Linux users are not left out! The Droid is great for Linux, because you don't have to run iTunes to make full use of your device (like you would with the iPhone).
Install ffmpeg and use the following code. It will take SourceVideo.avi and transcode to DroidVideo.mp4. I've used it with several different sources and works great.
If it complains that "deinterlace failed" then simply remove "-deinterlace".
Also, some VOB files have a black border running across the top and the bottom that you will want to crop (ffmpeg doesn't have autocrop). In this case, find out the size of the original video (through either gxine, VLC under "tools" section, or "mplayer FILE.VOB" on command line) and compare to output from "mplayer FILE.VOB -vf cropdetect". In most cases, cropping about 60 lines off top and bottom will work, can add "-croptop 60 -cropbottom 60".
You can get a smaller file with almost as good quality by lowering the bitrate from 2000 to something lower, such as 1000 by changing to "-b 1000k -maxrate 1000k"
The only time this gets complicated is when you are using a high definition file where the width is greater than 852 (standard DVD's are 720 and work fine with the above method). In this case, you need to do some manual work (ffmpeg cannot automatically downsize like handbrake can). You will have to insert a size value with the "-s" parameter (and must use even numbers!). Here are the guidelines:
Find out the size of the original video (through either gxine, VLC under "tools" section, or "mplayer FILE.VOB" on command line).
If file SMALLER than 852 x 480: Don't use -s
If file LARGER than 852 x 480:
Find aspect ratio of original video (width / height)
If <1.775 then:
Height 480
Width is 480 x original aspect ratio
If = 1.775 then "-s wvga" (example, 1920 x 1080)
If >1.775 then
Width is 852
Height is 852 / aspect ratio (example, 1920 x 800 is "-s 852x354)
ffmpeg is also available on Windows and MAC and should work fine there too, although most people were prefer a GUI method such as Handbrake.
Wow, this thread is growing at lightspeed. I can't even keep up with it. But an idea for why sound is not syncing properly with video. A video producer friend of mine said that they are on seperate tracks in the file. and that the sound is made to work with 30 fps. (that is the one they use to get a "film" quality look" higher gives a digital look) When you process the video at a higher or lower frame rate, he said that it messes up the sync. According to him the sound is locked at 30 fps. maybe as a test, try to choose the option closest to 30 for the video. I'm converting my first attempt right now, and thought of this after starting.
Also as a side note, I have used Pocket-DVD Studio in the past for my sons PSP and my Omnia. and it also had a garbley sound for the first 10 - 15 minutes. So there has to be a universal problem with that sound.
(Now I have to go back and read the last five pages of posts)lol
Last edited by iclickjohn; November 13th, 2009 at 10:53 PM.
Reason: edit smartmouth comment out.
Install ffmpeg and use the following code. It will take SourceVideo.avi and transcode to DroidVideo.mp4. I've used it with several different sources and works great.
Any chance you could make a shell script to do all that? I suck at making scripts. I could make one for the basic command line, but nothing that could handle the variables if you wanted to crop, etc.
i used handbrake and the settings above and works great, audio is snyced and the picture is beautiful. thanks for the help.
ps - double twist is a great program also, just like itunes for the droid, a little glitchy once in a wile but for the most part works very well and very easy app for transfering programs back and forth and best of all, its free
Ok, so I compiled ffmpg & the x264 codec. But EVERYTHING I've tried to convert so far has come out choppy. (
Any thoughts? I don't want to have to wait for handbrake.
On the Left is a file I created, on the right is Fab's sample. Only thing I see is the Frame Rate.
Tymanthius - not sure what went wrong. I converted the "Red Cliff" Trailer from apple.com/trailers. It runs perfectly without any problems. The frame rate is 23.97 - I'm not sure if that matters. You can force a frame rate with the script by "-r 23.97" or "-r 25".
Another thing to try would be to lower the bit rate: "-b 1000k -maxrate 1000k" or even "-b 500k -maxrate 500k" if needed.
Experiment with a small file first. If you want to use a large file, use "-t 60" to have it just do the first 60 seconds for testing purposes.
