there a way I can use Image Converter to convert the TMPG-encoded .mpg files and have the yielded (converted) file to my hard drive?

Eddy

07-19-2003, 11:55 PM

you can convert the files with ImageConverter & store them to your HDD & view them off your PC with QuickTime6. (Before copying them to your MS or CF) :)
There'll be a prompt asking you "invalid storage media, go ahead anyways?", just click yes, & you'll see "/MQ_ROOT/MOV0001/ on your HDD. Inside you'll find you MQV movie clip! :p

VLevyNYC

07-20-2003, 09:55 PM

Thanks! I'll give it a shot

skorpiankh

07-22-2003, 07:00 PM

Just to add to Eddy's post. If you want to transfer the files to the Clie later you'll need the thumbnail file in th \Palm\programs\movieplayer folder

anand78

07-25-2003, 09:19 PM

Originally posted by skorpiankh
It's actually quite common if the original file was an avi. Avi's use compression to make the file small but mpg1 is a raw file so it is a much larger in comparison. The settings you're using are fine. It's just the trade off of file size for mpeg1 stability using a CF card or use a MS and use image converters mpeg4.

joerush

07-25-2003, 10:06 PM

Anand78, the Mpeg-1 format would be considered RAW generally, in most cases,

On a seperate note, I am re-encoding my video files into mpeg-1 formats on a 320x240 resolution, 512bitrate (video), 128bitrate (audio), 32000hz, at 19.97fps with TMPGENC. Although this causes the filesize to be increased significantly, the image quality and audio quality is exceptional, and it runs smoothly on my NZ90. The only problem that I am facing so far is not being able to watch it full-screen without the video hanging intermittently, the audio will continue to play on without any hitches though, I guess I will be able to live along with that.

Rgds,
joe

nickster87

07-30-2003, 09:50 PM

So what are setting that I would want to use if I want VERY good image and audio quality, and also want to play my movie fullscreen?

Thanks a bunch!!!

This thread ROCKS!;)

weelogic

07-31-2003, 02:33 PM

The answer is out there somewhere, I know...

I have just added CF utility to my NX60, and bought a 128 meg CF, but MoviePlayer cannot see the movies that I copied from my Memory Stick. What am I doing wrong, or what do I need to do to get MoviePlayer to access the files?

Regards

weelogic

nickster87

07-31-2003, 07:45 PM

Still want to know best high quality setting.;)

Eddy

07-31-2003, 11:47 PM

Originally posted by weelogic
I have just added CF utility to my NX60, and bought a 128 meg CF, but MoviePlayer cannot see the movies that I copied from my Memory Stick. What am I doing wrong, or what do I need to do to get MoviePlayer to access the files?

ImageConverter MOV00001.MQV files goes into /MQ_ROOT/100MQV01

mpeg format goes into /MSSONY/MOML0001/ with files named as MOV00001.MPG

Do you have Eruware's CF driver?
Otherwise you might need the patch file from pelica or CliePet's 3-bit patch before you can run movies off your CF Card. :)

CliePet's NX73 Hack
Day 1 (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18469)
Day 2 (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18553)
Day 3 (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18696)
Day 4 (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18731)

pelaca
New CFUtility with modem and storage support (Data Import included) (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18750)

Eddy

08-01-2003, 12:03 AM

Originally posted by nickster87
So what are setting that I would want to use if I want VERY good image and audio quality, and also want to play my movie fullscreen?
As joerush have already mentioned his video settings in the previous page.
video files into mpeg-1 formats on a 320x240 resolution, 512bitrate (video), 128bitrate (audio), 32000hz, at 19.97fps with TMPGENC.
Although it is possible to have a full screen size movie without the MoviePlayer's scretch screen function, IMHO, unless you have a very huge volume CompactFlash Card, I personally don't recommend going full screen, since that would result in a very large file size. :p (eg, you want to play an entire 1.5hr. movie)

With mpeg format, sticking with the default 320x240 screen size itself would already generate a bigger file compared to ImageConverter.
On an average basis, my movies are converted with the settings below & already generates around 500MB in total with a 1.5hr movie. :eek:

Stream Type: MPEG-1 Video
Size : 320 x 240
Frame rate : 15 fps (30 fps internally)
Bitrate : 575 kbits/ sec
Motion search precision : Highest Quality (slowest)

Audio : MPEG-1 Audio Layer II
Sampling frequency : 32000 Hz
Channel Mode : Stereo
Bitrate : 192 kbits/ sec

The above settings were of very good quallity to me personally.
Hope this will serve as a better reference for you. :)

nickster87

08-01-2003, 11:07 AM

Thanks!

