Batch Convert to DivX

[Outvit]

I'm trying to find a program that can batch convert my recorded TV shows to high quality DivX which seems to turn a 2GB (1 hour of TV) file into around 700MB. The problem is, this process takes like two hours per TV show and the program I'm using Dr. DivX only does one file at a time. This is hardly a good use for the processing power I have available. Maybe there is a multi-thread capable converter out there that will convert two or more files simultaneously? I'm unsure of the detrimental effects this will have on quality, if any at all. The solution might be to use a lower DivX quality but I’d prefer to remain at high quality so I don’t lose much of the original picture quality of the TV recording. If I’m wrong in my assumptions and am handling this the wrong way, please by all means. Any experienced users out there please tell the new person what they’re doing wrong and how to get around it or fix it.

Not much of a problem. I agree. But I’d still like to find an answer.

[Wheemer]

I'm not aware of any programs that do that, but it would seem that if 1 file takes two hours, then processing two file at a time would take 4 hours... Unless your processor isn't being used fully... What CPU % does it currently run at?

[Outvit]

Originally Posted by Wheemer

I'm not aware of any programs that do that, but it would seem that if 1 file takes two hours, then processing two file at a time would take 4 hours... Unless your processor isn't being used fully... What CPU % does it currently run at?

Well the PC that has my SageTV software and the PVR-500MCE is an Athlon64 3200+ (Winchester core) and a 1GB of RAM. As for steady CPU usage throughout the operation, I have no idea of that, but the times I passed by the computer and checked it was around 40-50% and the CPU thread priority in Windows XP was at normal. I'd also like to know how I can remove lame commercials quickly. I don't want something that's going to cost money. It does not seem worth the value really if the software is going to be $40 or $50. Software is just too expensive these days for no distinct advantage. So if there is a low priced, or free open source alternative, please tell me.

[sshort1955]

DubMan will setup batches for VirtualDub, works great.

[Outvit]

What about a program that lets me strip out commercials?

Is there no way to speed up the DivX convert? If not I'm staying with Dr.DivX.

[Outvit]

Anyone?

[Wheemer]

I don't think many people will recommend any automated process for removing the comercials. If you use comskip, it'll produce project file that'll import into videoredo. Then you can fine tune and output the new file.

If you want to see about processing speed, I'm not sure, but xvid may be faster. You can always give AutoGK a go, but it doesn't batch.

[remmy925]

You can queue up jobs with auto GK as I recall. Its easy to use........and takes alot of the guesswork out for ya. As I recall you tell it what files you want and add it to a queue....then let er rip! It will by the way let you do xvid or divx....I do agree however that you might like xvid better than dvix for a format to use.

[Wheemer]

oops... I was confused.

[buck1952]

Here’s a couple of programs to automate [batch] DrDivx conversion

First is DrDivxAutomater
DrDivxAutomaterGUI.zip
Included in zip file
>DrDivxAutomater_URL.txt
Link to DrDivxAutomater program. DrDivxAutomater will batch convert all .mpgs or vobs in source folder and its sub-folders
>DrDivxAutomaterGUI.exe
DrDivxAutomater front end. GUI offers process priority, stopping [kill] all DrDivxAutomater processes and children, and command line usage [for scheduling].
>DrDivxAutomaterGUI Registry Edit Files folder
Windows Registry editor files that will add or remove DrDvixAutomaterGUI Windows Explorer context menu item.

Second is jobX
jobX
I haven’t tried jobX but here it is.

[jominor]

Originally Posted by Outvit

I'm trying to find a program that can batch convert my recorded TV shows to high quality DivX which seems to turn a 2GB (1 hour of TV) file into around 700MB. The problem is, this process takes like two hours per TV show and the program I'm using Dr. DivX only does one file at a time. This is hardly a good use for the processing power I have available. Maybe there is a multi-thread capable converter out there that will convert two or more files simultaneously? I'm unsure of the detrimental effects this will have on quality, if any at all. The solution might be to use a lower DivX quality but I’d prefer to remain at high quality so I don’t lose much of the original picture quality of the TV recording. If I’m wrong in my assumptions and am handling this the wrong way, please by all means. Any experienced users out there please tell the new person what they’re doing wrong and how to get around it or fix it.

Not much of a problem. I agree. But I’d still like to find an answer.

Not true. Dr. Divx does support batch encoding. I use it all the time. All you have to do is press the batch encoding checkbox before pressing the encode button.

This adds it to a queue. You can then encode them all, move items up/down the queue, do part of the queue.