Convert RMVB to AVI and resizing AVI's.

[flyboy_ont]

I am looking for help with two items.

Firstly I would like to convert RMVB to AVI.

Secondly I would like to resize several AVI files and possibly re-encode to make files smaller.

Any help would be appreciated.

P.S. I know absolutely nothing about authoring and codecs, so consider me video dumb.

Thanks in advance.

[paglamon]

You will need Virtualdub,AVISynth and Real Alternative.
Install AVISynth and Real Alternative and download Virtualdub into a folder.
Put your sample.rmvb file in say C:\Videos
Open Notepad.Now write DirectShowSource("C:\Videos\Sample.rmvb").Save this file in desktop with .avs extension.
Now start Virtualdub and drag the .avs file into its window.You should now be able to see the video in Virtualdub.Then reencode(Video/Fullprocessing mode followed by Video/Compression) using a suitable codec loke XviD.Before starting the encoding resize the video using Video/Filters/Resize.Finally,Save as avi.

You can also try out SUPER which will be relatively easy for you.

[flyboy_ont]

Thank you so much for the reply. I was able to find a RMVB converter called Ultra RM Converter and tried it out. Its fairly fast but I need to check the quality of the output files. As for the resizing/re-encoding I will check into VirtualDub and let you know.

Appreciate the help, thanks.

[flyboy_ont]

Ultra RM Converter didn't work very well, files were pixellated or something I did wrong.

Tried Virtual Dub. Followed your instructions. When I dragged the AVS file onto VirtualDub, it gave me an error.

[paglamon]

it gave me an error.

What error?
Have you installed Real Alternative and AVISynth?
Can you upload a small sample of your file?
Did you try to convert with SUPER ?

[flyboy_ont]

Yes I installed Real Alternative and AVIsynth. I'll try to screen capture the error message. I'll also send a short clip of a rmvb and my avs file. Super gave me an error as well.

[flyboy_ont]

I decided to try Super C again. I don't know what happened the first time around, but I have it working now. I encoded the same file at a high and a low bitrate, so I can check on the quality. I'll put them on a DVD and let you know. I have more questions when I get back later.

Thank you so much for the help.

[flyboy_ont]

Looks like Super C works really well. The RMVB files I have are crap because the video bitrate is really low(unwatchable on TV, but OK on the computer). So I'm looking for the AVI's.

I have some questions about video encoding, etc.
1) I always see video encoded in DIVX or XVID. Are these most common codecs around?
2) Whats the difference between the two?
3) If I encode in DIVX or XVID, will a DVD player that DOES NOT have neither, play the DVD's?

[paglamon]

Answers:
1) Yes,and also the most efficient regarding quality:size ratio. x264 can produce better results but has very little standalone support.
2)Really none as regards to quality.But XviD is free.
3)DivX or XviD encoded avi will play ONLY in DivX certified players(these are pretty cheap and common these days).

[flyboy_ont]

A few more questions and then I'll leave you alone.

1) I have a file 448x256. If I resize to 320x?, must I keep the same aspect as the 448x256, so it should be 320x189?
2) If I don't keep the same aspect, will it be stretched?
3) If I don't have a divx/xvid dvd player(even though I can pick one up for $40 or so), what should I encode with?

[flyboy_ont]

Sorry forgot another question.

If I have a avi with a bitrate of 472, would it be useless to re-encode to a larger bitrate?

[paglamon]

Answers:
1)Is the original 448 x 256 file an avi ? Then yes ,the new resolution will be 320 x 184.But if the original file is not an avi then you will have to ascertain whether it is using square pixel or non square pixel.Best way is to use Mediainfo to determine the original AR(and not the original resolution) and re-encode to avi using that AR.
2)Yes.
3)DVD or SVCD or VCD.Some players also support mpeg files.Then you can encode to mpeg at your chosen bitrates and resolution(there is always an upper limit regarding resolution for specific players).

If I have a avi with a bitrate of 472, would it be useless to re-encode to a larger bitrate?

Yes,IMO. 472 is way too low a bitrate. As Chewy often says "garbage in garbage out".But you can try it on a small sample and see if there is any improvement.Experiment is the name of the video encoding game.

[flyboy_ont]

What would a typical or exceptable bitrate be for encoding?

[paglamon]

Above 1200.

[LT. Columbo]

SUPER worked great on my RMVB's as well i did exactly what paglamon is describing.

nice work pag