Eddy

08-01-2003, 04:34 PM

New solution dealing with ImageConverter movies off 1G CF Cards. :eek:

SanDisk 1G CompactFlash Card
Previously was unable to playback many movies converted by ImageConverter, least this was how this thread started.

Then mpeg format was the alternative solution as a workaround to run movies off 1G size CF Cards.
Today, I just tried CliePet's 3-bit patch on my NX70 & all High Quality movies from ImageConverter played back like a charm on my 1G SanDisk! :eek:

If mpeg format ends up to be to clumbersome, & the huge size, then definitely a must to try this method. :D
How sweet to bump into this

Eddy

08-01-2003, 04:39 PM

battery consumption:(

With my NX70.....
Though I've noticed battery drains somewhat quicker compared to using Eruware's CF Driver, least now all ImageConverter movie files work off my 1G SanDisk! :eek:

Just give & take. :D
Only in my personal experience, & humble opinion. :)

sonycrazie

08-06-2003, 07:21 PM

[With my NX70.....
Though I've noticed battery drains somewhat quicker compared to using Eruware's CF Driver, least now all ImageConverter movie files work off my 1G SanDisk! :eek:

Hi Eddy,
I'm just wondering how to do you convert the movie that is larger than 128 mb in IC and how to convert it from IC directly to the 1GB CF card. I always get the message saying that not enough memory in the MS..... by the way, there is no CF card option when you use the IC. Any workaround method out there?
Cheers
Stephen

Eddy

08-07-2003, 05:09 AM

sorry the the misunderstanding :p, what I meant by the above post was that by using another CF patch I was able to get all ImageConverter movie files to play off my 1G Sandisk without problems. :)

However, the issue with the 128MB ImageConverter barrier still exist, I just wonder if there's any method that may bypass this issue. :( For now I'm still having 2 diverted sections for each movie.

The issue with the 128MB from ImageConverter has always been present, what I meant by the above post was mainly because there were other users who also has huge size cards that doesn't support all ImageConverter movies, eg. 8 of 10 *.MQV files will play but there would still be least one or 2 *.MQV files that wouldn't play. Now the problem is gone with Cliepet's 3-bit on my NX70. :D

Eddy

08-07-2003, 05:12 AM

but sonycrazy, this might be of help for you, it's an external patch that works with ImageConverter that will allow you to customize your settings. (frame rates as well as video quality), & thereby allows the reduction of file size. Hope this would help. :)

By hansschmucher
Hansschmucher's ImageConverter patch (http://www.cliesource.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18768)

jackho

08-10-2003, 12:30 AM

Eddy,

Actually hansschmucher's program is a IC's registry editor. In my point of view, patch is direct modification of the program (not settings), like CliePet's 3-bits CF driver patch, mini's AudioPlayer patch...

And if CliePet's 3-bits patch can solve HQ video playback problem, then I think original Sony driver w/ mini's patch can also works fine...

I will be free in next week, then I can have a test on mini's patch and try to have a look on UX50.

Michael Quach

08-18-2003, 12:38 AM

Someone please tell me exactly what directory to put the MPG file? I've combed over this thread a thousand times, and I can't get the CFMovie Player to recognize it.

I've placed it in CF/DCIM/101MSDCF and CF/MSSONY/MOML0001. The file name is MOV00001.MPG.

I'm a total putz... help me out :(

RoyoftheRovers

08-18-2003, 12:58 AM

Try the following:

MQ_ROOT > 100MQV01 > files.

If these directories do not exist you will have to manually create them first.

