Imported DVD rips -- 0 minutes?

[xienze]

I'm having some issues importing rips of my DVDs into Sage.

If I import a directory full of single file (i.e., >> 1GB) VOBs, I can select any particular VOB and Sage is able to play it back correctly. The only problem, of course, is that I lose subtitling and that Sage thinks all videos are at most 32 minutes (which makes for interesting seeks).

When I try to import a video in the "preferred" manner (i.e., by ripping the DVD into AUDIO_TS/VIDEO_TS directories which contain VOBs split at 1GB and IFOs, etc.), Sage runs into problems. The "file" which Sage allows me to select for playback is the VIDEO_TS directory, and it lists the runtime as 0 minutes. If I choose "watch now", I can see about one frame of video before Sage locks up hard. Any ideas?

[ke6guj]

Its probably Sage trying to scan your files before they are completed. I have the same problem if I try to copy a file over the network or unrar directly into my library folder. Since it takes a couple minutes for the file to become complete, there is a window of time that Sage can see the incomplete file. If it sees the file while it is incomplete, it'll do the 0 minute thing.

The workaround is to copy the files into a temp folder on the destination drive, then, once the file is complete, you can do a "move" and that only takes a second or two, too small a time for Sage to see the incomplete file.

[xienze]

Thanks for the reply.

I tried doing that, but that doesn't seem to work. It also doesn't make any sense... if I'm importing a directory full of big VOBs, Sage can see them just fine, yet if I'm importing a DVD ripped into a VIDEO_TS directory structure, it can't? Seems very odd, and something the Sage team should look into...

P.S., I should also mention that I'm accessing these files over the network (i.e., my import directory is a network share). I've also tried doing this with a local directory.

[nielm]

All my ripped DVDs show a duration of 0, and I have no problems playing back.

Try changing your DVD renderer/decoder/audio decoder in detailed setup/dvd -- it could be that you have a buggy decoder installed that Sage is selecting for DVD playback.

[xienze]

I can't imagine that's the problem though. If I remove the IFO files from the directory and rescan, Sage acts as if it's just a directory full of VOBs. If I play one of those VTS_* VOBs, everything is fine. However, if the entire DVD directory structure is present, only then will Sage lock up hard when trying to play one of these DVDs.

[stanger89]

Did you add .VOB to your import list? It's conceivable that that is confusing Sage ("Should I play this as a media file or a DVD?") .VOB is not necessary in the import list for Sage to import DVDs.

[xienze]

Yep, I've tried both with and without VOB as an extension.

I'm just about ready to say forget it, and I'm looking into simply using MKV as my MPEG2/AC3 container. No loss of quality, and Sage can actually play these files. Of course, the catch is the the good MKV splitter causes Sage to error, while the crappy one (that stutters a lot) works. Sigh.

[nielm]

Originally Posted by xienze

I can't imagine that's the problem though. If I remove the IFO files from the directory and rescan, Sage acts as if it's just a directory full of VOBs. If I play one of those VTS_* VOBs, everything is fine. However, if the entire DVD directory structure is present, only then will Sage lock up hard when trying to play one of these DVDs.

When playing a plain Vob, Sage uses the configured MPEG2 decoder in the Video section; when playing a ripped DVD VIDEO_TS directory, it uses the configured decoders in the DVD section of detailed setup, so it's still worth a try changing DVD decoders

[xienze]

I really appreciate everyone's help, but I guess this just wasn't meant to be. My DVD decoders are the exact same as the video/TV decoders, so we've probably come to the end of the line here . I'm looking in to MKV, if it weren't for one issue, it would suit me perfectly.

[mlbdude]

What decoders are they? Can they decrypt DVD's? Did you rip the DVD's to remove macrovision and CSS?

[pawn]

I have the same problem with, maybe, one in eight ripped DVD's. Nothing helps, that I'm aware of. Sage freezes on startup, or maybe a couple of minutes in on these DVD's. In one case, a movie freezes at exactly the same point after 90% of the movie plays.

I assumed at first, as mentioned here, Sage had scanned the library half way through an import, but I tried ripping to a temp folder, then moving it at once into the import directory, and same deal (even a different folder name to be sure there were no wiz legacy entries). Also, all of my ripped DVD's show up as 0 minutes, and doesn't seem to be a problem.

I'm not sure I can name specific titles without stepping outside of the forum rules, but I'd like too

For the record, all files play fine with ZoomPlayer using the same decoders and renderers.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by pawn

I have the same problem with, maybe, one in eight ripped DVD's. Nothing helps, that I'm aware of. Sage freezes on startup, or maybe a couple of minutes in on these DVD's. In one case, a movie freezes at exactly the same point after 90% of the movie plays.

I think Sage imports DVDs differently than most media, ie with most media Sage opens the file and tries get a length/etc. However with DVDs I think it just looks and if it finds the right structure it imports it. I don't think it necessarily even needs to be a "complete"/playable rip. That's why the time is 0, because Sage doesn't (appear) to try and read the length.

I assumed at first, as mentioned here, Sage had scanned the library half way through an import, but I tried ripping to a temp folder, then moving it at once into the import directory, and same deal (even a different folder name to be sure there were no wiz legacy entries). Also, all of my ripped DVD's show up as 0 minutes, and doesn't seem to be a problem.

I'm not sure I can name specific titles without stepping outside of the forum rules, but I'd like too

As long as you own them, I think you're fine.

For the record, all files play fine with ZoomPlayer using the same decoders and renderers.

The only trouble I've had with DVD rips in Sage is a couple rips that went bad, and IIRC they either killed, or at least showed issues in other players as well.

So, to those of you having trouble, how are you ripping your "discs without encryption that are being ripped for personal fair use as allowed by the law."?