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CliePet

10-08-2004, 08:28 PM

Day 2 - Movies Movies and more Movies

This is part 2 ("day 2") of a continuing series discussing the new cool PDA, the CLIE VZ90
See here for part1 http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69411

The VZ90 comes with MP4 support.
This is not as new as it sounds, because most recent CLIEs already support MPEG-4 format packaged in Quick Time format (MQV files)

This article focuses on the movie playing on the VZ90, especially with the brilliant screen.
The bulk of the article applies to the UX50, and TH55 model CLIEs (some hacks required)
Earlier models (like the NX and NZ) are included in the discussion, but the new MP4 and IC2 features do not apply.

-----------
Much of this article is culled and distilled from earlier posts on this BBS, so it may look familiar.
Many thanks to the contributions from 1src member 'Imame'.

DISCLAIMER: The issues of video editing, compression, are varied.
There are many other alternatives, and this article can only barely scratch the surface of video editing and processing tools and processes.

My goals here are getting the richest movie experience on your PDA, with the least amount of your time invested.
High quality video - high bit rates, 320x240 or larger. Source material DVD quality.
Easy to process tools - ie. things that can be done automatically, no manual editing or time wasting transcoding steps

====================================
Movie playing hardware and software - inside the CLIE

Movie file decoding and playing is built into the CLIE system.
The movie playing applications you see (Movie Player, the Media Center version and the brand new FullMoviePlayer) provide the user interface to select the movies and control the volume, seeking and other controls of the movie player. The real work of movie file reading, decoding and playback is done in the system itself.

On the plus side, this means it is easy to write a new player with a new user interface, and playback functionality is relatively standard across similar CLIE models. It is done very efficiently in the lower level system (meaning longer battery life)
On the minus side, the movie formats supported are limited and must be in very specific formats or they won't play with the built-in players. For example you can't add DivX support.

The same kind of relationship exists with AudioPlayer (specific formats required, but very optimized playback and longer battery life compared to 3rd party players that do the decoding themselves)

-----------
The two MPEG-4 formats:
"QT" - Quick Time - .MQV or .MOV = QuickTime packaged MPEG-4 video and audio
"MP4" - .MP4 = MPEG packaged MPEG-4 video and audio

These two formats are very similar. The CLIE support for playing them back is different. The tools for creating them are very different (IC1 or IC2)
NOTE: MPEG-1 playback is supported. The MOV and MP4 options are much better, so I will ignore the MPEG-1 format from now on.

The bit rate of the video is also an important factor.
The most interesting rates for this discussion are 384kbps and 768kbps for video. There are lower rates, and you can create videos that are in-between.

Here are some of the more interesting permutations:

QT 216kbps - 320x240 @ 15fps "Standard"
QT 384kbps - 320x240 @ 15fps "High Quality" [NOTE: best quality of the VR100K video recorder]
QT 768kbps - 320x240 @ 30fps "High Plus Quality"

MP4 192kbps - 320x240 @ 15fps Standard
MP4 384kbps - 320x240 @ 15fps HQ
MP4 768kbps - 320x240 @ 30fps HQ+
MP4 768kbps - 480x320 @ 15fps (or 20fps) TWEEKED "Full Screen"

The QuickTime formats are supported by most models [NX/NZ, TH, UX, NZ] except the largest movies (768kbps). This "High Plus Quality" is officially supported on the UX and VZ only.
There is an older hack http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57855 that allows them to play on the TH55 (don't bother to install if you want to use MP4)

The MP4 formats are officially only supported on the VZ90. For TH and UX owners, Imame has provided the VZ codecs. NOTE: requires recent version of McFile
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69398 (just the Codecs, Media Center is not needed if you use FullMoviePlayer)
[note: hacks are not officially supported, falls in the light gray area of piracy IMHO]

For NX/NZ owners, enjoy the standard offerings (QT 384kbps at best) and forget about the new MP4 format and IC2, you aren't missing much IMHO. The FullMoviePlayer mentioned below can be used for those movies as well.

====================================
Image Converter 1 or 2?

IC1 - "Image Converter" (version 1 or 1.1) creates QT files (MQV extension).
IC2 - "Image Converter 2" creates MP4 files

The resulting movie output is very similar between the two (remember both are MPEG-4 video/audio, but the encoders are different). Which tool to use will depend on the model of CLIE

For VZ90 owners, you should use Image Converter 2 (IC2, almost exclusively)
For NX/NZ owners, you should use Image Converter 1 (IC1) only

If you have a UX/TH and already have a process with Image Converter 1, then I recommend sticking with it.
If you want to experiment with 480x320 video, or want to try using IC2 for its more tolerant input, then do so (codec hack required)

Image Converter 2 can be found here:
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69393 (starting from the 3rd post)
The installation process has the same problems when run under English Windows, so do the first part install, then unzip the backup files.
The user interface is in Japanese and a partial english translation is being worked on by jackho (also on that thread)

Other than the user interface and output differences, the newer IC2 is more tolerant of the movie input formats it will import. That can be a significant reason to use it, even if you are using the standard resolutions.

====================================
Other stupid CLIE tricks - 480x320 movies

With the new Image Converter 2, it is relatively easy to compress movies directly ripped from DVD to MP4 files.

The default "High Plus Quality" is 768kbps. The high bit rate is used to give you 30 frames per second (320x240).
When played back full screen, a 320x240 video can be scaled by 4/3 giving a 426x320 display (very common with the regular player - small gaps on either side)

As an alternative, you can use IC2 to create 480x320 video files. They will fill the whole screen, with no scaling. It has twice as many pixel bits as 320x240. It can't play back at 30 frames per second, so you must reduce it to 15 or 20 fps.
These will playback on a VZ90 (or UX/TH with VZ codec hack)

So if you want slightly better full screen movies, at a slightly lower frame rate, I recommend 480x320 encoded video.
To encode the video install one of the .REG files below, restart IC2, and pick the '768kbps' setting. The output .MP4 file will depend on the last .REG file you installed.

