DAudioK is awesome. Highly recommended if you're using a codec pack without AC3Filter and having trouble with DTS soundtracks. Thanks Mooshoepork.

To anyone with questions on how to use DAudioK: extract the MKV and DTS audio track in MKVextractGUI, select output to AC3, adjust the AC3 settings accordingly and convert the extracted DTS track (just hit OK if a bunch of popup warnings appear). That's it.

On another note, has everyone checked out http://www.mariposahd.tv/? Free (and legal) WMV-HD videos featuring footage of exotic South American locales and hot latin chicks distributed via bittorrent. Anyone know of any other readily available WMV-HD content floating around the web? Converting MKV to WMV-HD works quite well, but is time-consuming and a slight pain in the ass.

There is another way I stumbled onto today. I haven't tested it, but I don't see a reason why it wouldn't work. In TMPGEnc, after you load the source and you are on the Source window, there is a Filters tab. Click it, then select Edit Filter List. There is a Subtitle option to add to the list. It will only accept SRT-based subtitles.

Thank you Chris for valuable input. I've uninstalled everything and installed the components you recommended and am now able to convert 1080p mkvs without the "50% crash", and without manually converting DTS to AC3. I do, however, get jerky video, even after setting fps to 24. I've made several attempts.

There's a couple of things I don't understand:
-Why does impimpin use avs-scripts when he's not making any modifications, adding subs etc?
-What exactly does impimpin's custom TMPGEnc profile do, what settings does it affect?

Any luck with the jerky/stuttering issues yet? If someone's getting smooth results, please make a zip-file with your installed components and make it available for download. Or even better, if someone made an automatic installer they'd be heroes.

I don't quite know myself. Other than using AVISynth as a frame server, TMPGEnc will load the DirectShowFilter codec that has the highest priority. i.e. x264/H.264 -> CoreAVC; DTS/AC3 -> AC3Filter.



His profile is set for WMV 9 Advanced Profile for video, and Windows Media Professional 10 for audio. He has a base starting point for the video and audio bit rate. You should customize this based on a few things:

1. If you want to burn the result to either a DVD5 or DVD9 media, use the Calculator to set the Media to DVD5 or DVD9 and 100% capacity. This will set the bit rate for the video, based on the total amount of frames and the frame rate, so the result will not go beyond the capacity of the DVD media you chose.

Or

2. WVC1 (otherwise known as Windows Media 9 Advanced Profile VC-1) does provide good compression for HD content. However, we are re-encoding compressed video. Without changing the default behavior of the WVC1 codec, you should match the bit rate as close to the original as possible. Why? If not, you may get slow or jerky video in fast scenes. Like car chases (i.e. The Bourne Ultimatum) or the opening producing studios (i.e. Constantine Films), etc.

I am including three profiles:

* My modified 720p profile
* A 1080p without audio profile
* A 1080p with audio profile

Thanks alot Chris, I finally got it to work thanks to your advice. Setting fps to 24 on the source for 1080p did the trick.


Do as Chris says and you will save yourself a lot of pain!

But then I'm confused as to why my mp4 file won't play on my 360. I'm trying to stream the file from my pc and all I get is a black screen. I've converted a mkv file to mp4 by...

mkvextract to get h264 and ac3 files
belight to convert ac3 to aac
yamb to convert h264 and aac to mp4

file plays perfectly on my pc but doesn't play on my 360

You are my hero. I have been fighting this for weeks now with some of the DTS movies I have in my conversion queue.

I just did a fresh installation of Vista 64 and decided to try chrislynch's suggestions from post #546. I installed AC3Filter, Haali Media Splitter and NO codec pack. I've got to admit, this is a lot easier than impimpin206's method. No MKVExtractGUI in MKVToolnix folder confusion, no non-working avs scripts and no having to convert dts to ac3. I just installed Koepi's xvid 1.1.3 and media player classic, which should be able to play most video files locally on my pc.

Good job chrislynch. I think you should start another thread and pin the tutorial.

