Transcoding for a Zune (WMV)

[maxpower]

I just installed 6.3.10 release candidate and then transcoded to the zune format (widescreen) that was posted earlier in the thread.

transcoder/formats/Zune-Widescreen=f\=wmv;MCompressionDetails\=-deinterlace -pix_fmt yuv420p -g 15 -qmin 3 -maxrate 628000 -bufsize 628k -async 50;[bf\=vid;f\=h264;br\=500000;fps\=29.97;w\=320;h\=180;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=mp3;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=128000;]

It successfully transcodes, but when I added to my Zune video collection and try to play it I get this error:

Can't Play
Error Summary:
Invalid or corrupt data was encountered.

Error code:
C00D00F

And the video will not sync with my Zune.

It plays just fine in VLC Media Player

[truckdriver]

Originally Posted by maxpower

It successfully transcodes, but when I added to my Zune video collection and try to play it I get this error:

Can't Play
Error Summary:
Invalid or corrupt data was encountered.

Error code:
C00D00F

And the video will not sync with my Zune.

It plays just fine in VLC Media Player

There were two mistakes in the earlier transcode lines. Try these, with attention to the highlighted parameters:

transcoder/formats/Zune-Standard=f\=wmv;MCompressionDetails\=-deinterlace -pix_fmt yuv420p -g 15 -qmin 3 -maxrate 628000 -bufsize 628k -async 50;[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=500000;fps\=29.97;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=128000;]

transcoder/formats/Zune-Widescreen=f\=wmv;MCompressionDetails\=-deinterlace -pix_fmt yuv420p -g 15 -qmin 3 -maxrate 628000 -bufsize 628k -async 50;[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=500000;fps\=29.97;w\=320;h\=180;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=128000;]

With my setup (see signature below) these parameters both work perfectly 6 for 6 tonight alone! Can't wait for the return of the network shows!

[truckdriver]

Nope, sorry, they work and are continuing to work as we "speak". Upgrade to v6.3.10 (just out yesterday). It includes the transcoder bug fix just for us Zune users!

If code says ASF it names the file "*.ASF". You still have to manually rename to "*.WMV" to sync to Zune.

Change the sage.properties line code "f\=asf" to "f\=wmv" and the file is named correctly and syncs.

[bcjenkins]

Sorry, had to reread the fix. (Still on 6.3.9 here) You would be correct. I modified my code above as well.

B

[maxpower]

Ah! That fixed it. This is great! Only problem now is that the one show I transcoded and synched to my Zune (The Colbert Report) using the Zune Standard profile, plays a little bit choppy on my Zune30 (playback on the PC is fine). Is there something I can tweak in these profiles to smooth out the playback?

[truckdriver]

Same here, just a little choppy on the Zune but fine on the PC. Have you tried the Widescreen setting?

[maxpower]

Originally Posted by truckdriver

Have you tried the Widescreen setting?

Just tried Zune Widescreen and it is also pretty choppy. Any ideas how to tweak the profile to eliminate this problem?

[maxpower]

I tried changing the sample rate to 44100 and the resulting transcoded file still is choppy. Does no one have a suggestion as to how the profile could be changed to smooth out the playback on the Zune?

[maxpower]

Bump. Is anyone successfully auto-compressing shows for the Zune and getting smooth playback?

[alfi33]

No, but I sure would love to be able to do this too.

[moakes]

Same here! I'd be happy to kick in a $10 bounty for smooth play back and clearly detailed instructions.

[bcjenkins]

1. Exit SageTV an stop services
2. Click Start --> Run and paste in

   notepad c:\progra~1\sagetv\sagetv\Sage.properties

3. Locate the section for transcoding and paste in

   transcoder/formats/Zune_Test-Standard=f\=wmv;MCompressionDetails\=-maxrate 1350000 -bufsize 2048000;[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=128000;]
   
   transcoder/formats/Zune_Test-Widescreen=f\=wmv;MCompressionDetails\=-maxrate 1350000 -bufsize 2048000;[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=180;arn\=16;ard\=9;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=128000;]

4. Save and close
5. Start SageTV and try a new convert using Zune_Test

I don't have a Zune so I can't test. I'll test the conversion in a bit. Watching the football game now.

Try this 1080i sample
Try this 480i sample
Try this 720p sample

B

[moakes]

Thanks for the directions. I just made the updates, and have started testing by converting a few files. I'll report back. Thanks again.

