33 Replies Latest reply: Mar 25, 2011 2:24 PM by able123 RSS

    Video Converter

    JSS1138 CommunityMVP

      I'm looking for advice on a video convertor.  Seems like they all have a limitation in what they can take in, and/or what they can put out.  Is anyone aware of a free piece of Windows 7 software that can take anything in and convert it to any format (so long as the codec is installed)?

       

      In other words:

       

      1. Free

      2. Any format input

      3. Any format output

      4 (No QuickTime)

       

      Baring that, what I'm really trying to do here is convert some FLVs into a Lags or UT AVI file.  Seems there are plenty of programs that can take them in, but they can't output to those codecs.  The programs that can output to those codecs can't take them in.

       

      Very frustrating.

        • 1. Re: Video Converter
          Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

          Is there some reason the AME won't work for this task?  It does here.

           

          -Jeff

          • 2. Re: Video Converter
            Colin Brougham Community Member

            Is there some reason the AME won't work for this task?

             

            My guess would be that the FLVs that Jim is referring to contain FLV1 aka H.263 aka Sorenson Spark which, according to the help docs, isn't going to work:

             

            • FLV, F4V
            Note:  The FLV and F4V formats are container formats, each of which is associated with a set of video and audio formats. F4V files generally contain video data that is encoded using an H.264 video codec and the AAC audio codec. FLV files generally contain video data that is encoded using the On2 VP6 or Sorenson Spark codec and audio data encoded using an MP3 audio codec. Adobe Media Encoder CS5 can import FLV files using the On2 VP6 video codec, not the Sorenson Spark codec.

             

            That all said, Jim, you know better: go get the original camera footage. There is no excuse for trying to edit stuff like that.

             

            C'mon... you left that one wiiiide open.

             

            Alright, enough kidding around: do you have CS3 or CS4? As of CS4, Premiere and AME were still able to import FLVs with Spark (if that's indeed what you have). You could flip the FLVs to your AVI codec of choice; Lagarith installs the 32-bit encoder/decoder, and Ut has both available but they are separate installs. You can encode using the the 32-bit version, and they'll decode just fine using the 64-bit version in CS5. It's obviously kind of a brute force tactic just to flip these files, but your alternative is to install some "free" encoder with something nasty like ffdshow in tow, and I don't need to tell you about that...

            • 3. Re: Video Converter
              JSS1138 CommunityMVP

              Sure enough the files are using Sorensen, and won't open in either PP or AME.

               

              I had to rebuild my rig recently, so CS4 is no longer installed.  I'd rather not put that on just for this non-work project.

              • 4. Re: Video Converter
                Bill Hunt CommunityMVP

                Up through CS4 (does not work in CS5, and they do not say they will add that capability), Moyea has an FLV Importer plug-in for PrPro. It is not free, but has always worked for me in PrPro 2.0, with every FLV tossed at it - so far.

                 

                Good luck,

                 

                Hunt

                • 5. Re: Video Converter
                  JSS1138 CommunityMVP

                  Thanks for trying, Bill.

                   

                  Doesn't help much, though.  On two fronts - compatibility, and it's not free. (Which you'll notice was my number one requirement.  Anything I have to pay for, now matter how well it works, is off the table for this small personal project.)

                  • 6. Re: Video Converter
                    Colin Brougham Community Member

                    Alright, try this:

                     

                    1. Download WinFF and install it.
                    2. Open WinFF, and go to Edit > Presets. Create an AVI preset that looks like the following:

                      winff.png
                    3. Save the preset, and close the dialog.
                    4. Add your FLVs, select "AVI" in the Convert to box, and your "Uncompressed AVI" preset (ffmpeg, which WinFF is a GUI for, does not have Lagarith or Ut as encoding options, but you can convert these later if needed). Pick your save location, and hit Convert.
                    5. A DOS window will pop up with a whole bunch of gibberish flying by; the FLVs are being converted into uncompressed AVIs that match the frame size and frame rate of your original FLVs. When done you can edit the AVIs as-is, or convert them using AME to Lagarith or Ut or whatever you want.