@johnnynuge/texagjosh:

You are very welcome guys. I PM'd the author of this thread, and have yet to have him respond. I will post an updated tutorial with the following:

- My Updated procedure on how to convert MKV 720p/1080p content to WMV-HD/WVC1
- How to add subtitles with TMPGEnc for those that want or need to add them
- Upconverting your existing DVD's to WMV 720p, just like the Xbox 360 would if you had it connected to your TV via VGA or HDMI.

I should have it posted by Monday.

@andyd:


Hmm.... Good question. Can you PM me a DEBUG level report from MediaInfo?

The only problem I could potentially see is if the bitrate is too high. I know that Microsoft has only tested H.264 encoded content with lower bitrates than what you would normally see in WMV-HD/WVC1 encoded content.

I personally have not attempted this, as I want to maintain surround sound, and not downgrade it to low quality 2-channel audio.

Using Avisynth to frameserve fixed jerky video issues for many. There's nothing in the profile you can't set manually, I just wanted it to be done with as few steps as possible. Other studder tends to come from ffdshow. I've got a registry file to fix those configuration issues. The problem is most people for some reason aren't using ffdshow-tryouts. Do others work? Yes. Am I going to help find the problems with every different codec release, which are built NIGHTLY? Fuck no.

To chrislynch, write your own tutorial don't re-write mine. I've written an updated version of this, just can't update my post. Also written HD-DVD to WMV tutorial and Blu-Ray to WMV tutorial. I'm going to put them all together as a PDF.

Oh, one more thing. I forgot to mention that WMP11 does not know how to handle MP4 files to network clients. This obviously includes the Xbox 360. Copy and paste the following into Notepad and save it as MP4_WMP11.reg:



Then, double-click the file from Windows Explorer. This will add the above Registry settings so WMP11 can stream MP4 files to network clients.

@impimpin:


I'm not sure if your comments have been directed at me. But, I did not come here (like other have in earlier posts) telling you that there are "better" ways of doing this. Are there multiple ways of accomplishing the same task? Of course. Does my assistance, guidance or knowledge dictate, or should elicit an obscene remark from you or anyone else? No.

I joined this form to help post my findings and offer my experience to the matter at hand. Does everyone benefit? I hope so. I hope everyone who reads this thread can benefit from the insight everyone posts here. Otherwise, we all would be stuck with problems, and be ripping our hair out, cursing at ourselves.

Trust me when I say this. I know how much work is involved with writing up a tutorial/guide on how to do something. I do the same thing for my customers as part of my job. Do not take this personal. And before you respond with "I'm not taking this personal," you are. No flaming intended.

It was a response to the questions above

There's a couple of things I don't understand:
-Why does impimpin use avs-scripts when he's not making any modifications, adding subs etc?
-What exactly does impimpin's custom TMPGEnc profile do, what settings does it affect?

This is the best and most popular guide to mkv conversion on the net. Surely it would be in the administration's best interest to give you extended rights so that you could update the post. It would be easier to maintain that way. Maybe they'll let you if you ask Looking forward to more info on the subject.

Hi, sorry to ask but for the first 10 minutes on each encode its stuttery, its done this on 3 encodes, after 10 mins its perfectly fine, any ideas out there?

Search is your friend. This has been discussed numerous times so far.

If you are using ffdshow-tryouts, then the issue is with the codec settings. There is a reg file you can obtain to fix this. Again, search is your friend.

If you are using CoreAVC (which I am), then you need to change the Source Frame Rate to 24fps (most likely.) You may have to play around with different Source Frame Rates. However, 24fps works the majority of the time. In the Format section, you can leave the Frame Rate as the same as the source. Or, you can change it to 23.976.

Also, disable Video RAM Cache. I have posted on how to do this. There is no benefit to enable this unless you have slow IDE 5400 RPM disks and a really slow CPU. Well, if you do, then encoding HD content is impracticable on that type of H/W.

impimpin206-this is a great tutorial-I don't understand why Xbox Scene won't let you update the original post-makes no sense to me! I actually check this topic 3x a day. I follow another tutorial on audio extraction on another site and the tutorial is updated on the first post on a regular basis each time a new release comes out-which is almost weekly.
Finally bought TMPGEnc Xpress 4.0-but as I have few mkv files-I have been waiting patiently for your tutorial for HD DVD to WMV & BluRay to WMV as you had earlier advised that you were working on them.
These should likely be posted under a new thread for each?