720x480 works like a charm...wish I could say the same for 848x480
Tried a few variations, unfortunately I'm experiencing some pretty bad pixelation during playback of higher res. output mp4 files...
seems ffmpeg is also available for windows...your mileage may vary
manny
mr_manny - I previously did a transcode of a video from apple/trailers, so this time I went to YouTube, downloaded a High Def Vid in mp4 format and ran the script - it worked fine.
Both the vids I did were 1280 x 720 which is an aspect ratio of 1.777. So on the script I added "-s wvga" to set the width and height. Runs with occasional slight choppiness, but no pixelation.
Also, I did try converting an FLV video, but couldn't get that one to end up looking very good - must need a different parameter, but I haven't had time to experiment.
Tymanthius - not sure what went wrong. I converted the "Red Cliff" Trailer from apple.com/trailers. It runs perfectly without any problems. The frame rate is 23.97 - I'm not sure if that matters. You can force a frame rate with the script by "-r 23.97" or "-r 25".
Another thing to try would be to lower the bit rate: "-b 1000k -maxrate 1000k" or even "-b 500k -maxrate 500k" if needed.
Experiment with a small file first. If you want to use a large file, use "-t 60" to have it just do the first 60 seconds for testing purposes.
Could you maybe post a direct dwnload link to that trailer, and your exact command so I can try to replicate it? At least then it would let me know if it's me, or maybe my pc just refueses. It's a bit old (not even multicore ) But that should just make it take longer, not make it screw up.
Just to keep things interesting. That same file that I can't get to convert with ffmpeg converted wonderfully on my g/f's puter with Handbrake. So I have a solution. I just can't stand it. :/
Linux users are not left out! The Droid is great for Linux, because you don't have to run iTunes to make full use of your device (like you would with the iPhone).
Install ffmpeg and use the following code. It will take SourceVideo.avi and transcode to DroidVideo.mp4. I've used it with several different sources and works great.
The only time this gets complicated is when you are using a high definition file where the width is greater than 852 (standard DVD's are 720 and work fine with the above method). In this case, you need to do some manual work (ffmpeg cannot automatically downsize like handbrake can). You will have to insert a size value with the "-s" parameter (and must use even numbers!). Here are the guidelines:
Find out the size of the original video (through either gxine, VLC under "tools" section, or "mplayer FILE.VOB" on command line).
If file SMALLER than 852 x 480: Don't use -s
If file LARGER than 852 x 480:
Find aspect ratio of original video (width / height)
If <1.775 then:
Height 480
Width is 480 x original aspect ratio
If = 1.775 then "-s wvga" (example, 1920 x 1080)
If >1.775 then
Width is 852
Height is 852 / aspect ratio (example, 1920 x 800 is "-s 852x354)
ffmpeg is also available on Windows and MAC and should work fine there too, although most people were prefer a GUI method such as Handbrake.
I tried several different way of converting my .avi file (640x272) to convert to MPEG-4 to no avail. Well, what I mean to say that nothing I've done has successfully played on my Motorola Droid altough they've all compiled fine and played fine on the PC.
provided by NobodySpecial, is the only thing that half-worked for me so far. All the other version I'll just hear the audio, this one I could hear it, but it was displaying at about 1 FPS.
I've tried hadbrake on my Windows partition also to no avail. I have all the latest libraries and other dependencies for FFMpeg as per this helpful Ubuntu Forum thread. Still, nothing has worked well.
Please, any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, the .avi file is 1.4GB.
to Fabo (mostly). Just curious why the 848 and not 854 which is apparently the width of Android screen??
And based on info below, how about 854 and a bitrate of 300?? I may try that next:
This from dev of Act1 video app (great interface!)
The tricky part here is converting the videos so that Android understands them. Fortunately, there's a lot of desktop software out there that will do the trick. Since Android phones play the same video format as iPod (mp4/h264), you could just use anything that converts for iPod. But the iPod screen is much smaller than most Android devices, so the quality won't be as great. What you really want is something that will convert for your screen size. Most Android devices right now have a 320x480 screen. The new Droid has a 480x854 screen. Whatever your screen size, it's good to convert your video to be within the bounds of your screen, and optimally exactly matching one of the dimensions to prevent Android from having to scale the video.
