problem encoding and/or converting avi file into vcd

[cLuELeSS]

Hi all,

I have this problem. I downloaded an avi file/movie and when i burned it into vcd, i keep getting a narrow face and body of the characters. Actually everything in the movie becomes narrow when i played the burned vcd on both my computer Dvd and my regular dvd player. some movies are fine. This is how i burn my vcd. First i open nero and load the avi file, then i click write cd. Then nero starts on own encoding the avi file and encoding takes about 2 to 3 hours based on the movie length. when burn process finished and when i play it as mentioned above the characters/everything in the movie become skinny, tall or narrow and it is driving me crazy. some of the movies are fine (rare cases) and they don't become narrow and play perfectly as their original avi file. I attempted to encode these faulty avi files using different encoders before burning them to vcd but it was all in vain. For example, I used TMpge encoder with all available aspect ratios without any success and kept getting narrow objects. I tried DVD2SVCD encoder and after spending to encode the avi file about 48 hours, the outcome was the same. I tried Blaze Media pro encoder and it was all in vain. What am I doing wrong falks? The surprising part is some of them are ok and perfect after burnt into vcd . For instant check the following comparisons?

File : 686 Mb (686 Mb), duration 1:29:13, type AVI, 1 audio stream(s), quality 74 %

Video : 604 Mb, 947 Kbps, 29.970 fps, res. 608*400 (4:3), DIV3 = DivX ;-) MPEG-4
(Low-Motion), supported

Audio : 81 Mb, 127 Kbps, 44100 Hz, 2 chan., 0x55 = MPEG Layer-3, supported

The above file when burned to vcd using nero's own encoder, played perfect on my DVDs as its original avi file format. However the following avi file is different story:

File : 697 Mb (697 Mb), duration 1:22:37, type AVI, 1 audio stream(s), quality 78 %

Video : 601 Mb, 1017 Kbps, 23.976 fps, res. 640*272 (2.21:1), DIV3 = DivX ;-) MPEG-4 (Low-Motion), supported

Audio : 95 Mb, 161 Kbps, 48000 Hz, 2 chan., 0x55 = MPEG Layer-3, supported

Now the above movie, the vcd version has narrow characters/objects when played on my DVDs

Ok guys I am really desperate and the avi files are holding chunks of my hard drive space and i was trying to free the space by transferring the avi files to vcd with very few success. Please help and be patient with me. I think i have all codecs, such nemo code packs, kaza lite codec packs, and i believe windows code packs ( i have window media player version 9).


I really appreciate and thank you in advance for your help. Looking forward hearing from u soon.

[Krell]

I see this same thing mentioned occassionally, at VCDHELP I think.

What are the dimensions of the original file, 480 x 480? I think the aspect ratio gets changed in the encoding. Doesnt it ask you about that in Nero when you burn?

[cLuELeSS]

Originally posted by Krell
I see this same thing mentioned occassionally, at VCDHELP I think.

What are the dimensions of the original file, 480 x 480? I think the aspect ratio gets changed in the encoding. Doesnt it ask you about that in Nero when you burn?

Thanks for replying. It does not ask me anything, it just goes by itself and starts encoding. no question asked.

[cLuELeSS]

Originally posted by cLuELeSS
Thanks for replying. It does not ask me anything, it just goes by itself and starts encoding. no question asked.

sorry Krell, I forgot to add the other info u asked me. Based on the info i got as the above (the second movie in the above list) its resolution is 640*272 and i think aspect ratio is (2.21:1). Please see second movie item info on my original question.
thanks C U in a bit.

[ChicoDelaVico]

I have a problem with sound, 2/3 of my AVI to Mpeg convertions come without sound or the sound goes funny halfway through.
I've found that the picture always distorts after 45 minutes or so, so I've made all my VCD's 45 mins or under even if it means 3 or 4 discs per movie.

[jath]

I had the same problem. My DVD player would change on TV video mode to match the DVD, but not the VCD. I had to change the TV mode to wide screen manually. This fixed the problems.

[LJI]

Are you SURE you used all the available aspect ratios? Sounds to me like you should be trying to run TMPGenc by using the Project Wizard then, when you get to the third page click on "Other Settings". Click on the "Advanced" tab and on "video arrange method" set it to "Full Screen (keep aspect ratio)". If that doesn't work then it may be that you've got a file that's been given the wrong aspect ratio to start with and you'll have to try and change it back by using a custom ratio.

[ChicoDelaVico]

Thanks LJI for the advice, I'm running a movie now through TMPEG, I'll let you know if it worked.
If the movie plays fine as a DIVX then could the aspect ratio setting be wrong?
What do I change the settings or how do I find out?

[chipperrox]

WOW! I'm impressed! Save for whats his name ..oh yea-- Krell, this thread has been a bunch of new posters displaying knowledge and helping other new posters, a big welcome to all of you!