Cheers,

Eddy

08-19-2003, 12:06 AM

*.MQV from ImageConverter's movies goes into:
/MQ_ROOT/100MQV01/ all the clips from ImageConverter goes into this directory. In file names eg. MOV00001.MQV

MPEG1 files goes into /MSSONY/MOML0001/ & files must strictly be named to eg. MOV00001.MPG inorder for MoviePlayer to read them. :)

hansschmucker

08-28-2003, 09:18 AM

Just a general reminder.... you can further improve image quality by increasing the number of P frames per GOP in TMPG (I frames contain a full image, while P frames contain only what has changed since the last frame, B frames reconstruct the image from the previous AND the following frame, however they don't seem to work on Cliés)

P.S. for those who were looking for me: I got a serious PC crash (CPU burned out) and I'm still recovering... Internet is working again, but no EMail yet (have to restore my old OS to get my account settings)

Michael Quach

08-28-2003, 05:29 PM

Originally posted by Eddy
*.MQV from ImageConverter's movies goes into:
/MQ_ROOT/100MQV01/ all the clips from ImageConverter goes into this directory. In file names eg. MOV00001.MQV

MPEG1 files goes into /MSSONY/MOML0001/ & files must strictly be named to eg. MOV00001.MPG inorder for MoviePlayer to read them. :)

What am I doing wrong? I still can't get this to work....

Michael Quach

08-28-2003, 05:33 PM

Oh.... never mind.... I figured it out.... my file was named MOV00001.mpg instead of MOV00001.MPG!! How quirky....

Eddy

08-28-2003, 09:36 PM

glad you've got it working! so I see MoviePlayer is very particular to its' files, case sensitive. :D

Halesy

10-19-2003, 06:42 PM

So Eddy (or anyone else), now that I'm back in CLIEland, what's the best way to watch movies? MPEG1 direct, or DivX/Image Converter?

Anyone got any CLIE format movies they wish to share? I've a few...

Eddy

10-20-2003, 02:09 PM

So what has happened to your Clie there in your avatar? Halsey? :eek:

well, playback via CF card would be best (in my opinion) to be at 12fps using ImageConverter. :D

Mpeg-1 is nice but file size is too big compare to ImageConverter. ;)

Halesy

10-20-2003, 02:59 PM

Annoyed my girlfriend - hey it still works though, even after a serious impact...

Regarding MPEG1, yeah tried to do as suggested and the file was getting huge. Trying to convert some more stuff now and use the hacked NX73 drivers. Let you know how it goes.

BTW, you said there was bad links on my site, if you have time let me know what they were and I'll sort them.

Eddy

10-21-2003, 03:14 AM

Originally posted by Halesy
Regarding MPEG1, yeah tried to do as suggested and the file was getting huge. Trying to convert some more stuff now and use the hacked NX73 drivers. Let you know how it goes.
Woah.... sorry to hear about your incident with your girlfriend & CLIE. :(
Well, surely things are ratified now, since your NX is now looking the way it is in your avatar. Ouch... :eek:
Any plans on getting it fixed?

Yeah, the mpeg-1 file size are quite big. I prefer ImageConverter ver.1.1, this updated version allows *.MQV file conversion of up to 2 hours! You can simply have one single file for most movies that are below 120mins. :p

Oh, I think those bad links are just because I couldn't download some movies from your site. Perhaps your server wasn't up. Cheers! :)

SeveR

10-21-2003, 04:47 AM

Here is a fix for the movies that start off choppy but work if u seek forward a bit....

Go into TMPGEnc's "GOP structure" settings

1. Click Standard
2. Check off "Force picture type setting" and then "Detect scene change".
3. Click the settings button and click on the first 10 frames so they are red "I pictures". (rightclick for more options)

It might work with less but havnt bothered to try yet. hehe enjoy

Halesy

10-21-2003, 05:03 PM

Eddy,

I've installed ImageConverter 1.1 and using the advice on this thread I saved and copied back my  .exe as I can't read Japanese.  I was able to convert T3 today but the 128M limit remained, probably due to the old .exe.  If I reinstalled the Jap version it might work - but then I've no idea what it all says.  At the moment T3 is CLIE HQ but in 4 files, combined size 373MB.  So T3 is now in MQV but I think I got the image size wrong.  At the moment it is 320 x 240 and displays too small in the CLIE, so trying again with 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly' to see what it looks like (480 x 320).  BTW, is IC 1.1 is English?  If so, where?

