BluRay, Ripping, and bears... oh my

[deathtical]

OK. So I have been trying different tool for converting my annoying BluRays and DVDs to nice, neat, easy to use mkv files but have been having some issues and wanted to get some feedback on what you guys are using and having the best luck with and you have all been very helpful with other issues I have run into. Now I have searched the forum and didn't find anything matching my issue, so here it goes.

I am currently working on converting my BSG box set from bluray and have run into some issues. The first season actually went fine I used MakeMKV to rip the video and audio and then used a simple tool called Freemake to shrink them down to 720p files. The first season ripped and converted with little to no issues or artifacts. However, the same process doesn't work with season two. It is riddled with artifacting and image skipping. I checked the source rips from MakeMKV and the image and audio are clean there but after conversion they are all messed up. I did a test conversion on the same MakeMKV rip and Handbrake and the file came out with much less noise and artifacting but still stuttered in places.

Can you think of anything that might make this work a bit better? What would you recommend I rip with? I'm sure you will all tell me to keep using Handbrake . Thanks.

[Tree Dude]

Season 1 of BSG is 1080P VC-1, where as Season 2 is AVC MPEG-4. That is probably what is tripping up Freemake (I have never used Freemake before). HB should have no issue with either though. Lots of things can cause stuttering. You PC could even be choking on a high bitrate. Need some more info (settings used, PC specs, a log if necessary).

[Deleted User 13735]

Why are you even using another application to downrez to 720p ??

FFmpeg has added Freemake Video Converter to its Hall of Shame.[16] An issue tracker entry for this product, opened on 16 December 2010, says it is in violation of GNU General Public License as it is distributing components of FFmpeg project without including due credit. Ellora Assets Corporation has not responded yet.[17]

Just another noncompliant ffmpeg frontend, afaiac.

Handbrake is about as good as it gets, unless you are willing to get into Avisynth.
I and my collaborators have done hundreds of hours of testing on this. It's not guesswork.

[deathtical]

OK. Sorry for taking so long to get back to you guys. I wanted to try a few things to see if I would get better results. (Just a quick note to musicvid: I was only trying out Freemake as some people I know have been using it and said it was decent. It's results aren't bad when it works, it's much faster than handbrake when it works, and it doesn't max out my CPU when it runs. That said, with the inconsistent results I get I will probably not be using it for my primary conversions anymore, although, if I decide I want to make some quick converts to watch on my smart phone or tablet I may use it for that.) Back to the matter at hand. To answer some of your initial questions...

CPU: 2nd Gen Core i5
RAM: 8Gb
Chip Set: P67
OS: Win7 Ult 64bit
Hard drives: (OS Drive) Crucial 128Gb SSD, (Hard drives used for ripping and downrez) 2Tb WD Black and 1Tb WD Green
GPU: AMD HD6850
Other apps: AnyDVDHD, MakeMKV, Handbrake, MKVMergeGUI

Since I posted I have tried a different technique and am still having some issues. Here is my "new" process...
1. Using AnyDVDHD I rip the m2ts files from the bluray.
2. I then use MKVMerge to convert only the video and audio tracks that I want into an MKV container. (I had to use MakeMKV on the last disc of season 4 of BSG because they got cheeky and broke the last few episodes into small m2ts files and MakeMKV was the only tool I was using that put them in the right order)
3. I then used Handbrake to convert the "raw" MKV files into the size I wanted. (Picture width: 1280, Video Filter: Default, Video: Mainly default with a CQ of 22, Audio: DTS HD Passthrough, all others default)

Now the downrez process worked for about 70% of the files in season 2, which is the only season I have tried this way so far. It keeps failing on episodes 1, 2, 9, and 20. I had a similar problem with some other blurays I converted in the past so I tried somethings recommended then...
1. Used defragler to defrag the drive where the "raw" MKV files are stored. (Files failed again at the exact same points)
2. Ran WD's HDD diags to see if there where and issues with the HDD. It passed a long test with flying colours.

So this is where I am at now. The files always fail at the exact same place...

