Converting dvds to avc format for PSP - using a mac and having problems!

[TonyDA]

In a nutshell, I'm trying to convert some dvds/video ts files to avc, so that I can test out my new psp's video facility.

However, I'm finding that the app I'm using on the Mac, ipsp, doesn't like certain video ts files. To anyone using a mac and encoding video files successfully...would you mind giving me some advice on which is the best app to use?

Thanks
Tony

[Space Monkey]

ffmpegx should do everything you want, the installation is a little convoluted but it`s well worth it.

e. It`s also got a psp preset that does a good job with the quality/file size.

[TonyDA]

Thanks for that - but it doesn't seem to like video_ts files, unless I'm being a thicko (which is quite possible) and am doing something wrong. I've ripped a dvd, which produce a video_ts file but as soon as I drap that into ffmpegx and try to convert it, it tells me it isn't an accepted format.

But thanks for the reply mate!

[Space Monkey]

Sorry I`m not too sure about ripping dvd`s when I`ve had to get video off a dvd I`ve just lifted the vob files straight over from the dvd onto the desktop. When it comes to video file conversion I don`t think there is anything more capable than ffmpegx so with a bit of research I`m sure you`ll manage it. I know MacTheRipper is quite highly regarded, maybe that would produce a file that ffmpegx could use?

[Pavey]

Tony,i wonder if you have an older version as it works for me,just goes ahead and encodes video_ts files?

[Space Monkey]

I had a problem with the installation on 10.3, it was a documented bug and had a workaround but I can`t remember what the problem was. I think when I was selecting the locations for the various seperate components that are needed for the install they just weren`t being found. Like I say it`s easily fixed and the ffmpegx forum is very useful.

[TonyDA]

Nick, I think I've got the latest version of ffmpegx - v0.0.9t, running on osx 10.4.3.

This will encode a video_ts file to a variety of formats, but as soon as I try to get it to convert to its "psp" setting, it says it doesn't support video_ts input. I'm sure that the new vesrion of ffmpegx supports the avc format, which is supposed to better for the psp, but I can't find that in the drop-down menu at all.

Cheers
Tony

[TonyDA]

Update:

I can't get ffmpegx to work at all - it refuses to acknowledge video_ts files, if I try and convert them into its "psp" setting. So, no joy there. I've looked online, and can't see any answer.

I've downloaded ipsp. Something is going right, as I managed to convert 4mins of a video_ts file...even though I intended to convert the whole thing. However, I've now dropped other video_ts files into it and it comes up with an error message.

I'm beginning to wonder whether it's how I've ripped the dvds - using mac the ripper, I'm left with several VOB files within the video_ts files. Am I right in thinking I'd need one whole file, rather than several smaller ones?

I'm fluctuating between frustration and a feeling that I'm doing something rather silly. Any thoughts gang?

[Space Monkey]

I know it`s a pain in the arse but could you not convert in 2 steps? Using ffmpegx convert to one of the formats that worked for you and then convert the resulting file to the psp format.
Thats what I have to do to convert the asf files that come from my mustek dv camera. It takes an age but it get the job done eventually.

[doodledude]

I think you need a program called Yade X to create a single VOB file and then ffmpegx can convert that.
Thats what I used a while ago anyway.

[TonyDA]

doodledude - yep, that worked. Picture quality not great, but I didn't play with any settings when converting the file, so at least I got something to work. Now to see whether I can convert anything to the apparently superior avc format. LOL, the never ending quest for perfection....

[doodledude]

Not converted anything with the new AVC settings yet, but when I did using the previous MP4 format, I got good results the filesize works out about 400mb and "fixing" the file afterwards for 384x192 (i think!)to force widescreen format gives a better result than blowing up the 4:3 format to fill the screen.