                     

                    Yay, free...

                    • 7. Re: Video Converter
                      JSS1138 CommunityMVP

                      Nice one, Colin.  Thanks.


                      • 8. Re: Video Converter
                        Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                        Or use ffmpegsource - An FFmpeg based source library and Avisynth plugin and avisynth+virtualdub to convert directly to Lags or UT.  Here's your AviSynth script:

                         

                        FFIndex("myfile.flv")
                        video=FFVideoSource("myfile.flv")
                        audio=FFAudioSource("myfile.flv")
                        AudioDub(video,audio)

                         

                        Load the script into VirtualDub and export as a Lags or UT avi file.

                         

                        Saves you one conversion step.

                         

                        Thanks to Colin for mentioning ffmpeg - it gave me the idea to check it out in AviSynth.

                         

                        -Jeff

                         

                        EDIT: Use MT as desired; it seems stable enough here.  Conversion proceeds at 160+ fps.

                        • 9. Re: Video Converter
                          Colin Brougham Community Member

                          Filed!

                           

                          (Nice one, Jeff; that'll come in handy for other weirdo formats, too.)

                           

                          EDIT: By the way, looks like you don't necessarily need to use the FFIndex command:

                           

                          Before FFMS2 can open a file, it must be indexed first so that keyframe/sample positions are known and seeking is easily accomplished. This is done automatically when using FFVideoSource() or FFAudioSource(), but if you want to you can invoke the indexing yourself by calling FFIndex(), or by running ffmsindex.exe. By default the index is written to a file so it can be reused the next time you open the same file, but this behavior can be turned off if desired.
                          • 10. Re: Video Converter
                            Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                            Without FFIndex, VirtualDub choked. [unnecessarily descriptive metaphor removed]

                             

                            -Jeff

                            • 11. Re: Video Converter
                              Colin Brougham Community Member

                              My, that IS descriptive!

                               

                              I tried the "convenience" command, with this simple line:

                               

                              FFmpegSource2("filename.flv")
                              

                               

                              Worked poifectly, even in VDub; the .ffindex file is created when the file is loaded into VDub (or another player). As long as you have the "FFMS2.avsi" file in the Avisynth plugins folder, this works... here

                              • 12. Re: Video Converter
                                Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                                Did you get audio in VirtualDub too?  (I'm off to try it again here)

                                 

                                Source file is an On2VP6 flv file with MP3 audio...

                                 

                                -Jeff

                                • 13. Re: Video Converter
                                  Colin Brougham Community Member

                                  Hmm... didn't have an FLV with sound to test. I'm using an FLV with H.263/Spark, which is what Jim is dealing with. Those won't import into CS5 (licensing issue, not a codec compatibility issue, apparently); the On2 VP6 encoded FLVs will, however.

                                   

                                  I'll see if I can dredge up an "old" FLV

                                  • 14. Re: Video Converter
                                    Community Member

                                    Jim

                                    -------------

                                    Doesn't help much, though.  On two fronts - compatibility, and it's not  free. (Which you'll notice was my number one requirement.  Anything I  have to pay for, now matter how well it works, is off the table for this  small personal project.)

                                    ---------------------

                                    I almost <fill in genuinely amused reaction here> when I heard colins reply !

                                    • 15. Re: Video Converter
                                      Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                                      I only got audio with the convenience function if I added atrack=-1 to the arguments of the function.

                                       

                                      I think I like my original script better if only because it is more "plain english" friendly, and it doesn't require the loading of the .avsi script to work.

                                       

                                      -Jeff

                                      • 16. Re: Video Converter
                                        Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                                        Rod,

                                         

                                        Perhaps you could rephrase the description of your reaction?  It's TMI at the very least, and borderline offensive at the worst.  Thanks.