SE02EP01 fails at 501,058Kb
SE02EP02 fails at 33,717Kb
SE02EP09 fails at 42,631Kb
SE02EP20 fails at 133,423Kb

Any ideas? In the mean time I'll see if I can figure out to find and post an error log if there is one. Thanks.

EDIT: I found the log files for my last attempt.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bycx_m ... y1Kc3J2TXM
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bycx_m ... 1NxTFRMQ0E
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bycx_m ... WVFc2w1RVU
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bycx_m ... U10RjFYeHc
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bycx_m ... 0J4bzd2bFE
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0Bycx_m ... nRMYXdGeFE

[deathtical]

Well, I decided to rip some new "raw" MKVs and those seem to working fine. Not sure what broke with the others as they were made the same way. The log files I looked appear to say there where no errors before so I am at a loss. Thanks.

[Deleted User 11865]

If you're going to re-encode with HandBrake, why convert to MKV at all? HandBrake can read BDMV folders.

Granted, it can't read Blu-ray ISO images, but all you have to do is mount them with e.g. Virtual CloneDrive.

[deathtical]

I was unaware of that. I will keep that in mind for my next big conversion project. I have already ripped the BSG seasons so may as well move forward with that. Thanks.

[deathtical]

OK. So I've made head way here and the downrezzing is going well, however, on some of the episodes I will get this unbearable stuttering of both audio and video. It seems to happen during action scenes or if you have seen BSG there are scenes that have a soft filter applied to them and it will do it then too. This isn't on every episode but it has happened enough to cause concern and halt the project. I am using the settings stated above and none of the log files report errors. Any ideas? Thanks.

[Deleted User 11865]

Does it go away if you use CFR instead?

Also, try disabling detelecine - it's almost never needed for Blu-ray.

[deathtical]

Does it go away if you use CFR instead?

Also, try disabling detelecine - it's almost never needed for Blu-ray.

By CFR, do you mean Constant Frame Rate? Thanks.

[Deleted User 11865]

Yes.

[deathtical]

Well... unfortunately that didn't help. I would say that the image was a little better but it still stutters really bad in the same spots.

Can you think of anything else to try? Thanks

EDIT: I tried both of your suggestions.

[Deleted User 11865]

Does it stutter if you play it in e.g. VLC?

[deathtical]

I does it with XBMC and WMPC. I try not to have too many media players on my PC. For troubleshooting I will try it though. Thanks.

EDIT: OK... so the behavior is different. VLC doesn't stutter like the other two, instead it gets very pixellated and shows a lot more artifacts than the other media players. It does stop and stutter but not in the same way. This is with videos encoded in CBR and VBR. Does that help narrow done the problem? Thanks.

EDIT 2: Hmm... I think I have a bit more info. I have been playing all this downstairs on my HTPC streamed off file server. I just tried the files on the PC I encoded them with streamed from my file server and they play just fine. The part I don't understand is that the files play fine 95% of the time from my HTPC just fine but it always has issues at the exact same spot in different files. Others play without a hiccup and they are all encoded the same way. Both the VBR and CBR files do pretty much the same thing at the same times. Thanks.

Last EDIT:

HTPC Specs:
CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 620 2.6GHz
Chipset: AMD 785G NB, AMD SB710 SB
RAM: 4Gb
GPU: Radeon HD5450 512MB
LAN: Wired with at least 100Mb throughput

[Deleted User 11865]

Can you provide the log for your latest attempt (with CFR)?

[deathtical]

Can you provide the log for your latest attempt (with CFR)?

I don't have the one from my first CBR attempt. But I did try a few others with other changes like a RF of 18 and then one with a RF of 20 with FPS set to 23.976 both CBR and they both do the exact same thing in the exact same place/time.