If the updates to MKV to WMV cover issues up to the present-maybe an entire new thread MKV to WMV should be started with your updated Tutorial as Post 1 (if it can't be updated). I've been keeping a running word file & only add to it if its a new issue. It is obvious from following this thread that there are not a substantial number of issues that have arisen once the proper codecs etc. have been installed.

As to your comments to chrislynch-I'm sure that neither he nor any of the others that rely on your expertise on this topic knew that you have updates but are unable to update the original tutorial. I believe you mentioned months ago as to updates-but I for one assumed that you were just really busy and have been waiting patiently for any updates & the new tutorials above.

Anyway, thanks again-I know your hard work, dedication and effort is greatly appreciated by myself & others, including chrislynch. It sounds like he has some expertise that if correct only enhances your thread & possibly removes from you the burden of answering questions from people that obviously are too lazy to read the entire posts. I know that on the other audio post I follow there are 3 or 4 very knowledgeable people that certainly add to the knowledge of the thread but the ultimate anwer or any corrections comes from the author of the tutorial.

will2learn

Thank you for this guide man, it works all perfectly.
I've done about 10 movies without a problem, burned into a dvd+dl and played via xbox.

Last night i was wacthing this movie:

Corpse Bride
1920x1040
video bitrate 11000 cbr wmv 9 advanced profile
dolby 5.1 professional 768 cbr

with a Xbox connected via component to a Samsung 47" FullHD 1080p (not my own tv)

The movie works great but sometimes the screen goes black for a second

Even other movies (720p or 1080p) have this issue.

Setting the component output to 1080i/720p there was no problem, no black screen.

So, did anyone notice this?
It's sad to encode at 1080p and watch at 720p.. I've better do a 720p movie instead..

[quote name='Italian_Guitar' date='Jan 22 2008, 04:45 PM' post='4203209']
Thank you for this guide man, it works all perfectly.
I've done about 10 movies without a problem, burned into a dvd+dl and played via xbox.

Tutorial works great-can you describe in detail your burning method-did you create an iso-what programs did you use prior to burning and burning? I have been unable to get the Xbox to play a dvd+dl created from the output created by this tutorial. Thanks
will2learn

Burn the DVD as a "Data DVD" using NERO or alternative program, at a low burn speed (4x) for best results. Insert your DVD into the xbox 360 after you've burned it. Then go to the Media tab -> Videos -> Change source -> Mixed Media DVD, and select your WMV file.

Tutorial works great-can you describe in detail your burning method-did you create an iso-what programs did you use prior to burning and burning? I have been unable to get the Xbox to play a dvd+dl created from the output created by this tutorial. Thanks
will2learn

I loaded the .mkv file with tmpgenc 4 xpress, without avisynth (movie.avs), and the audio part from the .ac3 file (demuxed with MKVextractGUI)
Encoded in wmv 9 advanced profile (cbr <11000), audio 5.1 professional (cbr 768).
Burned the .wmv file into a Dvd-UDF with "xbox combatibility" activated (udf options, nero 7)

I'm ALWAYS getting jitter. My source MKV is 1920 x 800 at 23.976 fps. Is the solution to encode at a different FPS than my source? That seems kind of strange.

I've read every post in this thread, still not sure what's the solution for jitter.

Any response would be greatly apreciated.

I am encoding straight from the MKV in Tmpgenc.
I'm setting my resolution for 1920 x 800 and my FPS to 23.976.
I've tried 2 pass ABR and 1 pass CPR (11000bps).
Aways get jitter.

gah can't edit.

make that 11000kbps

You should set the Source to 24fps, and the Format to either 24fps or 23.976fps. This is if you are using CoreAVC to decode the x264 video stream in the MKV content you have.

@Italian_Guitar:

Sorry. Can't help you there. I have a D-Link 802.11n HD bridge to stream my content to my 360 without needing to burn to a DVD.

Have you tried different media? Have you tried using a flash drive to be sure it's not the file?

Ok thanks. I'll try that and report if it helps. Yes, I am using Coreavc to decode the mkv.

YES! It worked, thank-you!

My wmv is now jitter free. I set the source to 24fps, and the format to 23.976fps.