NOTE: Playing a 480x320 video with the regular movie player has a few problems. The controls are on the side, so it interfers with the playback. See FMP (Full Movie Player) below.

-----------
REGEDIT settings (for tweeking IC2's 768kbps super-HQ settings)

Samples:
Default: (320x240, 30fps)
+++ Copy the following lines and save them as DEFAULT.REG

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\Image Converter 2\2.0]
"SH_STEREO"=dword:00000002
"SH_AUDIO"=dword:00000080
"SH_VIDEO"=dword:00000300
"SH_FRAMERATE"=dword:00007512
"SH_WIDTH"=dword:00000140
"SH_HEIGHT"=dword:000000f0

Full Screen good for Anime: (480x320, 15fps)
+++ Copy the following lines and save them as FULL_15FPS.REG

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\Image Converter 2\2.0]
"SH_STEREO"=dword:00000002
"SH_AUDIO"=dword:00000080
"SH_VIDEO"=dword:00000300
"SH_FRAMERATE"=dword:00003a89
"SH_WIDTH"=dword:000001e0
"SH_HEIGHT"=dword:00000140
/

Full Screen better for regular movies (480x320, 20fps)
+++ Copy the following lines and save them as FULL_20FPS.REG

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\Image Converter 2\2.0]
"SH_STEREO"=dword:00000002
"SH_AUDIO"=dword:00000080
"SH_VIDEO"=dword:00000300
"SH_FRAMERATE"=dword:00004e0c
"SH_WIDTH"=dword:000001e0
"SH_HEIGHT"=dword:00000140

====================================
Image Converter 2 - Input file formats:

The official list of input formats that IC2 will convert to MP4 files:
MPEG1
AVI
GigaPocket (Sony's PVR software/hardware in some VAIOs)
Windows Media Video (WMV)

NOTE: if you have an MPEG2 decoder in your system registered with Windows, IC2 will be able to process MPEG-2 videos directly (no extra transcoding pass needed, see below)
[eg: EleCard MPEG2 player - http://www.elecard.com - free version with imperfect video - or $20 to register]

====================================
DVD direct to MP4 (or MOV) - no transcoding

"Transcoding" is the process of converting one (video) format to another. If you have used a program like TMPGENC or VirtualDub to pre-process your video files before feeding them into IC1, that is an extra transcoding step.
Extra transcoding steps can take a lot of time, eat up disk space for temporary video files, and lower the quality of the final video (decoding and re-encoding video is a 'lossy' process)
The final process of converting the video to MP4 (or QT) format is also a transcoding step. This is a necessary step, but try to avoid extra pre-processing unless you absolutely have to.

Here's one suggestion for converting a DVD movie to a high quality 480x320 MP4 to play on the VZ90 - which looks beatiful.
All the tools are free, except for the MPEG2 decoder (I use the EleCard one, $20 registration)

I use "DVD Decrypter" to rip individual chapters (and stream processing to pick audio track) into separate VOBs. I assume you know how to do that already (if not, play around with DVD Decrypter on your PC). Creates about 4 to 6 GB of VOB files on hard disk [depending on DVD]. These contain the DVD movie with zero quality loss from the original.

SYSTEM CHECK: Run the old Windows Media player MPlayer2 (\WINDOWS\MPLAYER2.EXE). Drag one of the VOB files to the player and see if it plays.
If it doesn't play, you don't have an MPEG2 decoder registered in your PC. If it plays with a funny graphic floating on the screen, that's normal for the free decoder (will go away if you register)

If it plays as you expect (including the proper language track), then rename all the .VOB files to .MPG

Run the appropriate .REG file for the IC2 settings (eg: for 480x320, 20fps for normal movies, 15fps for Anime) -- see above
Run IC2 (after the proper .REG file is used)
Drag all MPG files to the left hand list
Select the "768kpbs" MP4 conversion option
Start the conversion (and go get a coffee or two)
Delete the big VOB/MPG files when done (you don't need them anymore)

When done, you will have the entire movie compressed into MP4 format, in convenient chapter format.

The MP4 files (768kbps) are about 1/7th the size as the original [can fill much of a 1GB memory stick with a single movie - but it looks great]
TIP: if storing 768kbps on a CF card, be sure it is fast enough

====================================
====================================
Full Movie Player - FMP - beta

The standard movie players have controls on the side when the movie is playing.
I wrote a simple player called "Full Movie Player" (FMP) that provides a bare user interface for playing these kinds of videos.
It will play any movie supported for that model CLIE (MPEG-1, QT, and MP4 if supported) as long as the regular movie player can play it (remember the system does all the work in playing the video)

It is essential if you want to try the "480x320" movies as recommended above. FMP can also be used for other size movies, and scaled up to fit the screen (as best it can, with one of 5 scale factors)

Check this page for more details and download info (this is a beta)
http://aibohack.com/clie/fullmovie.htm

The program runs on the VZ90 and UX50 (landscape mode). In the UX50, there is a white border instead of black.
The program also runs on capable portrait mode PDAs, including the NX, NZ and TH series (it probably won't run on any other models).

Known issues:
- the movie display is of filenames only. You can rename the files (but the standard movie player will no longer see them). Future versions of FMP will use the regular movie info (eg: .mai files)
- sometimes you will see lines or bars on the side of the video, try a different scale factor.
- some features are not accessible on the TH-55 (no keyboard), like the volume control.