However some updates to the recommendations on www.halesy.com/vcd (http://www.halesy.com/vcd).  In the past I needed to set ImageConverter to SQ as the CF drivers couldn't handle HQ.  Now I'm using the Pelaca hacked drivers and HQ now works from CF (for me).  Another thing I found out today, in VirtualDub when converting a file for ImageConverter to read MP3 can now be specified as the audio format, although my testing doesn't show any difference in the resulting file size.  I'm also now using DiVX 5.1, not any real difference but I like to stay up to date.  So I should update my site with this info.

And finally... I've taken the downloads of my website, for a number of reasons, now they're hosted on FTP (on my PC).  I could however put the file list on my website to save the hassle of FTPing just to find out if there's anything new.

So it's been a busy day.:cool:

Halesy

10-21-2003, 08:02 PM

FYI, just done some testing.

All things being equal I played around with bit rate, from 64kbit/s to 384kbit/s.  I used VirtualDub/DiVX5.1 to change the original (283kbit/s) to 64, 128 and 384kbit/s.  The outputs from VirtualDub were all different sizes (although not by much).  However, after running through IC set to high, they ended up being the same size.  From what I can tell IC defaults to 384kbit/s no matter what you put in, so there's no reason to go below 384kbit/s when converting video for IC.

Oh, and I can't seem to get MP3 working properly again.

jackho

10-22-2003, 12:55 AM

Originally posted by Halesy
FYI, just done some testing.

All things being equal I played around with bit rate, from 64kbit/s to 384kbit/s. I used VirtualDub/DiVX5.1 to change the original (283kbit/s) to 64, 128 and 384kbit/s. The outputs from VirtualDub were all different sizes (although not by much). However, after running through IC set to high, they ended up being the same size. From what I can tell IC defaults to 384kbit/s no matter what you put in, so there's no reason to go below 384kbit/s when converting video for IC.

That's because output bitrates are the same. For example, if you use VirtualDub to convert 2 video files (same video but different bitrates, i.e. low and high) in same output bitrate, then the output is same or nearly to same. So if source's bitrate is lower than output's, then those spaces are wasted..

And for you IC 1.1 problem, someone posted the link of EN version in this or video forum. Try to search it...

Eddy

10-22-2003, 01:18 AM

yeah, Halesy, the English ImageConverter v1.1 is burried somewhere in this video column. I didn't bookmark it. So kinda lost the link to it. It's 25.3MB in file size. If you can't find it, you should know my email. If you still have it that is. But that's quite a big file to send off. :(

Good to know that you're now getting MoviePlayer to playback HighQuality mode off CF Card! :D
Isn't life just full of surprises? ;)

I see you've alot of work to catch up. Busy busy busy! :p

Halesy

10-22-2003, 04:46 AM

Regarding bit rates, if the source is 283kbit/s (as in my example) and outputs were 64, 128 and 384 from VirtualDub then I the file sizes should be different. But yes, output from IC will be the same as it seems to padding the space up to 384kbit/s.

So my conclusion is that there's no point in mucking around with bit rates in VirtualDub when IC does what it wants and the size of the resulting file is not affected. It's best to keep the bit rate above the 384kbit/s mark to ensure the smallest amount of info is lost when using IC.

jackho

10-22-2003, 06:40 AM

I read some posts in video forum, someone got problems in converting video using IC, they need to convert the source in different resolutions or bitrate (especially when source during is too long, older version of IC will split into several section, problems always occurs in 2nd and/or 3rd part). Although I haven't such problems...

And someone said such conversion can save time.. But my VAIO notebook is too slow so I won't do such test... :)

But different codex's bitrates are not in equal quality (like DivX and QT MPEG4). It is too complicated to calculate or estimate "quality". So I always just left them and only convert audio part, then use IC's HQ option. Unless the video is too bad...