h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Right. I found a new build of Virtual Dub that works with vob files.

http://home.comcast.net/~fcchandler/stable/index.html

(I needed the extra audio codec, you might do too)

Loaded up a vob file from Time Bandits, picked out a 49 second chunk, saved as an avi (1.4Gb). Doesn't do copy-protected obviously, though I'm sure there are ways around that.

So, then I got this

http://www.avs4you.com/

Converted the avi to a youtube-sized mpeg (25Mb), non-registered so it's got a watermark smack bang in the middle; but it looks pretty good to me. Hope it works out for you, here's the proof of the pudding.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=77OI5ARW

Yeah, we can safely say that copy protection isn't an issue. I'll give this one a look. Won't need the AVS4you thing, I don't think.

I'll let you know how it goes, then. Thanks for the help.

Got an alternative to ASV4you?

Also, What do you think of Kiss Of The Spider Woman? Free with the Grauniad today.

I'm not sure that I have an alternative to it... I've just never had an AVS file. What kind of recording software generates those?

Never seen "Kiss of the Spider Woman". Though its synopsis in no way sounds like what I'd have expected anyway. You'll have to let me know what you think.

No, it's just the name of the program. It converts all sorts of video files into all sorts of other video files. If you pay, you don't get the watermark.

Ah, OK. I *know* have something convert video files to other video files. I may have more than one program that does and just haven't needed to utilize that particular function as of yet. My best bet is probably to use the first program you mentioned to clip the bit I want, and then convert it.

Not sure what kind of file I'll want to convert it *to*.

I know it won't be avi. Okay, DVD quality output - but every second is a whole bag of memory. Dear God, I sound like such a geek.

Tried Virtual Dub, and it doesn't work. Totally trashes the audio track, which is 75% of the fun. Argh!

Back to the drawing board!

(And yeah, Nero handled the AVI file just fine, so playback & recording won't be a problem regardless)

Did you download the codec aswell?

I'm on IM with Candy at the moment. She says it's okay to call her if you want

OK- apparently, then, the "never visit or call when I am home" no longer applies. Good to know. But I won't be calling anyone today- we're cleaning the apartment for company this afternoon. I'm cleaning the computer room. Can't you tell?

Didn't download the codec. I'll try that and give it another pass.

Do it! It's great.

No issues with Candy, unless you're a shit employer.

Downloaded codec, still having a problem, but now I know what the problem *is*. It's playing the commentary tracks over the clip as well. I'm thinking if I open the original video file in DVD Shrink and re-author, removing all additional audio tracks, that should eliminate the issue. What do you think?

What's frustrating about all this is that I *majored* in RTF and have extensive A/V editing experience. But with analog.

Let her know I am keeping ears and eyes open for anything available. I work for our CFO and deal with Bank of America, Fifth Third, US Bank, and Wachovia, on a daily basis. If I hear of *anything*, I'll let her know. Would she have any interest in the finance end of a real estate company? I know our accounting dept isn't hiring, but finance/lending/sales have some turnover from time to time. And my company's nothing if not stable and non-shit.

I'ts all a bit redundant now, huh. I guess if you just want the video and basic track you should be able to filter it out, but it must be a bummer going in and out of different programs for one job.

Thanks Cindy...I appreciate any help you can give me....and what would it take to have you come over here and clean?...not above bibery.

I'm all for bibery, can't eat properly anyhow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2J6gbw1nrJ8

ok...so I can't spell...make that bribery

Aw, I knew what you meant. I'd like to say I'm above accepting bribes... but I'm not. I'll get in touch and we'll see what can be done.

Presumably, bouncing back and forth between programs is easier than manually cutting and splicing. But you'll probably know what I mean when I say that digital processing and analog processing seem to follow totally different forms of "logic".