AVI -> DivX audio conversion problems - please help

[Rick]

I'm just starting on the path of encoding with this format, so I was wondering if anyone could help me here. I'm having trouble choosing the exact audio settings that I require.

I am capturing standard HuffYUV .avi's with my generic (cheap) BT868/878 TV capture card and am wanting to convert them to DivX files. Currently I am trying to archive my entire Red Dwarf collection (6-8 episodes per CD-ROM if possible). I seem to get the best results for the video when using the 2-pass sp mode, although I can't get it encode at a given bitrate to ultimately give me the filesize I would prefer - but this isn't what I'm having trouble with ... read below ...

I've been successful in using VirtualDub to encode 1-pass or 2-pass video DivX .avi's, however the audio is a different story - VD will allow me to encode up to 56kbps 22khz only (with either the official or Lame mpeg3 codecs), and I would dearly love to utilise at least the 96/128kbps at the full 44khz - but VD won't let me do it. If I use either Divx 3 or 4 for the video it then says "Error initializing audio stream compression. The requested conversion is not possible".

Can anyone help me to be able to encode either a DivX 3/4 video with ANY mp3 codec setting (at 44khz of course), because I'm annoyed that it won't allow me to use it even though it's in the list for selection. Are there any other programs out there that I should consider make my DivX's with? And please don't start recommending any DVD ripping utilities as this is not what I'm trying to do - I'm trying to re-encode existing .avi files into a DivX format.

Thank you for any help you can impart.

[Batman]

You may want to re-install the mp3 codecs. The Radium MP3 codec seems to be quite popular, you may want to install it.

[setarip]

What format and at what settings are you initially capturing the audio? I've discovered that it's best to capture using 48,000 Uncompressed PCM (WAV) format. I'm then able to convert to any level of MP3 that I please.

[Rick]

My initial TV capturing is at HuffYUV video best quality and normal CD 44.1khz audio uncompressed PCM.

I forgot to mention that I once read somewhere that either VirtualDub or the DivX codec (initially) rejects anything that is larger than 56kbps 22khz audio for encoding into DivX - maybe not. I have seen many other DivX avi's that have full 44khz audio recorded (not sure which codec tho), but VD is refusing to allow me to use anything greater than the above setting, regardless of which audio codec I choose.

I haven't tried Radium yet because I can't track down a copy of it anywhere - any ideas for a link? I'm still attempting to use the Lame mp3 codec.

Anyway, things may be on the improve atm. I've bumped across the latest copy of Nandub (a variety of VirtualDub that I had no idea existed), and a short test reveals that it's a self-contained (almost) program for DivX encoding - AND it can do any of the audio bitrates I specify. So my guess about VD limiting the options is true to a point. Now all I have to do is hunt down a good manual for Nandub to work out what all the options can do for me.

It looks like I may have solved the dilemma of the audio bitrate after all. Thanks for all your help. Keep the responses coming because I'm sure there are people out there who still need help with DivXing their VHS collection .

[setarip]

"So my guess about VD limiting the options is true to a point. "

Nope. This can only be a problem with YOUR setup regarding VirtualDub. I use it REGULARLY for DivX-compressed .AVIs, with MP3 sound at 48,000 and 44,100 with rates of up to 320kbps...