Enjoy

lmame

10-09-2004, 04:48 AM

Great day two :D

nausicaa

10-09-2004, 05:47 AM

yay, Cliepet! (btw you are really legendary. your Cliepet moniker comes up as the hero of NX users in clie forums everywhere ) Anyways I have yet to enjoy the pleasure of high-end clie tweaking (i have the practical TJ37) so I really appreciate your posts (vicarious enjoyment). :D
With the VZ launch, the hankering for a wild pda spending spree has me in its clutches (er, for my budget, wild spending spree would mean upgrading to UX refurb & enjoying keyboard shortcuts to reduce stylus use). I really hope the fact that vz90 is landscape will send a huge ripple effect of cool apps & ideas etc down to the UX !

p.s. nice hmpg! the cute picture of the panda working on itty-bitty laptop computer (the ux50) is great!!! :cool:

p.s.p.s. before i saw the aibo robots, i had this vague impression that your cliepet id was a reference to chia pet (those funny-shaped pottery planters) ~ lol :P :p

MCheiron

10-09-2004, 08:36 AM

Great Thing!!! It´s working on my TH55!!! The only thing is, that there are white borders (but it is only a beta version ;))

So great work. Thanks

MCheiron

10-09-2004, 08:45 AM

Oh, it was just a question of the converting options. Now I have only a small white border.

I am really happy with "Day 2"

SonyStyle

10-09-2004, 12:32 PM

well i changed the settings in regedit in image converter 2 SH_FRAMERATE- 19.98, SH_HEIGHT: 320 SH_WIDTH :480. it seems that it crops out the center part of the movie and when i play it on my ux50 , it enrlages it. i dont' get how to convert movies to 320x480 pixels

lmame

10-09-2004, 12:54 PM

Eddy

10-09-2004, 01:10 PM

Great review on Day2! Thank you so much Cliepet, & not to forget Imame, & Jackho. :)
Time for more extensive video testing on my UX50. :)

ato

10-09-2004, 02:18 PM

OMG......thank you..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
be work hard and make a better version!!

i use Mcfile overwrite the AVX codec,but some say fail,anyone help??

i try to play 20fps MP4 movie on TH55....it has little laggy about 4-5 second
but play well on 15fps.when i try to play MQV,it can smooth playback 320x240 HQ+ @30fps with full screen...wow...
MO,how MAX it can play with MPEG-1??
before only work 320x240 @20fps 1150kbs

he's the sample
http://www.atoapple.com/ato/file/M4V00002.MP4

MrNako

10-09-2004, 03:21 PM

Wow CliePet!! Your Movie Player works great on my TH55!!! So this means that we have full screen videos without sacrificing precious battery life like with other applications that doesn't use Sony's HHE chip!!

I would also like a black background so that it looks better when watching a video.

Keep up the good job!!

lmame

10-09-2004, 03:41 PM

OMG......thank you..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
be work hard and make a better version!!

and i try to use Mcfile overwrite the AVX codec,but some say fail,anyone help??

i try to play 20fps MP4 movie on TH55....it has little laggy about 4-5 second
but play well on 15fps.

he's the sample
http://www.atoapple.com/ato/file/M4V00002.MP4

I modified the first post in this thread:
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69398

I use Mc File 2.2 beta3, see the post for the adress ;)

ato

10-09-2004, 04:02 PM

I modified the first post in this thread:
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69398

I use Mc File 2.2 beta3, see the post for the adress ;)

thx imame....i have try new version,but still some file can't overwrite,i already use warm reset to access mcfile only.

RichieRichDolla

10-09-2004, 08:38 PM

Thanks cliepet FMP works great. One thing to add in your update of the program, If you dont mind me saying something, But I have about 30 movies already converted in 320x240. See the problem is 4/3 leaves a border that is about the same size as the regular movie player, It just splits the space between the left and the right side. And the Half option is to big because I miss about 1/4 inch of the movie that is off the screen. Can you make a special option in between, or be able to let us customize it to fit properly. I dont Want to sound like I am complaining I love the hack, Been waiting for it for a while.

lmame

10-10-2004, 06:22 AM

RichieRichDolla

10-10-2004, 09:53 AM

What can I use to resize the movies I already have. They are in qt format and image converter doesnt reconvert its on formate

CliePet

10-10-2004, 12:16 PM

re: 320x240 movies

As mentioned the CLIE has these scaling ratios built in
320x240 * 4/3 = 426 * 320
This leaves extra space on the sides.
This is what the regular movie player does (they use the extra space to put the controls)

If you have existing movies in 320x240 (QT), I suggest leaving them alone and use them as-is (and live with the small gap).
If you want the beauty of 480x320, then go back to a higher resolution original (like a 720x480 DVD) and convert from there.

---
It is technically possible to resize old QT files (320x240 -> 480x320) but it is a pain and IMHO not worth it.
You need to convert the QT 320x240 to a format IC2 will handle (eg: use QuickTime on the PC to save as a regular AVI), then feed into IC2.
However this is going to screw up the aspect ratio (scaling by 1.5 in one dimension and 1.333 in the other) and reduce the quality of the video.
----

SonyStyle

10-10-2004, 12:52 PM

For 480x320 movies, you must use Full Movie Player from CliePet, Media Launcher do not play those movies well.
thanks, that solved everything

cktlcmd

10-10-2004, 03:45 PM

I know this question is out of the topic, but I need to ask. How is the battery life? Is it better than the TH55 as Sony claimed? Thanks in advance.

lmame

10-10-2004, 04:07 PM

I know this question is out of the topic, but I need to ask. How is the battery life? Is it better than the TH55 as Sony claimed? Thanks in advance.

I don't know for the UX but for it is really really better than UX...
With UX I charge it every two days or more frequently if I play movies.
In one week I played quite a lot videos, MP3, Wifi and so on and the battery was still on 53%...

cktlcmd

10-10-2004, 04:16 PM

I don't know for the UX but for it is really really better than UX...
With UX I charge it every two days or more frequently if I play movies.
In one week I played quite a lot videos, MP3, Wifi and so on and the battery was still on 53%...

WOW. Thanks for the quick answer. I just hope Dynamism would be able to convert the Japanese OS to English.

khad_o

10-10-2004, 04:19 PM

222aaah

10-11-2004, 12:24 PM

Cliepet!! You are the Best !!! :D
FMP - kickass!!!

But I have few bug-reports and suggestion.

Bug: When I play MP3 using Clie audio with background play enabled, FMP gives me error #152 and wont start the movie. Like - DPS is already occupied with Audioplayer. If I uncheck background play - FMP works ok.