Now, another quick question. I'd like to also add subtitles to the WMV, do they have to be hardcoded?

I mean I know how to add a sub to an avs file. But I'd like the WMV to have multiple language subtitles, and a way to turn off and on the desired subtitle stream on the 360.
Is that possible?

OK, I found my own answer. The 360 doesnt support softsubs even if they're embedded in the container. So our only choice to encode a subtitle track along with the video (hardsub).

chrislynch, how do i configure TMPGEnc so that it uses CoreAVC and not ffdshow?

Well, I would recommend that you remove ffdshow. If that's not possible, then do the following:

Open the "ffdshow video decoder configuration" application. Under the 'Codecs' section, look for "H.264/AVC." Change the "Decoder" value to "DISABLED." Then, open the "CoreAVC Video Decoder Properties" (otherwise known as "Configure CoreAVC"), and make sure the "Preferred Decoder" checkmark option is selected. Save your settings.

Just to verify that the CoreAVC codec is being used, you can always fire up Process Explorer from Sysinternals, look at the properties of the TMPGENC4XPBATCH.EXE process (if you are using the Batch tool) or TMPGENC4XP.EXE process (if you are using the main application,) and click on the "Threads" tab. You should see however many instances of "CoreAVCDecoder.ax!<some_other_text>" for each CPU core you have. This is the CoreAVC codec being used.

Getting subs to display in your video is not easy. First off, WMV (or otherwise known as an ASF container) does not support any other types of streams (or what Microsoft calls Audiences) than Video and Audio. Subs will need to be hardcoded (or burnt into the final video.) TMPGEnc has a filter that will load SRT subs, but I have not tested it myself. Of course, you could use AVISynth to feed the subs. But, then you are back to extracting the audio, or trying to get AVISynth to serve the audio and video from the same AVS script.

Grrr... I wish Xbox-Scene would allow you to edit your posts.

Pegasys just updated TMPGEnc today, and it appears to have better SRT support. Check it out:

http://tmpgenc.pegasys-inc.com/en/download/te4xp_rireki.html

Guys, I finally found a solution that has worked 100% of the time for me.

I was so frustrated trying EVERY program and method to convert my .mkv's to work on the 360, and with each one hopelessness grew on me like a fungus!

Now I can covert ANY form of media to play on my 360, even though I'm only interested in converting matroska files. I sit back, smile, and watch my high definition matroska files on my 92" screen. Great quality.

What's my sweet secret for success?

I use mkvmerge to split the file if it is larger than about 4.4 gigs, so I will be able to burn it on a DVD (I use Nero 7 to burn). Also I believe playback will be better on the 360 if the files aren't too large.

After splitting the .mkv, I load it up in XviD4PSP to convert it to a .AVI. The reason I do NOT use the .mp4 profile is because the 360 can ONLY play .mp4 files using 2-channel audio. So if you want to keep the surround sound, DO NOT use the .mp4 profile. I choose to encode it with highest quality settings for 2-pass encoding (vhq processing change to 3). I encode based on size, and set the program to output it at 1gb higher for every 2gb the original file is, due to the program encoding .AVI's at a much smaller file size than the .mkv (if the original .mkv is 4gb, make size like 6gb or so, it will end up only being 3.5gb or so). Personally, I choose to DISABLE audio encoding. I just extract the audio manually through mkvextract, and then mux the .avi and the .ac3 file with avi-mux GUI.

Have fun watching matroska files on your 360!

Alright, I'm getting a little confused here. Primarily because reading through these 43 pages, there seems to be TWO Methods running concurrently - with some correlation. One by OP impimpin206, and the other by Chrislynch - which seems to be coming in widely acceptance.

I have one question that should be easy to answer - Can I use Vista Codec Package instead of CoreAVC Pro? It comes with Haali Splitter & AC3 Filter.

The other thing is, I want to run down the process as I understand it - and someone can possibly correct me. I'm inclined to using Chrislynch's process, just because it sounds simpler.

