Got Divx/Xvid

[KingArgyle]

For those that are looking for a way to automate the conversion of MPG to Divx/Xvid formats, you might want to take a look at the following BTV 3.5 thread:

http://forums.snapstream.com/vb/showthread.php?t=17894

I think it could be fairly simple to setup something to automate this, especially if Sub has a way to run tasks after recording is finished. If nothing else a batch file that is run through the Task scheduler could easily scan the recording directories for any MPG and then add it to a list of files that are to be processed.

[Peter K]

Funny you should mention that...

I submitted an idea in the wishlist forum to implement "user hooks" that would allow the spawning of an external program before or after a recording takes place.

While I have other uses for them, this would be an ideal use for such a thing.

Cheerio,
     --Peter

[KingArgyle]

The attached zip contains a batch program, and the AutoGK Script to allow for batch compression of MPG files to Xvid/Divx formats.

You will need to modify Compress.bat so that it either moves or copies the files to a directory where you want compression to take place. Place all the files in this Zip in that directory.

You should be able to add a Call statement to a PostUpdateEPG.bat file to call Compress.bat if you want to have this run after the Episode Guide has been updated. Otherwise, create a Windows Scheduled Task and have it run during the middle of the night when no recordings are happening.

I would recommend testing this out first with a show that you don't mind possibly loosing files on, as I haven't completely tested it. I did not write this initial script, but just made a slight modification to allow for compressing files from specific directories.

Make sure to read the AutoGK Script Readme file for setup information. This script is not supported by the AutoGK project so do not ask lenox for support or trouble shooting. Visit the Snapstream thread listed earlier for support for it.

[stu8080]

KingArgyle, could you help me gt my head round this automatic conversion?

I want to convert all new .mpg's in my 'Futurama' directory (among others) into XviD and store them on another harddrive whilst my PC is idle overnight.
Ive been using AutoGK, but dont understand your method involving 'Call statements' or 'PostUpdateEPG.bat' files

What would i need to do to get a scheduled task to search for new recordings over say half a dozen different directories and move and compress them to another drive?

Thanks in advance

[KingArgyle]

You are going to need to create a BATch file in your GBPVR directory called PostEPGUpdate.bat. In there you place the commands that you want to run after the episode guide is updated. GBPVR will automaticly execute the PostEPGUpdate.bat file and execute any programs you have it in.

Example:
Use Notepad to create a PostEPGUpdate.bat file, and save it in your GBPVR directory. Also place Compress.bat in the same directory.

In PostEPGUpdate.bat, add the following line:

Call Compress.bat

In Compress.bat, I believe you can specify the directory structure to search through. (It's been a while since I even looked at it). Now, once your episode guide finishes updating, it should Execute the PostEPGUpdate.bat file, and also run the Compress.bat file to start the compression of the episodes.

If you don't want to have GBPVR run the Compress.bat file after updating but want it to run at a different time, then you can create a Winodws Scheduled Task (settings -> Control Panel -> Scheduled Tasks). Specify the time and frequency that you want the Compress.bat to run, and windows will automaticly run that program every night at the time you specify.

Supposedly there is a Post recording batch file as well in GBPVR. I have to get some more information from sub on what format this uses. The Post recording batch file is supposed to run after a recording is finished. This would allow you to specify that your recording is to be copied to the Compression directory, where the scripts in the AutoGK batch program would pick it up and start the compression. The POST bat file would be the equivalant to Beyond TV's ShowSqueeze or Copy options.

More information on how to use the AutoGK scripts can be found on the Snapstream forum. They aren't supported by lenox.

http://forums.snapstream.com/vb....1&pp=15

I haven't had the chance to really work with this yet (I'm currently working on code for implementing priority recordings). If I get a chance, I'll setup an example PostEPGUodate.bat file, and post it here. I have an Walker Ultra which supports direct Divx recording, and just waiting for full support for this option to be implemented, but figured others could use the information found in the SnapStream thread to implement divx/xvid squeezing.

Hope that helps, and I didn't make you more confused.

[stu8080]

Your above description clarifies a good few things, thanks.

It seems to be the compress.bat file that im having most trouble with though.
The command runs, but errors occur and it closes before i can read them, how can i adapt the batch file so i can see what errors it gives?

[KingArgyle]

Try running Compress.bat by itself from the command line. At least that way you'll get an idea of what is going on. If you can run it manually from the command line, and can provide the errors you are getting, I might be able to help figure them out.

[stu8080]

Havent had much time for this, sorry wasnt ignoring your advice!
I think the problem was with XP SP2. I found others who had similair probs and now i have a AutoGK compressing to set my options.

Another question if i may?
Id like to compress on a remote PC files stored on my HTPC. Can i use mapped network drives to specify my recordings in compress.bat? Is there a better way of doing things do you think?

Cheers (im not too savvy when it comes to batch files/command line options as you might have guessed - im GUI spoiled!

[KingArgyle]

Yeah, you can use Networked Drives to copy the files over to another PC have that PC do the compression if you want. I wouldn't do it on anything less than a wired network though. I haven't found G Wireless to be totally reliable yet.

[theredbaron]

Would it be at all possible to "port" this BTV app for use with GBPVR? http://forums.snapstream.com/vb/showthre...ge=1&pp=15
It's called autoxvid, and has last been updated in May 2006. I don't know anything about scripts, or I would investigate.