Code: Select all

HandBrake 0.9.8 2012071700
OS: Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz
Ram: 8151 MB, Screen: 1920x1200
Temp Dir: C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Local\Temp\
Install Dir: C:\Program Files\Handbrake
Data Dir: C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Roaming\HandBrake\HandBrake\0.9.8.4861

-------------------------------------------

CLI Query:  -i "I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv" -t 1 -c 1 -o "D:\Bsg Se02ep20-1.mkv"  -f mkv --decomb -w 1280 --loose-anamorphic  -e x264 -q 18 --cfr  -a 1 -E copy:dtshd -B 0 -6 auto -R Auto -D 0 --gain=0 --audio-copy-mask none --audio-fallback ffac3 --markers="C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Local\Temp\Bsg Se02ep20-1-1-chapters.csv" -x b-adapt=2:rc-lookahead=50 --verbose=1
User Query: False

[21:11:19] hb_init: starting libhb thread
HandBrake 0.9.8 (2012071700) - MinGW x86_64 - http://handbrake.fr
4 CPUs detected
Opening I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv...
[21:11:19] hb_scan: path=I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv, title_index=1
libbluray/bdnav/index_parse.c:157: indx_parse(): error opening I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv/BDMV/index.bdmv
libbluray/bluray.c:1471: nav_get_title_list(I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv) failed (0000000001DEE1E0)
[21:11:19] bd: not a bd - trying as a stream/file instead
libdvdnav: Using dvdnav version 4.1.3
libdvdread: Encrypted DVD support unavailable.
libdvdnav:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.IFO failed
libdvdnav:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.BUP failed
libdvdread: Can't open file VIDEO_TS.IFO.
libdvdnav: vm: failed to read VIDEO_TS.IFO
[21:11:19] dvd: not a dvd - trying as a stream/file instead
Input #0, matroska,webm, from 'I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv':
  Duration: 00:43:45.49, start: 0.000000, bitrate: 1536 kb/s
    Stream #0.0: Video: h264 (High), yuv420p, 1920x1080 [PAR 1:1 DAR 16:9], 23.98 fps, 23.98 tbr, 1k tbn, 47.95 tbc (default)
    Stream #0.1: Audio: dca (DTS-HD MA), 48000 Hz, 5.1, s16, 1536 kb/s (default)
[21:11:19] scan: decoding previews for title 1
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
[21:11:20] scan: 10 previews, 1920x1080, 23.976 fps, autocrop = 0/0/2/0, aspect 16:9, PAR 1:1
[21:11:20] scan: title (0) job->width:1904, job->height:1072
[21:11:20] libhb: scan thread found 1 valid title(s)
+ title 1:
  + stream: I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv
  + duration: 00:43:45
  + size: 1920x1080, pixel aspect: 1/1, display aspect: 1.78, 23.976 fps
  + autocrop: 0/0/2/0
  + chapters:
    + 1: cells 0->0, 0 blocks, duration 00:43:45
  + audio tracks:
    + 1, Unknown (DTS-HD MA) (5.1 ch) (iso639-2: und)
  + subtitle tracks:
Reading chapter markers from file C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Local\Temp\Bsg Se02ep20-1-1-chapters.csv
[21:11:20] 1 job(s) to process
[21:11:20] starting job
[21:11:20] sync: expecting 62949 video frames
[21:11:20] work: only 1 chapter, disabling chapter markers
[21:11:20] job configuration:
[21:11:20]  * source
[21:11:20]    + I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv
[21:11:20]    + title 1, chapter(s) 1 to 1
[21:11:20]    + container: matroska,webm
[21:11:20]    + data rate: 1536 kbps
[21:11:20]  * destination
[21:11:20]    + D:\Bsg Se02ep20-1.mkv
[21:11:20]    + container: Matroska (.mkv)
[21:11:20]  * video track
[21:11:20]    + decoder: h264