Suggestion: Native movie player is able to save your position when you exit movie, and start from this position again when you relaunch movie later. It would be great if you could do the same.

========================
Btw, here is a min. requirement to FMP to play MP4 on UX.

FMP :)
Avx Analyzer
Avx Core
Avx DSPSink
Avx MP4Parser
Avx MPEG4Decoder

Around 200 kb.

Thanks to Imame for pointing this out.

I use Zlauncher to launch it. Just leave Avx Core in main memory and move the rest to Zlauncher folder and create shortcut. Works great.

jjesusfreak01

10-11-2004, 04:43 PM

Does anyone think they could post some mp4 movies so that we can try them on our clies. I cant get IC 2 to work.

lmame

10-11-2004, 05:13 PM

Does anyone think they could post some mp4 movies so that we can try them on our clies. I cant get IC 2 to work.

You got one MP4 file in this thread:
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?p=720733#post720733

ato

10-16-2004, 12:20 AM

lmame

10-16-2004, 03:49 AM

just try play 480x320 mpeg 1 on TH55

this is 1150 kbps with 30fps

wow.....it play smoother than MP4 file!!!the same file convert to 768kbps 15fps MP4 format still have laggy ,how come :confused:

here is the video (http://www.atoapple.com/ato/file/MOV00001.MPG)

I guess the compression is not the same :)
So the processor must work more for MP4 than MPG...
Yet the file size must not be the same ;)

CliePet

10-16-2004, 02:08 PM

Update to FullMoviePlayer
http://www.aibohack.com/clie/fullmovie.htm

Version .03 (still a Beta)
VZ, TH, UX, NZ, NX supported

Minor change in user interface !
The jog dial will adjust the volume when the movie is playing. If the movie is paused, the jog dial can be used for seeking by 2 second increments.
[allows control of the volume on TH55]

Bug fix: Fixed volume bug for NX/NZ

New feature: TrackDone menu
Pick what to do when a movie is over (stop, repeat, move to next in list)

New feature: preferences saved
[scale factor, movie volume, trackdone mode]

New feature: Resume from previous
When you exit the player, it will save the last movie and position.
If you return to the player, press "Play" before selecting a new movie, and it will resume last movie from last position

New feature: new scale factor - 4/3 clipped
This is a temporary hack
Scales by 4/3 but clips so 320x240 movies don't have random lines on the side - works best in landscape mode.

Some fixes for CF, but playing movies from the CF drive on an NX/NZ PDA is not recommended (usually hangs)

----
FWIW:
The remaining features I am planning to add in the future:
+ displaying the extended media info where provided (eg: the .MAI files)
+ automatically figuring out the video size (for proper clipping)

If you have other suggestions for additional features, please send me an email

Sharkk717

10-16-2004, 02:23 PM

Amazing CP! absolutely amazing...

JAmerican

10-16-2004, 06:17 PM

Thanks CliePet. BTW will it work without MediaLaucher but with its codecs?

RichieRichDolla

10-16-2004, 11:05 PM

U are the best cliepet.

JAmerican

10-16-2004, 11:16 PM

Is there anyway for me to use one of the lower bitrates? Like 384K. I have a 256 MS Pro can want to be able to fit 11 music videos on my device as well as have space for music and other files. Using 768K will cause my card to be full instantly. Thanks.

EDIT: I modified my regedt32 settings and I'm testing it now at 384K. Wish me luck.
JAmerican :)

lmame

10-17-2004, 06:58 AM

Yes, you should try 320x240 in 384kbps/s with 15 fps...

JAmerican

10-17-2004, 03:00 PM

Yes, you should try 320x240 in 384kbps/s with 15 fps...

This is what happened when I converted it.
Is this normal?

BTW, thats a screenshot from my UX40.

JAmerican

EDIT: I see that it is normal for that to happen. I went back to using MediaLauncher. I still have FMP on my MS just incase I need it for a video larger then 320x240.

BTW, CliePet, is there anyway to make the video sound louder. For example. The audio player is very low without headphones but Pocket Tunes has an equalizer. Can you incorporate that in your software?

Thanks JAmerican

Matrix_76

10-18-2004, 09:57 PM

MicahDG

10-19-2004, 01:50 AM

Thank you CliePet! Do you accept donations? :)

222aaah

10-19-2004, 02:45 AM

Cliepet! Can I suggest something.

I am UX user, so can you tweak controls of FMP a bit.

First of all - old layout was better for me. Jogdial for FF/FR, rather than Volume.
But - if other Clie users find it better that way, than may be you should make Up/Down key on UX keyboard for skipping tracks, and Left/Right - for FF/FR.
Because it is more convenient to FF/FR during play, without pausing.

And could you make FF/FR jump to 5 secs. Because 2 secs is not enough. It is slide show, not a FF/FR.

And reset of DSP from grasp of background play of Audioplayer is much needed too.

Thanks for your effords, we all really appreciate it.

lmame

10-19-2004, 02:49 AM

Can some please tell me how to change the settings in IC2? I read the beginning of the post and it said to:
"To encode the video install one of the .REG files below, restart IC2, and pick the '768kbps' setting. The output .MP4 file will depend on the last .REG file you installed."
How do I do this? I feel really stupid for asking this but can someone please help?

You have to copy / paste in a .reg file (create a Txt file first, copy / paste, then rename in .reg), then you just have to double click on it and it will execute...

Anyway, if you're not familiar with that kind of thing (registry editing), I strongly advise you to wait for IC Prefs from Jackho, he will soon release a new version that handles IC2.

Matrix_76

10-19-2004, 05:25 AM

Thanks for your help Imame!!! IC2 is Awsome to use.

[maven]

10-19-2004, 10:52 AM

I've done a bit of fiddling with IC2, and using 480x256 (for PAL widescreen material) at 25fps works like a charm. Just converted Eric Prydz "Call on Me" music video and that looks ace!

m8rk

10-19-2004, 01:04 PM

Just like to say a very big thankyou to CliePet for such an awesome application!