                                         

                                        -Jeff

                                        • 17. Re: Video Converter
                                          Community Member

                                          sorry...but I think the baby metaphor got to me....

                                           

                                          ----------------

                                          Without FFIndex, VirtualDub  choked, [descriptive metaphor removed]

                                           

                                          -Jeff

                                           

                                          --------------------

                                           

                                           

                                          • 18. Re: Video Converter
                                            Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                                            I was just going to offer to change my description of baby bodily functions in case anyone found it equally unpleasant!

                                             

                                            Point taken.

                                             

                                            -Jeff

                                            • 19. Re: Video Converter
                                              Community Member

                                              k, sorry

                                               

                                              Rod

                                              • 20. Re: Video Converter
                                                Community Member

                                                dont forget, im a grip... on movies and we have a reputation ...otherwise I wouldnt be able to control the crowds at times square when putting the crane for lights in place ...etc...know what I mean?

                                                • 21. Re: Video Converter
                                                  Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP
                                                  know what I mean?

                                                  I do.  And I found your original reaction amusing.  But I have to think of the greater good here, due to the incredibly weighty and serious responsibilities I shoulder as a mod.

                                                   

                                                  -Jeff

                                                  • 22. Re: Video Converter
                                                    Community Member

                                                    jeff,

                                                     

                                                     

                                                    starting tv pilot apr 1, shooting, am dolly grip, "prime suspect", pm me and visit set why dont you? would love to meet you..nyc chelsea piers is stage..rest is on location nyc ...

                                                     

                                                    probably talk to production and plant you near DIT station..and run off ...youre on your own after that...no time to chat

                                                    • 23. Re: Video Converter
                                                      Community Member

                                                      that sounds too cold.

                                                      what i mean is, I get permission for you to be on set, introduce you to the production manager and techs at the DIT or video village place, then run off and do my job moving the camera around ( tethered either by bnc cable for video tap on 35mm film camera or by fiber optic tether to digital camera ( I have no idea what camera is gonna be used now..my only concern now is what dollies are used and what we have to do during pilot to move the camera....rigs, camera cranes, car rigs, steadicams, etc )..

                                                      but anyway, I can get permission for you to come visit set cause I know the pm and she will allow that... and you can hang by the video village or dit village...with DP, director, etc .....till you get bored to death.

                                                       

                                                       

                                                      • 24. Re: Video Converter
                                                        Colin Brougham Community Member

                                                        I only got audio with the convenience function if I added atrack=-1 to the arguments of the function.

                                                         

                                                        I think I like my original script better if only because it is more "plain english" friendly, and it doesn't require the loading of the .avsi script to work.

                                                         

                                                        Yeah, I need "atrack=-1" to get the audio to play, but that was easy enough. No need to specifically call the FFMS2.avsi script; it was loaded automatically with just the single line in my AVS script.

                                                        • 25. Re: Video Converter
                                                          Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP
                                                          I can get permission for you to come visit

                                                          I'd love to do that!  However, my current schedule prohibits it.  I'll see what I can do to shuffle my days around.  How long is the offer available?  Thanks!

                                                           

                                                          -Jeff

                                                          • 26. Re: Video Converter
                                                            Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP
                                                            No need to specifically call the FFMS2.avsi script; it was loaded automatically with just the single line in my AVS script.

                                                            OK, how lazy am I?

                                                             

                                                            I was referring to the need to put the .avsi script into the AviSynth plugins folder, as opposed to just the ffms2.dll file.  Simply throwing the .dll file of the many filters I have into the plugins folder is how (almost?) all of them work.  It took actual research and a reading of the ffmpeg docs to figure out that the .avsi file had to be there too.  Way too much work.

                                                             

                                                            -Jeff

                                                            • 27. Re: Video Converter
                                                              Colin Brougham Community Member
                                                              Way too much work.