Remember one important thing: converting videos with a lower bitrate makes for smaller files, smoother playback, and less battery consumption during playback. If you want to optimize your video playing experience, try tuning the video conversion to the lowest tolerable bitrate. I usually end up with videos using ~300kbps. Some applications like Videoa default to twice that rate, which I think is excessive. I mean, it's a small screen, and how much quality do you think you can expect from it? :-)
Last edited by drumtrucker; November 15th, 2009 at 09:18 PM.
Reason: left something out
It takes me ~45min to convert a full length movie with these settings. This is with a Ph. II X4 940 quad core at 3.7GHz. My guess is that if you have a quad core it will take roughly an hour, dual core, perhaps 2.
Let me know if these settings work for you!
Worked for me, FINALLY... thank god.
I'm going to re-try with the same audio bitrate as the original file, as well as the same video bitrate, and going to try to match the FPS, as well as having it do a dual pass, 1st pass Turbo.
I'm now having an issue where the Audio is out of Synch with the Video. Audio is leading by about 1/3 a second or so.
to Fabo (mostly). Just curious why the 848 and not 854 which is apparently the width of Android screen??
For some strange reason, Handbrake won't let me put in 854, but when I input 848, it works.
So basically, using Handbrake's GUI, the highest working resolution I can get is 848x480.
Which is OK with me. I'd rather sacrifice 6 lines of resolution to use a simple program to make very good looking videos for my Droid
But if you're going to use a different encoding program with more flexibility in customizing the resolution, then by all means use the native resolution of the Droid. It may even help, as the Droid won't need to upscale at all. Could it save CPU cycles?
For some strange reason, Handbrake won't let me put in 854, but when I input 848, it works.
You may have to set the anamorphic to "loose".
I compared two files encoded at the two different widths (848, 854) and was not able tell the difference, I think the screen is so dense that 6 pixels difference is not perceivable. The source was a 180p mkv. The only difference was a few bytes of the output file.
I compared two files encoded at the two different widths (848, 854) and was not able tell the difference, I think the screen is so dense that 6 pixels difference is not perceivable. The source was a 180p mkv. The only difference was a few bytes of the output file.
Yeah, I have to redo it now because it stretched out my movie vertically. Thanks for pointing out the fix!
So it seems 848 is the easy solution, as it will detect the aspect ratio for you.
Still, if you really want those extra 6 lines, it can be done, but you'll need to be more careful about the aspect ratio.
Turns out the AVI file I was fighting with was problematic. D/L'd a different version and just ran through HB with 854 width and 500 frame rate (yes 500 not a typo) and got a much smaller file that fills the screen with ZOOM OFF and sync seems fine (just checked in about middle of movie). Going to run another time with width 640 and 300 bit rate.
Turns out the AVI file I was fighting with was problematic. D/L'd a different version and just ran through HB with 854 width and 500 frame rate (yes 500 not a typo) and got a much smaller file that fills the screen with ZOOM OFF and sync seems fine (just checked in about middle of movie). Going to run another time with width 640 and 300 bit rate.
How large did the file end up being? I'm seeing about 1GB for a 1 hour 30 minute movie @1500kbps.
Was your file really only ~350MB?
Last edited by Fabolous; November 16th, 2009 at 01:04 AM.
You gent's are a bit brighter than I, but I do appreciate all the effort.
This thread took me from a complete beginner botching everything I tried.... to managing to work out something useful, for me anyway.
__________________________________________________ __________
If any of you own Windows based "ImToo DVD Ripper", I have found a way to get the output to work at 854x480. Pretty nicely too, based on the two DVD's I have done.
This involves the existing profiles for Ipod, Zune, HD, etc.
Select the "HD MPEG4" profile, set the max bitrate at 10,000, and save it as a user-defined profile named "Droid".