222aaah

10-19-2004, 03:40 PM

lmame

10-19-2004, 04:23 PM

I converted whole movie (1.5 hour) in 480x320x24 fps. Movie itself is not that size, wide screen. I got black areas on top and bottom. But it runs like a charm. Even during action scenes I can't notice drastical decrease in quality.
I suggest everyone to try 24 fps.

For some movies, I crop the film black bars with another software (Virtualdub does that I guess) or Panasonic MPEG Encoder, then I encode with IC2.

RichieRichDolla

10-19-2004, 04:48 PM

[QUOTE=222aaah]I converted whole movie (1.5 hour) in 480x320x24 fps. Movie itself is not that size, wide screen. I got black areas on top and bottom. But it runs like a charm. Even during action scenes I can't notice drastical decrease in quality.
I suggest everyone to try 24 fps.[/QUOTE

What memory usage are u getting out of this settup

Matrix_76

10-19-2004, 06:55 PM

Ok I did what you said Imame but I got this msg: "Cannot Import FULL_20FPS.REG the specified file is not a registry script. You can only import binary registry files from within the registry editor." I really have no idea what this means can anyone help. Thanks SOO much!!!

222aaah

10-20-2004, 03:17 AM

What memory usage are u getting out of this settup

It is the same. As it already mentioned - it is CBR - both video (768kbit/s) and audio (128kbit/s) = total 896kbit/s = 112 Kb/s = 6720 kb/minute.
So 90 mins will take 604,800 kb = 591 Mb.

So in other words - whatever your resolution and fraterate - you will get file size of the roughly same size.

asiliat

10-22-2004, 01:40 AM

cliepet: great app. Wishing that next version will have outside borders as black (or user config-ed). Otherwise, love the button controls on UX50.

JAmerican

10-22-2004, 02:28 AM

I actually configured my videos to automatically have black borders. Couldn't wait. Look.
To do it, convert a 320x240 video to 480x320. It will fit in height but it will be short in width leaving black areas.
JAmerican

The vid is Breathe by Fabolous BTW. ;) :D

RichieRichDolla

10-22-2004, 04:26 AM

j do u have alot of rap videos I would love some. Can u tell me where i can get them free

enderenya

10-22-2004, 08:24 PM

MrNako

10-22-2004, 08:48 PM

JAmerican

10-23-2004, 01:37 AM

Could someone suggest the best settings for the registry for a 480x320 full-length movie using a TH55 and a single empty 512mb MSPro? Even if it has to be a lower bitrate... that doesn't bother me as much as stretched video.

Until I noticed this thread, I had been using the default 192k setting in IC2, so I could fit over 2 movies on a 512mb stick, but having a single high quality 480x320 movie with no distortion or white bars would be better.

Thanks in advance.

Here is a key on the registry and how to edit it to your needs.
DISCLAIMER: I'm not responsible if you delete any keys, binaries or data from your registry causing your PC to be inoperatable. Modify the registry at YOUR OWN RISK! But if your careful, no harm should be done. Just modify in the area shown in the pic below.

Legend
Blue Box - Width of video
Red Box - Framerate of video (eg. 768kbits, 384kbits) The values chosen in the MP4 Settings popup box
Yellow Box - Height of video

To open the registry, goto Start > Run > Type "regedt32"

Once opened, go through the folders in this order:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\Image Converter 2\2.0

Using this key, you can modify the size of a certain framerate. I simply copied the data string from the 768kbits to the 384kbits without changing the framerate, audio or stereo values. Once 384 kbits matches mine by saying 480(width) and 320 (height) instead of 320x240, your video will fit the whole screen and save you space. ;)

BTW, you have to copy and paste the code before the paranthasis by double clicking it and copying it. The actual numbers in parentasis cannot be modified by typing in the value you want.

JAmerican

CliePet

10-23-2004, 10:38 AM

> ..This is what happened when I converted it....Is this normal?
I assume you mean the black borders on the sides - yes this is normal (black or white)
It will be more automatic in future, but 320x240 videos will never fill the entire screen (320/240 != 480/320)

> BTW, CliePet, is there anyway to make the video sound louder. For example. The audio player is very low without headphones but Pocket Tunes has an equalizer. Can you incorporate that in your software?

Nope. The existing multimedia services are providing all the movie and sound playback. The only controls are the volume and pan (not used).
The movie playback volume is limited to the max safe volume (it starts with the system volume, but you can make it louder)

----
> Thank you CliePet! Do you accept donations?
No. But as always I recommend people who can afford these overpriced PDAs to give to their local charities...

----
> ...First of all - old layout was better for me. Jogdial for FF/FR, rather than Volume.
I will make this configurable. You can decide what each button can do (when paused or playing). I'll add primitives like skipping by 5 seconds too.

----
re: Registry editing - repeating warning

As always, be careful when editing. If you stick to entries in the Image Converter section you should be relatively safe.

RichieRichDolla

10-24-2004, 01:45 AM

When is the IC Prefs coming out for image converter 2

jjesusfreak01

10-24-2004, 08:33 AM

Cliepet, I really love fmp. It works perfectly. I dont have many movies on my clie, so im not worrying about file naming (even though you said it would be in the next version of fmp), but if you have the time, you could give youre program icons a makeover. I cant read the FMP logo, so its pretty much a rectangular blob in a blue square, and albumswap is a circle suspended in a green square, which looks kinda funny. Im only saying this because there is absolutely nothing else worth critisizing that you arent going to fix.

Looking forward to the next version of FMP, whatever it may hold. Thanks again, CP.

jackho

10-24-2004, 10:30 AM

When is the IC Prefs coming out for image converter 2

Actually support for IC 2 in new version of ICPrefs is already done (it is really simple). But I'm waiting for IC 1.5, then new ICPrefs will support all of them.

kitterick

10-24-2004, 10:41 AM

Day 2 - Movies Movies and more Movies

So if you want slightly better full screen movies, at a slightly lower frame rate, I recommend 480x320 encoded video.
To encode the video install one of the .REG files below, restart IC2, and pick the '768kbps' setting. The output .MP4 file will depend on the last .REG file you installed.