Assuming I've configured settings in TMPGEnc Xpress, AC3 Filter and all as recommended by Chrislynch:

All I need is
- TMPGEnc Xpress 4
- Chrislynch's 720p Template Profile for TMPGEnc Xpress
- Vista Codecs Package + AC3 Filter + Haali Media Splitter

- Open TMPGEnc Xpress 4
- Load the MKV File I have in the "Source Video".
- Load Nothing in the "Source Audio"
- Change frame rate to 29.97
- Go to 'Format' and click 'Browse' to load Chrislynch's 720p Template Profile
- You can either leave the output as 23.976 or change it to 29.97 Progressive
- Match the Size (Width X Height Pixels) to Source File
- Hit Calculator, Set your output size to 100% of media (DVD5 or DVD9) and push OK.
- Set "Video Encode Type" to "2 Pass VBR"

- If there is NO need for subtitles - Encode!
- Burn the resultant file to DVD as "DATA DVD" and play in HD-DVD Add On!

Does that sound about right? Am I missing anything?

Thanks!

PS: System is Core 2 Duo E6420, 2GB Dual Channel 667 PC-5400 RAM, Radeon X1950PRO 256MB

Great Tutorial but just one question. How long does it normally take to convert because i used all the settings and my 4.37 gb mkv file took about 23 hours to encode?

Sort of. I fully recommend removing the codec pack you have installed, and use only CoreAVC, AC3Filter and Haali Media Splitter. IF you paid the $100 for TMPGenc (and not downloaded a warez version), you can spead $15 on the codec.

For the Source Video, change the Framerate to 24 fps, not 29.97. 24fps is the "magic number." Then, on the Output, change it to 23.976, or you can leave it 24fps. That's completely up to you. All motion video (excluding games) is 23.976fps.

Look for my "official" tutorial tomorrow. I'll create a new post in these forums.

@lphelps:

That all depends on what your PC hardware contains. For instance, I have an Intel Q6600 OC'd to 3Ghz, and 4GB PC6400 running Windows Vista 32-bit. I can re-encode 1080p video (90min on average) at 9mbps bitrate in about 9 hours. It can take about 16-18 hours for 90min to 120min 1080p video at 12mbps.

720p is usually 4-5 hours for a 90min video at 6mbps. A 40min show at 720p, under 2 hours.

The "how long does it take" question cannot be answered to an exact number. It's all going to depend on a the different number of factors that I have already outlined:

- CPU Speed and Qty. The more CPUs/cores you have in your system, the better the WM9 codec engine will work. It is optimized for 4 threads per encode session. If you have 2 CPUs or cores, then the WM9 engine will only create 2 threads.
- Source video resolution (720p vs. 1080p)
- Output video resolutino (720p vs. 1080p)
- Output bitrate (in kilobits or megabits per second; you usually want to keep this number as close to the source as possible.)

Is there a reason for 24fps to be the "magic number"? I'll certainly note that change and implement it when I encode the first Video.

One important Question that I forgot to ask which I noticed when I was looking at the TMPGEnc Xpress Encode screen - the "Video Encode Type" - What's recommended - CBR or 2-Pass VBR? Is there really any benefit in this situation to use 2-Pass VBR?

Thanks!

I haven't figured out why 24fps is the magic number. It just so happens to be.

As for the difference between CBR and VBR, there can be a huge difference. If you simply want to encode a video quicker, you can certainly opt for CBR over VBR. Only having to do a single pass is certainly faster. However, at the potential expense of fast moving objects in the frame or series of frames.

What I mean is this:

VBR takes into account for not only scenes that have little motion (i.e. two old ladies sitting in chairs talking to each other), but also those scenes in the same movie with fast motion (i.e. where the same two old ladies whip out some heavy artillery and begin shooting up the place, then jump into their own cars and put on a chase that puts the movie Jade's car chase to shame.) Each scene has it's own amount of video data, and limiting not only the maximum bitrate, but using CBR, the encoding engine may miss some video data, thus the scene either becomes slow or choppy. Or both.

Now, can CBR provide a quality video? Yes. It just depends on what the source is made up of. I always pick 2-pass VBR. Because this always generates a quality encode. If you are going to spend 6 hours or more with the encode, you are better off using 2-pass VBR.

Dude, do you have a thing for 'old ladies'? Just Kidding! That was hilarious!
Anyhow, I get your point. And I understand why the 2-Pass VBR is recommended.