[moakes]

bcjenkins: Thanks for your response. It converted right from the SageTV menu, and then the Zune software synced it to the Zune in seconds, without any additional conversion. RESULTS=> I converted one 30min show (standard), and it is close . . . but not quite there. The video is just a bit jerky, but in the very acceptable range. HOWEVER, the audio is very "clippy" sounds like it keeps clipping out, and is too annoying to listen to. FYI: the converted video plays just fine on the PC (no jerkeyness or clipping). Does this mean that it is too high of a quality for the Zune processor to keep up, so we need to convert in a lower quality???? If so, do you have suggestions on what paramater values to change? If you don't have specifics, are there definitions of what each parameter is, and then I could run some tests?
Thanks,
MOAKES

[bcjenkins]

Can you post a sample clip of something that works right? What is your source material? Tuner type, channel and show preferable too.

If you look at the commands you need to adjust:

transcoder/formats/Zune_Test-Widescreen=f\=wmv;MCompressionDetails\=-maxrate 1350000 -bufsize 2048000;[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=180;arn\=16;ard\=9;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=128000;]

br = Bit-rate. There is one for video and one for audio. You could also try adjusting the audio sampling rate to 44100 as well. However, these may be limitations of the ffmpeg encoders. You might also try increasing the bitrate to 196000.

B

[moakes]

I really appreciate your help! OK, here are the answers to your questions:

#1. Here is a video from my daughter's Zune [sorry about the content ] but it does play very nicely: http://home.comcast.net/~moakes1/NoAir.wmv

#2. Source material: I am trying to take TV shows that I have recorded with the SageTV and convert them and take them to my Zune. I am using a Hauppage dual tuner card PVR-500.

#3. I have standard cable (no HD) and am interested in 4:3 format. Again Discovery, History Channel, Disney type stuff I am recording.

#4. I found these recommendations on the Zune Website: http://www.zune.net/en-us/support/us...e.htm#section6

#5. Here are the parameters I have tried, and the outcomes:
"clippy" means that the audio clipped.
"zune converted" means that the Zune software didn't like the conversion (too big I think) so it converts the file while syncing, the problem is that this takes a really long time (not sure but almost 30mins for a 30min video) where as if it doesn't have to convert a 30min show syncs in about 30 seconds), so this not acceptable.

[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=128000;] = clippy
[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=48000;ch\=2;br\=320000;] = zune converted
[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=44100;ch\=2;br\=128000;] = clippy
[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=44100;ch\=2;br\=192000;] = zune converted
[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=640000;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=44100;ch\=2;br\=96000;] = clippy
[bf\=vid;f\=wmv2;br\=500000;w\=320;h\=240;arn\=4;ard\=3;][bf\=aud;f\=wmav2;sr\=44100;ch\=2;br\=128000;] = clippy

[Cabalsan]

Not sure if this helps, but i have been doing this for a year now, transferring recorded content converted in SageTv to fit the Zune (Original 30Gb). I think ever since Sage v6.2.10 (maybe earlier??)

I modified the Ipod properties standard converter for mpeg4 to the fit the Zune's screen size parameter and its worked fine with just with one small snag. When you add the file in Zune and then synch, the software converts file again. Not a problem as on my e6400, this takes like 5 min per show to convert and synch over. I'll batch like 5 Modern Marvels and I'm ready to go for my next flight out. Maybe 30 min total transcode time.

I'll check my Sage Prop soon and post back that lines settings. <EDIT> I forgot I had this PC down due to upgrades. Once I get it all up and running I'll post back settings. <EDIT>

Essentially, now I just select the Ipod highest level and convert. I then pull those smaller files over using wifi to my main rig so as not to bog sown the Sage PC and then synch over to the Zune. Easy parchessi.

-Cab

[bcjenkins]

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Free_...ideo_Converter

Can you convert something with this and tell me how it pans out? It is based on ffmpeg too.

B

[moakes]

OK, I'll give that converter a try. However, I'm on a little trip for the 4th of July, so It will be the weekend before I get back in a position to do it. I'll report back then. Thanks for the suggestion.

[alfi33]

Originally Posted by bcjenkins

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/Free_...ideo_Converter

Can you convert something with this and tell me how it pans out? It is based on ffmpeg too.

B

I tried the "Free Zune Video Converter" on one of my Sage recordings.

I first chose the "WMV - WMV2_WMA2 - 2_High Q" profile and changed only the FPS to 29.97. The resulting file played fine in WMP. However, when I tried to sync it to the Zune, the Zune software started to convert it. It gets about 5% done before giving me an error saying that the file is either corrupt or invalid.

I then tried the "WMV - WMV2_WMA2 - 3_Normal Q" changing only the FPS to 29.97. This wmv played fine in WMP and synced to my Zune without converting. Yay! The audio quality is fine. I heard no "clipping" at all. The video quality is ok...but not great... but definitely watchable on the small zune screen.

Although I'd prefer to use a little higher quality video settings, I think this profile would be perfectly acceptable for me if I could get it to work with Sage. Any ideas?