                                                               

                                                              Mmmhmmm... and how much time is going into those new tutorials you're working on?

                                                               

                                                               

                                                              • 28. Re: Video Converter
                                                                Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                                                                My opinion?  Or the opinion of She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed?

                                                                 

                                                                -Jeff

                                                                • 29. Re: Video Converter
                                                                  Colin Brougham Community Member

                                                                  Well, I'm sure if you posted The Boss' opinion, you'd have to use lots of neat characters like "@" and "#" and "&" strung together to replace a few choice adjectives...

                                                                  • 30. Re: Video Converter
                                                                    Community Member

                                                                    well,  I have more sway if Im on the job, and this pilot is probably gonna be longer than the typical episode time. usually an episode is like 6-8 days per half hour (episode), sometimes an hour....its all different depending on show, and honestly I dont have a clue whats up with this thing. I dont have script, dont have schedule, nothing.  In that sense, ( I am doing this a long time now over the years ) it is not a good sign re: quality...  In the old days, we would go on scouts and read the scripts and a lot of people ( techs like me ) would get involved with planning the shoot.... but Im not the key, and he is very good....so my guess is he has that covered ( scouts and so on ).

                                                                     

                                                                    I'm gonna guess that the episodes are gonna be something like ......13 episodes booked ( out of 26 or 23...to be picked up halfway thru the season....in other words shoot 13 and if the ratings are good go for the other 13 ).....and if its a half hour show ( I have no idea ) figure on 6 days per episode..... and if its an hour show figure about 8 days per episode .... something around that time frame....

                                                                     

                                                                    sooo, this pilot should last about 3x as long as a normal episode, cause they want to hook the audience right away with the storyline and characters ( episodic is usually character driven interest...you get audience into the characters personal life as well as the longer living plots ( what the characters are working on )....soooo, lets say this pilot goes for shooting days...16- 20 ????  somewhere around that...depends on action and stunts and 2nd unit etc....????  havent seen script.

                                                                     

                                                                    anyway, lets go to the pm thing from now on cause im gonna have to just get into working on this rather than talk about it real soon..

                                                                     

                                                                    • 31. Re: Video Converter
                                                                      Colin Brougham Community Member

                                                                      BWAHAHAHA!

                                                                       

                                                                      I just figured out how to get Avisynth scripts to import into CS5! In short this means that, coupled with ffmpegsource, just about anything can be imported into CS5. I can edit Sorenson Spark FLVs--no intermediates required!

                                                                       

                                                                      Again, for effect: BWAHAHAHA!

                                                                      • 32. Re: Video Converter
                                                                        Jeff Bellune CommunityMVP

                                                                        OK, I'll bite.

                                                                         

                                                                        How did you get Pr CS5 to import AviSynth scripts?  Does it involve Quicktime?  Is that the reason for the evil laugh?

                                                                         

                                                                        -Jeff

                                                                        • 33. Re: Video Converter
                                                                          Community Member

                                                                          Jeff,

                                                                          -------------

                                                                          I'll see what I can do to shuffle my days around.  How long is the  offer available?

                                                                          ---------------

                                                                          update on pilot...im booked starting monday for a week of prep and then apr 1 is still the beginning of shoot.

                                                                          stage will be some sort of "modified" law and order sets at the chelsea piers ( 23st and hudson river )

                                                                           

                                                                          still dont know how long pilot is gonna shoot...probably 12 days about...will find out monday if I get a script and schedule etc then.

                                                                          mostly is gonna be hand held on stage is the rumor.

                                                                          thats good if you wanna visit cause it gives me more time to hang out with you.

                                                                           

                                                                          I know its unlikely you'll get the time to visit, and there's other stuff after this anyway ( probably a movie next )...

                                                                           

                                                                          invite is always there anytime you come to area...if I'm not on something myself I can yap with others and visit their stuff..similar to when you know "roadies" and get backstage with the "band"   LOL...