Conversion problems...

[kev]

A problem has cropped up of late. Sorta...

I use DVDSanta 4.0 primarily for converting my .avi's and .mpg's to VOB files. I've been using it for at least a couple of years now and though for the most part I've been satisfied with the results; I've noticed every once in awhile when I tried to create VOB files from a .avi file along with a subtitle file that there will be a error in the converting.

What seems to happen is the DVD will play to a certain point [it varies with different files and sometimes even when RE-converting the same file...] then the image will freeze up, but the sound will continue to the end of the movie...

The average set of VOB files as a result of most conversions of 700MB - 1GB .avi files run about 3.8 - 4.4GB's, however times when the conversions result in the 'error' I've described, I've noticed that the VOB files are very small, sometimes even smaller than the .avi file itself... Sometimes if I try a couple of times, I can get a successful conversion, other times nothing I do works. Again, all this with DVDSanta 4.0.

I guess I've finally gotten fed up with this inconsistency due to fact I can't burn a DVD of 'Mort un dimanche de pluie' with the subs that have recently been provided. I've tried 3 different times; twice with subs, the last time without. Each time I've ended up with a set of VOB files that are only 743MB's big. The result was a DVD that gave me a black wide-screen image along with the sounds of the film, but nothing else.

Before that I created a successful DVD of one movie [with hard coded subs PLUS subs that I got {not realizing the rip already was subbed } from a subtitle forum]; and AFTER my failed attempts with 'Mort un...' I made a successful DVD of a different movie. So my DVDSanta IS working...

My question I suppose is whether there is a problem with the particular .avi files that won't work or is there some inherent glitch in my DVDSanta program OR am I just getting lucky on the SUCCESSFUL burns [80% of the time] and the screw-ups reveal my TOTAL lack of knowledge about any of this??

Help...

kev.

[FLL]

Knowing little about that program, I can't say much. I checked my copy of that avi file with DivFix and it didn't find any problems, but that doesn't mean there isn't a small problem which players have no problem with but DVDSanta chokes on. Maybe someone here has another avi file checker.

If you can get me a trusted link to the version of DVDSanta you have, I could test it and see what I can figure out. Sorry I can't say more, any guesses I have at the problem would probably just frustrate you since they would be shots in the dark at this point.

[ptguardian]

hope this helps. first watch or scan with a media player. vlc or equivalent. if it plays fine it might be a codec problem conflicting with your program. if not well find a different file if you can. second i would suggest convertxtodvd. i use it for all my files from mpg, mkv, etc... with great success. very easy to use. good luck.

[kev]

Thanks both!

I've heard other people talking about 'convertxtodvd'; in fact it seemed to be a name that popped up a lot at one particular 'Computer' forum that I visited. Either lotsa folks that were posting work for the company that makes that program, or it's garnered a big fan base!

I'm probably going to go ahead and pick up a copy of that program, BUT I'm wondering is my troubles with DVDSanta unique, or have others that might have this program encountered the same thing.

Seems like I had the same problem with our release of 'Divine Enfant' a year or so ago: DVDSanta would not convert that file no matter what I did.

In fact, if I remember right, DVDSanta would run for awhile [I usually start it when I go to bed so it will be ready when I wake up, as the process can take 2 - 4 hours sometimes] then totally disappear, leaving no explanation as to why it cut itself off...

(Actually I've noticed it does this [disappears] just about every time when I've tried to burn a file that has accompanying subs WHEN I indicate 'Yes' on the prompt that asks me "dvdsanta has found an associated subtitle file, do you want to use it?" When I click 'No' USUALLY then DVDSanta will successfully convert the file to DVD WITH the subs! )

lol: I guess I'm having MORE problems with this program than I originally indicated. On the whole, though, it works pretty well. I've always been pleased with the quality of my DVD's with the successful burns...

Anyway, life continues... Thank you, again for your comments.

kev.

[loverboy]

That would have been me singing the praises of ConvertXtoDVD & no, I don't work for them! I've tried most transcoding software including DVD Santa......I know I rejected it for some reason but it was so long ago I can't remember! ConvertXtoDVD is easy to use, imports subtitles in both srt & sub/idx format & gives the chance to adjust volume. It will also burn the DVD but I prefer to let Nero handle that. Steer clear of the latest version 3.........it's significantly quicker but shite! Go for the last release of version 2 which I think is 2.2.3.258. If it helps I've got this version along with serials & a keygen & could release this. I know I transcoded 'Mort un dimanche de pluie' along with the subs & have watched it already with no problems.

Cheers!

[loverboy]

Maybe someone here has another avi file checker.

As an afterthought........I use GSpot........not specifically an avi checker, more a codec information utility. There is basic file scanning for corruption & detailed file information plus codecs required & installed on your machine.

http://www.free-codecs.com/download/GSpot.htm