What's up with this video/server/encoding ?

[Gavin Gration]

I have a problem playing video from within these two links.

The first is a file that we encoded to the customers exact spec (240x180 15fps 190kb/sec). Clip 1 Chaz (http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/video/popup/59.html)

The second is one they did. Clip 2 Conk (http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/video/popup/58.html)

Neither one plays very well on our broadband connection.

The file info says it's playing via "Unicast HTTP server"

The one I did at the prescribed datarates and frame-size looked cack. I did it again at a PAL derived frame size and to me it looked better - but the customer got the cack version.

We used the Windows Media 9 Encoder from Microsoft set for a "Streaming Server" playback but couldn't work out how to make it do multi-pass when encoding from an AVI file - maybe that's partly why it doesn't look too good?

Any pointers or useful info to help me encode better quality for WM9 are appreciated.

If you CAN play either video without it rebuffering every few seconds or you know why they're not playing properly please let me know.

I'm more concerned with the broadband playback - but we are aware that the 56k ones are bad too.

Thanks,

Gavin


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manchestervideo.com (http://www.manchestervideo.com)
"Spillcheckor off"


[This message has been edited by Gavin Gration (edited 29 October 2003).]

[This message has been edited by Gavin Gration (edited 29 October 2003).]

[alan eades]

I can play both clips via my Telewest Broadband connection.

Clip1 looks and sounds fine but Clip2 picture is OK (though dark/underexposed?) but the sound does stutter a number of times.

Sorry but I can`t be any more technically helpful (unless you spell out exactly what to do!).

Alan.

[Gavin Gration]

Clip 1 was mine http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/smile.gif so that's a good start Alan http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/biggrin.gif

Must be a BT thing at our end.

What do you reckon to the picture quality of Clip 1?

Too mushy or OK?

[StuartV]

I think I know what the problem is here.

This is coming from a standard web server, the setting you have used is for Media server.

You should reencode using the "progressive download" setting in WME. This is (by default) a 2-pass encode for a constant bit rate.

Using the encoding you have used is probably the reason for the long buffering time (which I believe is the main problem)

Stuart

[Gavin Gration]

Thanks for that info - you're right I used streaming server settings. I (incorrectly) expected the customer to have a proper server.

I'll do some more tests with progressive.

At least I'm now armed with "enhanced knowledge" for flak deflection http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/biggrin.gif

[alan eades]

Gavin,

IMHO most exterior scenes were a bit overexposed but the interiors were fine.
HTH,

Alan.

[Gavin Gration]

Hi Alan,

I'll shoot the cameraman http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/wink.gif it's his second video job - the shots of Concord being his first. His proper job is on the picture desk.

The interior shots (except the last one) were a made-up montage of Photoshopped still frames.

I was more concerned about the fuzziness but I think the reason for that was indeed the forced single pass encode when I choose "Streaming Server" from within WM9 Encoder (as explained by Stuart). If I had choosen HTTP Progressive download it would have given me 2 passes and better quality.

I really am well pleased with the speed of the WM9 Encoder - and it' a freebie http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/biggrin.gif

I've just downloaded the plug-ins from Premiere 6.5 & will give that a whirl later.

Cheers,

Gavin

[busbyvideo]

Both clips played OK on my cable modem using the broadband download.

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Mike