NOTE: Playing a 480x320 video with the regular movie player has a few problems. The controls are on the side, so it interfers with the playback. See FMP (Full Movie Player) below.

-----------
REGEDIT settings (for tweeking IC2's 768kbps super-HQ settings)

Samples:
Default: (320x240, 30fps)
+++ Copy the following lines and save them as DEFAULT.REG

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Sony Corporation\Image Converter 2\2.0]
"SH_STEREO"=dword:00000002
"SH_AUDIO"=dword:00000080
"SH_VIDEO"=dword:00000300
"SH_FRAMERATE"=dword:00007512
"SH_WIDTH"=dword:00000140
"SH_HEIGHT"=dword:000000f0

Enjoy

I'm sorry..but couldn't anybody tell me how to make these REG files? and where should them put?

BTW, did anybody encounter the audio problem? I'm using TH-55 and after I converted movies by IC2.. (whatever 192 or 384). coz' the audio willl always lag behind the video..starting around the middle of movies

Any specific settings to solve problem?

RichieRichDolla

10-24-2004, 12:31 PM

can i please get the one for image converter 2. I will not have any use for 1.5 image converter. I have a bunch of movies that I rented and they have to be back by tuesday, I would just store them on my drive but i dont have enough space. I would really love to get that because i am scared to, go around a play with the registry in my computer. Thanks alot

vivarey

10-25-2004, 01:55 AM

cliepet: great app. Wishing that next version will have outside borders as black (or user config-ed). Otherwise, love the button controls on UX50.

Yeah, this is a great program... the ONLY request I have is to allow a black background instead of white on the UX50. It's kind of distracting! :) Thanks for your work on this CliePet.

222aaah

10-25-2004, 09:53 AM

JAmerican

10-25-2004, 12:00 PM

Cliepet! Could you also incorporate more jogdial support in at the beginning ?

Like - just after start FMP - pressing jog - resumes last video.
Scrolling up or down - select file to be played and pressing jog on file name - starts playing that file.

Thanks.

Please do not incorporate this. Could you make an option where we can choose our own buttons? This way, we all are happy and you don't have to make so many versions.

Thanks.
JAmerican

Yeah, this is a great program... the ONLY request I have is to allow a black background instead of white on the UX50. It's kind of distracting! Thanks for your work on this CliePet.

I already posted how to make a black background. Look above.

JAmerican

vivarey

10-25-2004, 02:01 PM

I already posted how to make a black background. Look above.

I read your post, but it sounds like you manipulated and recoded your videos to add black borders? That's not something I'm interested in doing. I just want the background of the app to be black. I don't want to mess with my files.

CliePet

10-25-2004, 04:23 PM

> ... just after start FMP - pressing jog - resumes last video.
BTW: It does that already

> Scrolling up or down - select file to be played and pressing jog on file name - starts playing that file.
The scrolling is not there (will add it), but pressing the jog button will start it (same as the big 'Play' button)

> Could you make an option where we can choose our own buttons?
There will be options for configuring most of the buttons, when videos are playing or stopped (ie. the full screen video view). The same button can do different things when playing than when stopped. You get to configure what you want done [eg: pause, play, seek by 5/15/60 seconds, rewind, goto next movie, exit playing mode, adjust volume etc]. Coming in next version.

When in the movie picker main screen, the buttons will not be configurable, since there are only a few options. I will add the jog scroll selection in the listbox.
----
> I just want the background of the app to be black. I don't want to mess with my files.
I am still looking at that. It is related to the lines/bars on the sides when the videos are a certain size.

CliePet

10-26-2004, 10:02 PM

Full Movie Player Beta version .04 is now available:
http://www.1src.com/forums/showthread.php?p=734974

Please post any comments or questions regarding Full Movie Player on that thread.

a TH55 user

10-28-2004, 10:47 AM

I have heard MPEG4 files recorded into SD card using Panasonic DVD-recorders such as DMR-E100HS can be played with CliePet's Full Movie Player plus VZ90 codecs. Now that PEGA-VR100K is discontinued, this is useful.

lmame

10-28-2004, 11:21 AM

timbdotus

10-29-2004, 08:03 PM

Can I please get two separate 60 second video clips encoded with identical settings that were exported by IC2? I'm going to figure out the header structure and get Quicktime and Xvid MP4 videos playing on the devices.

-Timothy

clie_wannabe

01-30-2005, 08:22 AM

.......

Here's one suggestion for converting a DVD movie to a high quality 480x320 MP4 to play on the VZ90 - which looks beatiful.
All the tools are free, except for the MPEG2 decoder (I use the EleCard one, $20 registration)

I use "DVD Decrypter" to rip individual chapters (and stream processing to pick audio track) into separate VOBs. I assume you know how to do that already (if not, play around with DVD Decrypter on your PC). Creates about 4 to 6 GB of VOB files on hard disk [depending on DVD]. These contain the DVD movie with zero quality loss from the original.

SYSTEM CHECK: Run the old Windows Media player MPlayer2 (\WINDOWS\MPLAYER2.EXE). Drag one of the VOB files to the player and see if it plays.
If it doesn't play, you don't have an MPEG2 decoder registered in your PC. If it plays with a funny graphic floating on the screen, that's normal for the free decoder (will go away if you register)

If it plays as you expect (including the proper language track), then rename all the .VOB files to .MPG

Run the appropriate .REG file for the IC2 settings (eg: for 480x320, 20fps for normal movies, 15fps for Anime) -- see above
Run IC2 (after the proper .REG file is used)
Drag all MPG files to the left hand list
Select the "768kpbs" MP4 conversion option
Start the conversion (and go get a coffee or two)
Delete the big VOB/MPG files when done (you don't need them anymore)

When done, you will have the entire movie compressed into MP4 format, in convenient chapter format.

.......