[21:11:20]    + frame rate: 23.976 fps -> constant 23.976 fps
[21:11:20]    + loose anamorphic
[21:11:20]      + storage dimensions: 1920 * 1080 -> 1280 * 720, crop 0/0/2/0, mod 0
[21:11:20]      + pixel aspect ratio: 959 / 960
[21:11:20]      + display dimensions: 1278 * 720
[21:11:20]    + filter
[21:11:20]      + Decomb (default settings)
[21:11:20]    + encoder: H.264 (x264)
[21:11:20]      + options: b-adapt=2:rc-lookahead=50
[21:11:20]      + quality: 18.00 (RF)
[21:11:20]  * audio track 1
[21:11:20]    + decoder: Unknown (DTS-HD MA) (5.1 ch) (track 1, id 0x1)
[21:11:20]    + DTS-HD Passthru
[21:11:20] reader: first SCR 0 id 0x0 DTS 0
[21:11:20] yadif thread started for segment 0
[21:11:20] yadif thread started for segment 1
[21:11:20] decomb thread started for segment 0
[21:11:20] yadif thread started for segment 3
[21:11:20] yadif thread started for segment 2
[21:11:20] decomb thread started for segment 2
[21:11:20] decomb thread started for segment 3
[21:11:20] encx264: min-keyint: 24, keyint: 240
[21:11:20] encx264: encoding with stored aspect 959/960
[21:11:20] encx264: Encoding at constant RF 18.000000
x264 [warning]: --psnr used with psy on: results will be invalid!
x264 [warning]: --tune psnr should be used if attempting to benchmark psnr!
x264 [info]: using SAR=959/960
[21:11:20] decomb thread started for segment 1
x264 [info]: using cpu capabilities: MMX2 SSE2Fast SSSE3 FastShuffle SSE4.2 AVX
x264 [info]: profile High, level 3.1
[22:11:52] reader: done. 1 scr changes
[22:11:54] work: average encoding speed for job is 17.326378 fps
[22:11:54] sync: got 62949 frames, 62949 expected
[22:11:54] h264-decoder done: 62949 frames, 0 decoder errors, 0 drops
[22:11:54] render: 62948 frames output, 0 dropped and 0 duped for CFR/PFR
[22:11:54] render: lost time: 0 (0 frames)
[22:11:54] render: gained time: 0 (0 frames) (0 not accounted for)
x264 [info]: frame I:485   Avg QP:16.10  size:159537  PSNR Mean Y:46.98 U:50.03 V:51.85 Avg:47.72 Global:46.89
x264 [info]: frame P:18308 Avg QP:19.44  size: 64418  PSNR Mean Y:45.37 U:48.58 V:51.05 Avg:46.20 Global:44.31
x264 [info]: frame B:44155 Avg QP:20.65  size: 43830  PSNR Mean Y:42.54 U:45.90 V:48.57 Avg:43.47 Global:43.03
x264 [info]: consecutive B-frames:  2.6%  3.0% 26.2% 68.2%
x264 [info]: mb I  I16..4:  7.3% 77.0% 15.7%
x264 [info]: mb P  I16..4:  1.1% 21.3%  2.1%  P16..4: 30.1% 25.1% 13.2%  0.0%  0.0%    skip: 7.2%
x264 [info]: mb B  I16..4:  0.2% 10.0%  0.6%  B16..8: 46.2% 13.6%  4.0%  direct: 9.9%  skip:15.5%  L0:44.2% L1:45.2% BI:10.6%
x264 [info]: 8x8 transform intra:89.1% inter:59.0%
x264 [info]: coded y,uvDC,uvAC intra: 95.2% 96.0% 85.6% inter: 57.5% 56.3% 14.2%
x264 [info]: i16 v,h,dc,p: 47% 11% 11% 31%
x264 [info]: i8 v,h,dc,ddl,ddr,vr,hd,vl,hu:  9% 11% 36%  6%  8%  6%  8%  7%  9%
x264 [info]: i4 v,h,dc,ddl,ddr,vr,hd,vl,hu: 12% 15% 16%  8% 11%  8% 12%  7% 11%
x264 [info]: i8c dc,h,v,p: 64% 15% 13%  9%
x264 [info]: Weighted P-Frames: Y:3.5% UV:1.5%
x264 [info]: ref P L0: 45.3% 12.0% 29.1% 13.4%  0.2%
x264 [info]: ref B L0: 74.7% 19.6%  5.6%
x264 [info]: ref B L1: 89.3% 10.7%
x264 [info]: SSIM Mean Y:0.9637235 (14.404db)
x264 [info]: PSNR Mean Y:43.397 U:46.712 V:49.317 Avg:44.298 Global:43.385 kb/s:9726.44
[22:11:55] dca-decoder done: 0 frames, 0 decoder errors, 0 drops
[22:11:55] mux: track 0, 62948 frames, 3192021100 bytes, 9726.22 kbps, fifo 512
[22:11:55] mux: track 1, 246140 frames, 1208988780 bytes, 3683.84 kbps, fifo 4096
[22:11:55] decomb: deinterlaced 0 | blended 4 | unfiltered 62944 | total 62948
[22:11:55] libhb: work result = 0
Encode done!
HandBrake has exited.