Look in the ImToo driectory and open the "Profile\user\Droid.pf" file using Notepad. Change the s=0 line to read" "s=0, "", "854x480", 1, {"Auto", "848x480", "854x480", "720x480"}". Save it.
Reopen the program and you can now save standard DVD's as MP4's that fit the full width and look pretty good. I figured having the option of 848x480 and 720x480 would be helpful....maybe.
Try the different "Zoom" settings, depending on the source format....you can test them in the built-in viewer.
I can now go straight from DVD to Droid in one pass.
I hope this helps someone besides myself.
You may want to change the first few lines to read as follows, so the "Droid" designation appears everywhere you see this profile. Not required, but it is less confusing. Name=Droid SName=Droid Format=mp4 ExtName=mp4 Desc=Droid MPEG4 Video File.
$
RAF
Last edited by Rafael; November 16th, 2009 at 01:02 AM.
How long does it take to encode a DVD using Handbreak?
It depends on the length of movie and your comps. processor... mine is sorta slow so it can sometimes take anywhere from 3-6 hours. I usually start a conversion at nigh before bed so it's done the next morning. It might be faster on your machine.
It depends on the length of movie and your comps. processor... mine is sorta slow so it can sometimes take anywhere from 3-6 hours. I usually start a conversion at nigh before bed so it's done the next morning. It might be faster on your machine.
Oof, that's harsh.
For me, the most a movie has taken was about 45 mins to encode. Helps to have a 3.7GHz quad core though, lol.
And to follow up on handbrake using 848 vs 854, turns out the result is the same anyways.
Using either number ends up with a video of width 848.
Easiest way I have found to get movies is that work great is just to download them from sites like mp4pig.webs dot com or under the movie section on crackberry. There is tons of titles already shrank and formated to work on mobile phones I have not had any problems playing them on my Droid
Easiest way I have found to get movies is that work great is just to download them from sites like mp4pig.webs dot com or under the movie section on crackberry. There is tons of titles already shrank and formated to work on mobile phones I have not had any problems playing them on my Droid
This. I have maybe 9 movies. I just download them, and move them to my SD card.
interesting site, but what quality are those movies? Video encoded using Handbrake from a high quality source is almost HD quality on the Droid's screen. If your images quality is not as good as Fabulous's sample (post #152 or 218), it's not worth the download.
Last edited by lemodular; November 16th, 2009 at 09:38 PM.
interesting site, but what quality are those movies? Video encoded using Handbrake from a high quality source is almost HD quality on the Droid's screen. If your images quality is not as good as Fabulous's sample (post #152 or 218), it's not worth the download.
90 perecnt of the movies on there were made the same way as posted. Majority are perfect and super clear but You will eventually get a bad quality one. But a 10 minute download as opposed to a 4 hour turnaround is worth a quick delete for me.
I know that H264 is of much better quality, but in all honesty; has anyone noticed that much of a difference in that format vs MP4 on the playback of our phones?
90 perecnt of the movies on there were made the same way as posted. Majority are perfect and super clear but You will eventually get a bad quality one. But a 10 minute download as opposed to a 4 hour turnaround is worth a quick delete for me.
Seems to me those movies are encoded for PSP, which has a resolution of 480x272. So, while they may be "clear", that's only 32% of the pixels on the Droid. For some it may not matter, for others it may. I'm glad we have both methods posted in this thread.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JTAC
I know that H264 is of much better quality, but in all honesty; has anyone noticed that much of a difference in that format vs MP4 on the playback of our phones?
There are various types of MP4, with H.264 being one of them. H.264 is superior in image quality as well as compression. The trade off of course is that it takes longer to encode.
Ok, so I'd like some input on this. I have a huge DVD collection (over 1K) and I'd like some help. Easiest way I've found for ripping is using bitRipper. I then use Moto Media Link for a quick drag and drop to Droid. The issue I'm having is that regardless of what settings I use in bitRipper regarding aspect and resolution, once MML moves the file to my Droid, it shrinks it so only 2/3rds the screen is used. Picture is great, no frame drops, and no audio sync issues, however, it doesn't fill that gorgeous screen!!! What gives? Anyone out there have any insight? Anyone using bitRipper and/or MML for this?