CP

could you somehow help me...

i did the above instructions to the letter, however, whenever i drag a renamed VOB file to IC2, it seems to have "crashed" the application, ie., IC2 shows up as "not responding" inside the Task Manager...

in my case however, i am not using the Moonlight package, since i can see MPEG2 files even under WMP (courtesy of DVD players installed)...

could it be that i dont have QT installed on my system? is QT a requirement? although i have DirectX 9 (courtesy of the IC2 installer)...

i did try converting other non-MPEG2 files, and there were no problems...

ps:i would first try to convert to standard MP4 (no full-screen nor enhanced bit rates) so i didnt install the REG files mentioned (or would this be a requirement even if im going for default?)

thanks a lot...

CliePet

01-30-2005, 04:18 PM

> i did the above instructions to the letter, however, whenever i drag a renamed VOB file to IC2, it seems to have "crashed" the application

IC2 is not the most stable program in the best cases (don't know if the updates improve it, I'm still using the original)

I suggest trying a different DVD or two.
This sometimes happens with me. It happens on *some* ripped DVDs with me, and always if the .VOB is edited (using an MPEG cutter). IC2 is very picky. Sometimes it takes a very long time to load in, or some time it never returns.

Also only convert only one .MPG at a time (drag in the MPG and wait at least 5 minutes to see if the program is truely hung)

If you can't get it to work reliably, then you need an intervening transcoding pass (like TMPGENC). This short cut is great when it works, but is far from 100% reliable.

CliePet

01-31-2005, 09:44 PM

BTW: the shortcut of dragging a video file to Image Converter and avoiding an extra transcoding step usually works perfectly for ".dvr-ms" files (Windows Media Center video recorder)
Try it out with different video file formats, and if it works it can save a lot of time (and results in high quality)

clie_wannabe

01-31-2005, 11:47 PM

okay - would be trying out with different video formats...

another question though...

sometimes i have VOB files that play correctly in WMP but have a time length of 00:00 (say, instead of saying 16:00 minutes, etc.)... and whenever i try to fast forward it using the time bar, i get an error... and this is where IC2 breaks down...

do you know anything about these 00:00 lenght VOB???

thanks!!!

JVNFORUM

02-06-2005, 03:19 PM

Hi!

I am having problem using my movie converted movie file from a DVD on Sony UX50.

I first used a software to convert a DVD to Mpeg format then use Sony IC 1.5 to convert again and put it in a Memory stick but It did'nt play back when I used the "Movie player" function. Since you have quite a lot of experience could you tell me what went wrong with my conversion and could you suggest which software I have to use? Thanks very much, Jim.

CliePet

02-07-2005, 10:40 AM

> I am having problem using my movie converted movie file from a DVD on Sony UX50.
> I first used a software to convert a DVD to Mpeg format then use Sony IC 1.5 to convert again and put it in a Memory stick but It did'nt play back when I used the "Movie player" function

Please check the "Video" forum for general video conversion advice and use of IC 1.x

General advice: first try your process with one of the sample .MPG files provided with image converter 1.x (eg: dolphin video). Run that through IC 1.x and try to play it. If that doesn't work - suspect the IC installation or something wrong with the PDA.
If it does work, then I suspect the DVD ripping/preprocessing step

All the IC 1.x defaults should work fine on the UX50 (no special codecs required)

thodwris

02-10-2005, 08:45 AM

Hi to everyone.I m having a problem playing mp4 files on my ux50.I used IMC 2.1 to convert the files and i have installed the codecs provided by Imame on the clie.The thing is that when i open FMP it doesn t have the mp4 file on the load menu.Any advise???
P.S. i have created the MP_ROOT/100MV01 on the mem stick.

CliePet

02-10-2005, 10:32 AM

> P.S. i have created the MP_ROOT/100MV01 on the mem stick.

It should be "/MP_ROOT/100MNV01" (don't forget the 'N')

Or I prefer to use "/MOVIES" (checked by FMP only)
http://www.aibohack.com/clie/fullmovie.htm

thodwris

02-10-2005, 01:40 PM

Ok now i feel very stupid!!!I v tried everything else and all where a "N" away.By the way mqv compared to high quality MP4 is like nigth and day!Thanks for everything Cliepet...

vybe232

02-19-2005, 03:04 AM

Just a note if anyone has version 2.1 of image converter..
dont forget to rename the 2.0 to 2.1 in the path for this to work..

great job..works awesome:)

mastershake

02-27-2005, 03:55 PM

ok, i feel like a 4 year-old, how the hell do i install the .reg files?

Thanks,
~Andrew

drchris03

04-24-2005, 07:12 PM

to create a reg file open up notebook and then paste the code provided by cliepet into it. Then save the file as a . reg file instead of a .txt file. I found this site very helpful in explaining what reg files are http://www.tweakhound.com/xp/xptweaks/regfiles.htm btw, thanks for all the fantatic information/downloads on this site.

Takufu

05-06-2005, 12:25 AM

Does anyone know where I can get FullMoviePlayer v.2....have not been able to locate it in any of the forums.....thanks :(

CliePet

05-06-2005, 10:52 AM

Full Movie Player is available here:
http://www.aibohack.com/clie/fullmovie.htm

The current version is .04C, and the version recommended
(initial test releases didn't handle some video formats)

ato

05-06-2005, 12:24 PM

Full Movie Player is available here:
http://www.aibohack.com/clie/fullmovie.htm

The current version is .04C, and the version recommended
(initial test releases didn't handle some video formats)

i don't see any diff between C and B....

what's the change??

anyway,thx update!!!

JJF01

05-06-2005, 12:39 PM

i don't see any diff between C and B....

what's the change??

anyway,thx update!!!
You should see .4g!!
Actually, there is nothing new in G except it tries to implement network playback. It doesnt actually work in this respect.

ato

05-06-2005, 12:58 PM

You should see .4g!!
Actually, there is nothing new in G except it tries to implement network playback. It doesnt actually work in this respect.

wow....got it,thx jjf

and how to use NETwork driver to play video?? :confused:

Takufu

05-06-2005, 03:10 PM

Thanks.....going to get it now.....

drchris03

05-07-2005, 08:45 AM

Jamerican showed how he'd adjusted the reg files to alter the size of the movies for 384kbs. I noticed that there was a reg code for max movie length. Does anyone know how to alter this so that I can record film in one piece if they are longer than 2hours?

