MeGUI/iPod Conversion Guide/Video
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Contents |
[edit] Basic Info
This section will walkthrough the encoding of an iPod-compatible video file using either XviD or x264. You can't just use any settings to encode for the iPod, there are limits as it is a portable device and not capable of everything. Here's a table of the more generic restrictions.
| MPEG-4 AVC | MPEG-4 ASP | |
|---|---|---|
| Bitrate: | 1.5mbits | 2.5mbits |
| Framerate: | 30fps | |
| Profile: | Baseline @ 3.0 | Simple |
| Max Pixels | 307200 | 307200 |
| Max 4:3 resolution: | 640x480 | 640x480 |
| Max 16:9 resolution: | 624x352 | 736x416 |
| Max 2.35:1 resolution: | 640x272 | 848x360 |
| Max Audio | 160kbits, AAC-LC | |
| File formats: | m4v, .mp4, .mov | |
| MPEG-4 AVC | MPEG-4 ASP | |
|---|---|---|
| Bitrate: | 768kbits | 2.5mbits |
| Framerate: | 30fps | |
| Profile: | Baseline @ 1.3 | Simple |
| Max Pixels | 76 800 | 230 400 |
| Max 4:3 resolution: | 320x240 | 544x416 |
| Max 16:9 resolution: | 368x208 | 624x352 |
| Max 2.35:1 resolution: | 416x176 | 704x304 |
| Max Audio | 160kbits, AAC-LC | |
| File formats: | m4v, .mp4, .mov | |
Note:In your AVS file you will need to resize your video to iPod Standards. As noted above, XviD videos should be at a max of 480 x 480 for iPods with old firmware, and 640x480 for iPods with version 1.2 or later firmware. For x264, the resolution should be at a max of 320 x 240 (for old firmware) or 640x480 (for firmware 1.2 and later). You can go below these if you like, but not above.
Your AVS file should look something like this:
Note:For iPods with firmware 1.2 or later, the LanczosResize can be set to 640x480 for both XviD and x264. This is not required, but use if you want to.
Also, the iPod can only use MPEG-4 SP, or Simple Profile. In other words, we can only use the XviD in Simple Profile at L3, or, as in the table below, a combination of Simple at L3 and Handheld. So, no b-frames, no Q-pel, no interlaced encoding, etc etc. Although Adaptive Quant seems to work, so use only it and ignore the other options. See below.
File:XVID profiles.gif
[edit] XVID Profile Setup
Here are a few tested options:
- - B-frames: Plays, but is unwatchable
- - Adaptive Quantization: Works fine
- - Chroma Motion: Works fine
- - Chroma Optimizer: Works fine
- - Packed Bitstream: Works fine
- - Trellis: Works fine
- - Q-Pel: Doesn't work
- - Cartoon Mode: Works fine
To my knowledge these options work by themselves but have yet to be fully tested together. There should be no problems using them together though.
To setup up your XviD iPod Profile, open MeGUI. Select XviD as the desired video codec from the drop down list. Click "Config".
You should be seeing a window like what is on the right. Basically, copy the shown settings.
- Mode: Automated 2pass, or ABR, or CBR, it does not matter. It is entirely your choice. CBR is the fastest. Turbo Automated 2pass is the highest quality.
- Bitrate: Rumour has it that the iPod supports XviD bitrates up to 2500kbit/s but most people use 700kbit/s. Smaller file size, negligible quality difference.
- KeyFrame Interval: Leave it as it is.
- Number of B-Frames: Set this equal to 0. Many people report issues with the iPod when B-Frames are used.
- Packed Bitstream: Usually off, but some people like it. Use at your own desire.
- Q-Pel: Don't use!
- GMC: Effect on iPod is unknown. Use at your own risk.
- The rest of the options are up to you to use. Most people use them as I have shown, but others don't. It is entirely up to you. Although I do recommend Trellis Quant and Adaptive Quantization.
When you are finished with the profile options, click "New" type "XVID Ipod Profile" and click "OK".
In order to use the profile that I made or to post suggestions on the profile, please go here.
[edit] X264 Profile Setup
This one is alot easier. Just make sure to update MeGUI before doing this, as Sharktooth's Ipod Profile is needed. It is automatically downloaded when you update, or you can find it here.
Note: Version 5.5G supports AVC level 3.0. Just update to the latest Sharktooth profiles. Select the 5.5g profile, and you're all set. If using an older version of the video iPod, use the settings below.
Open MeGUI to its main window. Select "X264" in the codec drop down list. Click "Config" On the bottom of the window you should see a drop down list of profiles. Scroll through the list until you see a profile labelled "PD-iPod". Click it. The X264 Encoder Configuration window should now look like the one shown at the right. If it does, great! You are now done. Although to be on the safe side, take a look at the pictures below to make sure that the profile is exactly the same.
[edit] Encoding
Once you have finished creating your profiles, you can use them! Return to the MeGUI main window.
- If you have already created your AVS script, open it.
- If you have not already created your AVS script, do it now. When you are done, load it to be encoded.
Now, select your Video Output location. Next, select your Video Profile. Use XVID Ipod Profile for XVID output, or use PD-iPod for X264 output.
Now select your container.
- For X264, you can use either "MP4" or "Raw".
- For Xvid, you must use "Raw".
Click Enqueue. Click 
. Click 
Happy Encoding!