*it seems MML will only do hi-res if you pay for the premium version
Last edited by Theibault; November 17th, 2009 at 01:33 AM.
I have my own Motorola Droid preset in HandBrake. I am trying to encode a test chapter in H264, but I cannot get the video to display...only get audio. I have it the video format as MP4, video codec as H264, iPod 5G Support checked, and 1500 KBPS. Any idea what I am doing wrong?
Ok, so I'd like some input on this. I have a huge DVD collection (over 1K) and I'd like some help. Easiest way I've found for ripping is using bitRipper. I then use Moto Media Link for a quick drag and drop to Droid. The issue I'm having is that regardless of what settings I use in bitRipper regarding aspect and resolution, once MML moves the file to my Droid, it shrinks it so only 2/3rds the screen is used. Picture is great, no frame drops, and no audio sync issues, however, it doesn't fill that gorgeous screen!!! What gives? Anyone out there have any insight? Anyone using bitRipper and/or MML for this?
*it seems MML will only do hi-res if you pay for the premium version
act1 video player has zoom feature that will (with aspect setting choice) fill the droid screen and I cannot see the difference. 640 wide file look great!
Using Handbrake I am leaning towards these conclusions
The most influential parameter is the bit rate in the video tab.
I have run the same input files through at 300 500 800 kbps and produced output files of 360mb 514mb 746mb respectively. The input file size seems to have little or no effect on the output file size using the same settings. Been using 2 AVI files of 716mb and 1.2gb original sizes and they both produce the ~sizes above.
setting the resolution to 848 (which as fabo says is the result even if you enter 854), for some reason produces a slightly smaller file than if you have set at 640 (744 and 746). If you want to fill your droid screen without a player that has zoom (act1 video player does, see my post above), use the 848 width setting.
the 500 bit rate looks great but sound sync seems a hair off (when peoples lips are moving), but the 800 seems to SYNC better (the issue that got obsessed with this), at least on the 2 films I have been testing with.
I am not sure why am losing so much sleep trying to figure this out, I will probably rarely ever actually watch a movie on it. It is fun to blow people away with the quality though.
check out ipodme. its a free program that quickly converts to mp4 format. I just converted a full movie in 20 minutes and quality is great for the droid. Was an avi file. will need to experiment with other types.
For some reason, using Handbrake H.264 encoding doesn't work for me (no video on the Droid) so I'm using FFmpeg encoding and that works perfect. Not sure of the quality difference, but with the lower resolution of the Droid (compared to 720p or 1080p) I'm not going to complain.
Ok so i read through the first few pages of this thread. I got 1 video to look pretty good. It had black bars on the sides AND it looked squished, so pretty much it needed to be full screen. Was the first chapter of iron man widescreen dvd. I have tried the ipod legacy, ipod video, all of that and changed the width to 848 but the videos come out TINY, no where near full screen. I am using hand break. any suggestions.
720x480 has awesom picture quality and is full height, but it is squished with black bars on the side
EDIT: If any one else is having an issue where the videos are tiny regardless of how they rip it AND they are using Motorola Media Link to sync, Media link may be the problem. I looked and a video (chapter 1 of iron man) was 133 MB on my computer, after sync it had been compressed to 26MB! drag and drop fixed the issue. 848x480 looks AMAZING on the Droid screen for widescreen videos. AMOLED on the Moment is still low res, there no way it looks as good as this.
Last edited by MonmouthDroid; November 17th, 2009 at 05:04 PM.
I ran my dvd through Handbreak using Mp4 and it came out all distorted in my computer folder on the c: When I went to drag it to my droid, it told me it was to large. I'm clueless how to get it to work.
The Motorola Droid - the first ever Verizon Android Phone - exploded onto the mobile market with an incredibly successful ad campaign that brough Android to the masses. With a huge and vibrant touchscreen, solid metal body, full QWERTY keyboard, 5M... Read More