SteveGibson

05-07-2005, 08:52 PM

Full Movie Player is available here:
http://www.aibohack.com/clie/fullmovie.htm

The current version is .04C, and the version recommended
(initial test releases didn't handle some video formats)

You'll want to update your web page. The link URL is still ...04B.prc

ato

05-08-2005, 02:33 AM

You'll want to update your web page. The link URL is still ...04B.prc

use your brain :rolleyes:

CliePet

05-08-2005, 10:56 AM

.04B, .04C, .04G are all essentially the same features - get whatever is there (minor test variations)

FWIW: Expect .05 coming soon. It adds the few remaining features that have been on my list for a while (or some recently asked for)
For example: Popup UI when playing (click screen to quickly change volume or seek movie to a specific position), power off issues, extra zoom modes,etc

That's will be the end of FullMoviePlayer features (from me). After that you can add features yourself (if you know a little Palm programming and have CodeWarrior), or use TCPMP which has much more active development (both a UI and many more non-Sony codecs)

lmame

05-08-2005, 11:29 AM

JAmerican

05-08-2005, 11:37 AM

Where are you learning Code Warrior from lmame? I want to program for Palm too. :)

JAmerican

Sharkk717

05-08-2005, 11:39 AM

lmame and JAm, i'd be happy to help you out in any way with CodeWarrior. Please email me if you want sample code/have a question/etc...

regards, sharky

email: sharkboy717 <at> aol <dot> com

lmame

05-08-2005, 12:40 PM

Where are you learning Code Warrior from lmame? I want to program for Palm too. :)

JAmerican

I saved some courses Metrowerks done (and cancelled now if I'm correct) ;)
But I did no really begin yet (no time) :(

lmame

05-08-2005, 12:43 PM

lmame and JAm, i'd be happy to help you out in any way with CodeWarrior. Please email me if you want sample code/have a question/etc...

regards, sharky

email: sharkboy717 <at> aol <dot> com

If I'm successfull in saving some time of my new website, it'll be a pleasure to learn from you :)

JAmerican

05-08-2005, 03:26 PM

If I'm successfull in saving some time of my new website, it'll be a pleasure to learn from you :)

Diddo. Sharky.

JAmerican

Takufu

05-09-2005, 06:00 PM

Ok....I have loaded the latest FMP.....think I have all the codecs loaded....can see the movie on MS as MPG4.....my UX50 still doesn't see it...what am I doing wrong.....converted the DVD using FairUse....converted the movie with IC2....please help me....going nuts....sorry for wineing but can't figure out whats wrong...thanks for any help....

CliePet

08-16-2005, 11:40 AM

Old problem:
> think I have all the codecs loaded....can see the movie on MS as MPG4.....my UX50 still doesn't see it...
Are you sure you are copying the movie to the right folder (ie. any .MP4 in \MOVIES on the stick will be seen by FMP, but not the built-in MoviePlayer)

There are many possible problems with the codec installations (on the UX or TH) which I won't cover here. Check the thread where you got the codec instructions.
You can use FullMoviePlayer without using IC2 (or pirated codecs). IC1.5 "MQV" files will also play fine with the standard settings (eg: 320x240 scaled). IC2 is needed for true full screen (480x320).
========

Haven't touched this thread in a while. From an earlier discussion on this thread:
> If you can't get it to work reliably, then you need an intervening transcoding pass (like TMPGENC). This short cut is great when it works, but is far from 100% reliable.

Regarding the "no transcode" video encoding recommended on the first page (rip using DVDDecrypter, rename .VOB to .MPG, drag to IC2, get a coffee). A few updates:
#1) DVDDecrypter has been discontinued after legal threats. The last released version works great and can be easily found on the web.
#2) the English version of Image Converter 2 (IC2) works much better for me. More stable and overall recommended. $20 from Sony.
#3) I can now do the time saving operation all the time. In some cases after ripping DVD VOB files may be more complicated than IC2 can handle. Using DVD stream manipulation tools (eg: the free "vobrator") you can easily filter the parts of the DVD stream causing the problem. Takes a little time, but significantly less time than a separate transcoding pass with TMPGEnc [and no losses due to the double transcoding]

------

PDA Expert

08-20-2005, 05:08 PM

okay......

enderenya

08-22-2005, 12:02 PM

...
#2) the English version of Image Converter 2 (IC2) works much better for me. More stable and overall recommended. $20 from Sony.
#3) I can now do the time saving operation all the time. In some cases after ripping DVD VOB files may be more complicated than IC2 can handle. Using DVD stream manipulation tools (eg: the free "vobrator") you can easily filter the parts of the DVD stream causing the problem. Takes a little time, but significantly less time than a separate transcoding pass with TMPGEnc [and no losses due to the double transcoding]Or do what I did... and buy PSP Movie Creator (http://www.pqdvd.com/psp/) ($34.99) and do it in one step...
well, I do it in two. I rip the the main movie of the dvd with DVDShrink and then use P.M.C.
Unfortunately, (doesn't matter to me) the default options only allow up to 400x192, so it won't let you do 480x320 movies, but with Full Movie Player, it scales it fine. "The Incredibles" looks fantastic on my TH55/E
Of course, that might be something I could change in the registry like IC2 ... <shrug>

PotatoFan

09-25-2005, 09:29 AM

Or do what I did... and buy PSP Movie Creator (http://www.pqdvd.com/psp/) ($34.99) and do it in one step...
well, I do it in two.
That's funny, I am a PSP Movie Creator user too. You can actually get it for under thirty bucks if you look for a discount at eBay, Froogle or Deprice. That's where I got my copy from - http://www.deprice.com/pspmoviecreator.htm