I started a 1hr 35m video (high action) last night on encode using your method. It was still running this morning at 6 am. I think it was 10 hours into it's procedure. I used 2-Pass VBR, and did use the magic 24fps.

I'll definitely look forward to your Official Tutorial, but I think I get the idea now.

Tell me something, if I have a WMV-HD (WVC1/5.1) - how do I play it in my HD-DVD Add On? Do I just burn the files as Data using Nero and plop it in the drive?

Thanks!

I tried a ten second sample using the method in the first post of this thread and the audio was out of sync pretty bad. I was streaming to the XBox from a PC. The original mkv had 10850 kbps in the video and around 1536 (I think) in the audio. I set the video Peak to 14999 because I read about a max of 15000 for WMV on the XBox (probably not right to do that) and set the Average bitrate at 10850 kbps. Audio was set at 192. I don't care about 5.1 because I don't have the system for it but I kept it anyway for the future. The ten second file played well and vid looks good but audio was way out of time. The source is 1080p and I'm trying to save every little bit of info so I can see the max res of my new HDTV. Oh, also the source audio in the mkv was DTS and not AC3.

Q1:
Could someone please help explain how to squeeze the max res of an mkv converted to play on a 360 with minimal loss. Needing to know the way to do it to get max quality. Stream, USB drive, etc.. File size limits, bitrate limits. I know it's been touched on but it gets lost in the lengthy thread going on here. I'm successful with mp4 but now trying for more quality using WMV.
A1 (love that sauce, try Adolf's meat marinade for the most tender steak you've ever had! lol):

Q2:
I eventually will go to external drive if it allows more data through. Is this so?
A2:


Many thanks,
John

Nah, it was late last night when I wrote it, and I tend to get a "little" loopy.

Do not confuse what we are doing here with your HD-DVD add-on drive and being able to play HD-DVD's. What we are creating is in no way equivilent to an HD-DVD. You can burn the file to either DVD5 or DVD9 media, and insert it into either the DVD or HD-DVD drive. The HD-DVD drive is quieter when watching movies, so that may be the reasoning behind your question.

@John_1975:



First off, you are *not* going to get any better quality then what the source can provide. Using higher bitrates that what the source uses does no good for you what-so-ever. Lower the bitrate to match the source.

I'm going to assume you are using wireless, specifically 802.11g, as you have not stated how your Xbox is connected to your network. 802.11g can provide a lot of bandwidth and throughput, however it does so at an expense: Latency. You are using 1080p content, that needs a minimum constant bitrate of 8-15Mbps. 802.11g cannot provide the low latency you need. 802.11a could. However, you are then trading latency for bandwidth.

I suggest you either run a physical cable for 100Mb conenctivity, or look at the D-Link HD Media Bridge. The D-Link HD Bridge uses 802.11n Draft, and can provide that low latency, high bandwidth you need to stream 1080p content. I have them, and love them. I can stream 1080p content from my PC to my Xbox, and download On Demand content from DirecTV to my HD DVR at the same time.



Yes, it is. However, you then run into a slight issue. The Xbox 360 can only support two filesystems (not including DVD and HD-DVD, which are UDF or Joliett ISO-1996) FAT16/FAT32 and HFS+. If you have a video file that is larger than 4GB in size (i.e. 720p 90min or greater, or 1080p of almost any length of time), you are well over that 4GB file size limit. You are left with two choices:

1. Burn to DVD5/DVD9/HD-DVD

or

2. Use the HFS+ filesystem (thanks to the iPod codec add-on from Microsoft to support Mac iPods, which use HFS+ as the filesystem)

There is a tool out there that you can purchase that will give you the ability to Read and Write to HFS+ drives from Windows. Do a Google search for "HFS+ Windows" and you will find it.

Bingo! Actually it's not just the noise - it's just that besides Gaming & Game Discs, I don't really like playing anything else in my 360 drive. And besides, since I do have an HD-DVD Add On, and very few HD-DVD's, I'd rather put that drive to work, especially since it'll play the WVC1.

But anyhow, coming back to my original question - is there anything I need to know before I burn the files to DVD? Do I just burn them as Data using Nero? Any special parameters or anything I need to know?

