I don't want to convert to mpeg!

[StormFighter]

A few days ago I wanted to convert some .avi files using the Sony Image Converter. On nine out of ten files I received a "not supported" error message. I finally found out the software doesn't support AVI2.0 but only the old AVI1.0 format. I found a way to convert my files to the old format and the Image Converter accepted and converted them.
The files made their way to a 256MB MS and got added to the playlist in Movie Player. When I try to play one of these newly converted files, the player almost immediately skips to the next file. I can step through the whole movie using the slider but I cannot play it.

Browsing through older threads I understand most of you convert your files to mpeg first. Is there any way to get around of that? I mean, if IC accepts and converts a file, why the h*?% doesn't it play it?
Help Please??

[bdhu2001]

Use Virtual Dub and Div 5.1 codec when you compress. IC will take your avi files.

[Egalus]

I also convert my files to divx. But I guess you made one big mistake, you have to use uncompressed audio in the avis.

And if you want to get best quality make the divx with as much bitrate as possible.

[bdhu2001]

Egalus, you think the uncompressed audio would actually stop the movie from playing?

I thought it might make the film and the sound be out of sync, but not totally stop the movie from playing.

[Halesy]

I've done a bunch of conversions using VirtualDub and DiVX5 and I've written the instructions down. Check out the following link, it might be of use to you:

http://www.halesy.com/vcd/clie.htm

[bdhu2001]

Thanks Halesy,
that's what I'm using. I just didn't p/u that a total freeze in video might be the audio track.
BTW, great instructions. Once I stopped bouncing around picking up bits and pieces of advice and totally stuck to yours, it worked!!!

[Halesy]

Glad to be of assistance

[StormFighter]

It works, thank you very much everyone!

[Egalus]

@Halsey
maybe you should suggest to use the highest bitrate for the divx files possible to get the best quality for the converted MQV.
And maybe two or three words about interlaced sourcevideos would help people understand why they get strange results if they do not "repair" the damage done by interlaced material.

[Halesy]

Fair enough point regarding highest bitrate settings. However, I don't know enough to put in the two or three points about interlaced video, maybe you could suggest them and I'll put them in :-)

[Edlin]

I just use TMPGenc <http://www.tmpgenc.net/> with the convert to mov plugin <http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/4942/svcd.html> and then run them through image convertor. Havent discovered any problems....yet?
A bit quick & dirty, but its easy.

[Halesy]

My issue with TMPGenc is that the output is lower quality, as the input to ImageConverter is MPEG1. Using VirtualDub your input to ImageConverter is MPEG4 equivalent and so the resulting file is of higher quality (in my experience).

[edlin]

Originally posted by Halesy
My issue with TMPGenc is that the output is lower quality, as the input to ImageConverter is MPEG1. Using VirtualDub your input to ImageConverter is MPEG4 equivalent and so the resulting file is of higher quality (in my experience).

That makes sense... I thought there must be a reason.... though I output to .mov.... would that still be lower quality?

[Halesy]

If you've got less information going in then you're going to have less coming out. As I've mentioned, ImageConverter is MPEG4 equivalent, if you high quality input then you have high quality output. If you have carp then you get carp out ;-)