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How to convert DivX (AVI) movie to KVCD or KSVCD with TMPGEnc? Tip: if you do not want to include subtitles, the please read this article: "AVI to K(S)VCD". Tip: Take a look at the K(S)VCD Intro page for more info on the K(S)VCD format. A common situation: you have a DivX movie (*.avi or *.divx, see Ripping DVD to Divx and Downloading Movies from the Internet for details). Your problem: you want to playback the movie on your DVD player that's standing in the living room and you don't want to use the TV-out option which some computers have (actually: it's the video card offering this option - if at all). Solution: Since current DVD-players cannot playback DivX, we must convert the movie to a different format. We use MPEG1 for DVD players that support VideoCD, or we use MPEG2 for those that support Super VideoCD. The latter is much better in quality. The only tools we need are the DivX video codec and the TMPGEnc. The TMPGEnc can be downloaded from the TMPGEnc website. Note: there are two version of TMPGEnc: the "free", where MPEG2 quits working after a 30 day trial (MPEG1 remains working), and a "Pro" version. The "Pro" version however is not for free. Note: AVI files with AC3 audio will not work with this trick! For subtitle support, we do also need VobSub. Tip: Although we are discussing here the conversion from DivX to MPEG, the same tool can also be used for converting DV (camcorder) and other AVI video formats. In fact: it's actually made for that purpose. Note: Converting a movie to MPEG does NOT improve the quality! So don't expect a DivX with a lousy quality to become excellent by converting it to DVD or SVCD! Note: don't forget to read the disclaimer!

The required software

Software for movie playback

First try if you can playback the movie on your PC using the Window Media player.

If not, then we will need to install (if not already) the Video Codec. For DivX go to the DivX homepage .

This is needed for playback. TMPGEnc uses the codec suitable for the movie, just as it does with basically any AVI file format.

In order to transcode to KVCD, KSVCD or KDVD, we will need to install the KVCD templates. See the K(S)VCD Intro page for details.

Software for transcoding

Here we are at the core of our conversion process (called "transcoding"). Download TMPGEnc from the TMPGEnc website. First use the trial version to see if it works the way you expect it before buying the "Pro" version. I know I'm convinced that this is a tool worth it's money, but make sure you do too. Install it and run the application.

Install the software first!

The real work: TransCoding

Transcoder means something like "converting from one format to another".

After downloading and installing TMPGEnc, start it. You will see a window like this (I used version 2.59.47.155 Plus):

TMPGEnc starts with the Wizard - The K(S)VCD templates should be visible now

TMPGEnc starts without the wizard

As you can see, TMPEnc can start with or without wizard. After a fresh install, TMPGEnc usually starts with the wizard.

We will continue working with the wizard.

Tip: In case the wizard is not visible, choose from the "File" menu the option "Project Wizard" (or simply press the key combination CTRL+W).

Preparation: DirectShow filters settings

Before we can use subtitles, we need to do some settings in TMPGEnc. For that purpose we need to leave the Wizard for a minute. So if you're in the Wizard right now, click the "Cancel" button.

From the menu "Options" choose "Environmental settings". In the upcoming window, choose the tab "VFAPI plugin".

We will now increase the priority of the Directshow filters so they will be used during transcoding. This is done by giving "Directshow multimedia file reader" top priority.

Right click "DirectShow Multimedia File reader" and click the option "Higher priority".

Repeat this until "DirectShow Multimedia File reader" is on the top of the list.

TMPGEnc: DirectShow to top prioriy.

Click "OK".

Note: while working with TMPGEnc, using an AVI that has subtitles, you will notice a green arrow appearing in the systray (where the Windows clock can be found - lower right corner of your screen), which indicates VobSub activity:

Note: if the arrow DOES not appear, then verigy if both AVI and subtitles have the same filename, for example MYMOVIE.AVI and MYMOVIE.SUB

Step 1: Select the proper format

What video format do we want?

OK, in this wizard screen we can choose our target format. Make sure you do select the proper one. Try to avoid transcoding NTSC to PAL and viceversa as this usually causes problems with playback! Most DVD players support KVCD and KSVCD (See DVD Compatibility Database).

Now click the "NEXT >" button.

Step 2: Select Source file(s)

TMPGEnc: Which AVI do you want converted?

At the Video field click the "Browse..." button, and choose the AVI you want to convert. Close the dialog (after selection) by clicking "OK".

Verify at the Audio field that it shows the same filename now (usually does). In case there is no filename here, the click "Browse..." for this option and SELECT THE SAME AVI FILE as you choose for Video.

Note: Do NOT copy the other settings, like "Video type", "Field order", TMPGEnc will automatically enter data into these fields!

Click "Next >" again.

Step 3: Filter settings

Leave this page as it is and click "Next >" again.

Note: none of the checkboxes (except "Enable this Wizard at start up") are checked!

Step 4: Resolution

This step is a bit more complicated, so please pay attention here!

K(S)VCD Resolution: Select a recommended resolution!

Click "Next >".

Step 5: Output File

In the next window, we select the "Output file:", the filename of the transcoded movie. Either enter it manually or click "Browse...".

Output filename: enter name and directory

NOTE! Remove the checkmark at "Start encoding immediately".

Finally click "OK".

Step 6: Ready to go?

The next screen:

TMPGEnc: Can we start transcoding?

Make sure you check "System (Video+Audio)" !!!!!!

Please run through this checklist before we can start:

• Video Source
  Is the proper AVI filename entered here?
  
  
• Audio Source
  Do you see the same AVI filename as seen in Video Source?
  
  
• Output file name
  Do you see the proper filename here too?
  
  
• Stream Type
  Check if "System (Video+Audio)" checked (although you cannot change it with some formats - for example SVCD)
  
  
• Output format
  In the lower part of the window you will see a line with format, resolution, type of video bitrate (VBR/CBR), videobitrate and audio format with bitrate. You might want to verify them.

Final Step: Start transcoding

This is simple: Click the "Start" button and wait hours ... (Usually 1 hour of video takes between 1 and 2 hours transcoding - depending on your PC!).

As soon as TMPGEnc starts transcoding, you will see again the green VobSub arrow in the SysTray:

Note: if the arrow DOES not appear, then verigy if both AVI and subtitles have the same filename, for example MYMOVIE.AVI and MYMOVIE.SUB.

Burning a K(S)VCD

After the transcoding process you can use Nero (or similar (S)VCD capable application) to burn the CD.

Note: Nero Express will not work properly as it will try to transcode the MPEG video again!!!

Make sure to UNCHECK "Create standard Compliant CD"!!!!!