If you use Nero Burning ROM, select DVD, then DVD_ROM (UDF), and you should be good to go.

You can use the built-in DVD drive to play your WMV content. Having the HD-DVD drive will not provide any additional functionality or support, other than playing HD-DVD disks. The WVC1 codec is built into the dashboard firmware, not the HD-DVD drive. I just don't want other people thinking that you *must* have the HD-DVD drive to play WVC1 video on a DVD.

Oh I totally understand that - That's entirely my own choice - and I can see why you're clarifying that. I don't want anyone else to think that they *need* to play it in the HD-DVD Add On either.

Thanks for the tip on burning. I'll be using the Nero Burning ROM so I'll select DVD_ROM (UDF).

I'll probably be testing my first encode/burn later today evening. I'll report back.

Thanks a ton - this wouldn't have been possible without your efforts & help.

I understand that now. What is a good tool for figuring out the source bitrate of an mkv file?



I have a linky wrt-350n with dd-wrt firmware and it does a decent job but when the bitrate spikes the video dumps out. I also have a super long cable and taht works well. In the end I think I'm going to hook a WD MyBook World Edition II to the xBox and have it connected to the network over the rj45 and to the XBox over the USB. This way I should be able to transfer and watch without unhooking anything. Streaming isn't necessarily crucial. Gettting the most from the source to the XBox is.

Also I have already verified that HFS+ will work with TransMac on a 4GB thumb so this is how I intend to operate.

Thank you for you answers.

I would like to move on to recommended max settings for WMV. If someone could point out the most highly rated methods for converting mkv with dts or ac3 audio to wmv. What I'm after is a quick understanding of this so I don't have to lose to many more nights on it.

As I have posted already numerous times, MediaInfo is the tool you want to use.

Well, I could re-hash everything I have posted thus far. Or you can use the search button. Or, you can wait until tomorrow as I will post a new thread with a link to my guide on this very subject. PM me if you want an early copy.

1. Extract the contents of the attached file. This tutorial assumes you have extracted the file to the root of your E: drive, so you'll be working from e:\wmv_working\ If this is not the case, you'll need to open the movie.avs file in Notepad and change the directory. Copy your source MKV file to your \wmv_working\ directory and rename it to movie.mkv

Can someone help me with this i just dont understand

@bling20:

Check your PM.

Since I am trying almost all methods to convert HD content to Xbox360 readable content I also tried the above method. And to my surprise it works great. You dont even have to mux the audio at the end. Just copy the audio source to the avi (is an option in the program) and in my case it worked. I kept the dolby digital audio. This only works if you have the december update of course so you can play the Divx format xvid4PSP creates.

For Quality improvement I changed some small things (Quantizer->3 B-frames -> 2).
I tested this last night on a 720p Pixar movie. Even after zooming in I can not find any quality loss.
Except.... black is not really black anymore, more like very dark grey. Codec issue?? I have to get in to that.

The encoding worked quite fast on my Dell XPS (like 150% of the original movie lenght).

There is a convert to WMV option in the program but this also lackes the support of adding AC3 sound to the WMV file.

I have requested the Xvid4PSP development team to include WMV-AC1 support WITH AC3.
Just like with the AVI with an copy possibility so we can keep the sound quality and channels.

TmpGenc was my first choice but this seems a bit more handy procedure.

Ave,

Reporting back: Chrislynch's method works! Flawless!! I converted a 720p x264 video clip into WMV-HD VC1/5.1 and played it over the network - Excellent HD Quality. Took more then 10 hours for the encode - but did the job well.

The only problem I'm facing now is, when I burnt it to a DVD5 using Nero Burning Rom (DVD_ROM UDF), the disc plays fine in my XBOX 360 tray - but it won't play in my HD-DVD Add On - says "Unplayable Disc". I have no clue why. I've opened a detailed post here (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=167&t=639653) if anyone can help me out play the WMV-HD in the HD-DVD Add On.

Thanks!

nice guide, thanks!

Burn the DVD5 at the lowest speed possible, to achieve maximum compatibility in different players. I burn all of my DVD5's at 4x for this very reason, as different devices with different drives will have trouble reading DVDs burnt at higher speeds.