and

Code: Select all

HandBrake 0.9.8 2012071700
OS: Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
CPU: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500K CPU @ 3.30GHz
Ram: 8151 MB, Screen: 1920x1200
Temp Dir: C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Local\Temp\
Install Dir: C:\Program Files\Handbrake
Data Dir: C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Roaming\HandBrake\HandBrake\0.9.8.4861

-------------------------------------------

CLI Query:  -i "I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv" -t 1 -c 1 -o "D:\Bsg Se02ep20-1.mkv"  -f mkv --decomb -w 1280 --loose-anamorphic  -e x264 -q 20 -r 23.976 --cfr  -a 1 -E copy:dtshd -B 0 -6 auto -R Auto -D 0 --gain=0 --audio-copy-mask none --audio-fallback ffac3 --markers="C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Local\Temp\Bsg Se02ep20-1-1-chapters.csv" -x b-adapt=2:rc-lookahead=50 --verbose=1
User Query: True

[22:42:36] hb_init: starting libhb thread
HandBrake 0.9.8 (2012071700) - MinGW x86_64 - http://handbrake.fr
4 CPUs detected
Opening I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv...
[22:42:36] hb_scan: path=I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv, title_index=1
libbluray/bdnav/index_parse.c:157: indx_parse(): error opening I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv/BDMV/index.bdmv
libbluray/bluray.c:1471: nav_get_title_list(I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv) failed (0000000001BFE250)
[22:42:36] bd: not a bd - trying as a stream/file instead
libdvdnav: Using dvdnav version 4.1.3
libdvdread: Encrypted DVD support unavailable.
libdvdnav:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.IFO failed
libdvdnav:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.BUP failed
libdvdread: Can't open file VIDEO_TS.IFO.
libdvdnav: vm: failed to read VIDEO_TS.IFO
[22:42:36] dvd: not a dvd - trying as a stream/file instead
Input #0, matroska,webm, from 'I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv':
  Duration: 00:43:45.49, start: 0.000000, bitrate: 1536 kb/s
    Stream #0.0: Video: h264 (High), yuv420p, 1920x1080 [PAR 1:1 DAR 16:9], 23.98 fps, 23.98 tbr, 1k tbn, 47.95 tbc (default)
    Stream #0.1: Audio: dca (DTS-HD MA), 48000 Hz, 5.1, s16, 1536 kb/s (default)
[22:42:36] scan: decoding previews for title 1
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
Scanning title 1...
[22:42:37] scan: 10 previews, 1920x1080, 23.976 fps, autocrop = 0/0/2/0, aspect 16:9, PAR 1:1
[22:42:37] scan: title (0) job->width:1904, job->height:1072
[22:42:37] libhb: scan thread found 1 valid title(s)
+ title 1:
  + stream: I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv
  + duration: 00:43:45
  + size: 1920x1080, pixel aspect: 1/1, display aspect: 1.78, 23.976 fps
  + autocrop: 0/0/2/0
  + chapters:
    + 1: cells 0->0, 0 blocks, duration 00:43:45
  + audio tracks:
    + 1, Unknown (DTS-HD MA) (5.1 ch) (iso639-2: und)
  + subtitle tracks:
Reading chapter markers from file C:\Users\James Everson\AppData\Local\Temp\Bsg Se02ep20-1-1-chapters.csv
[22:42:37] 1 job(s) to process
[22:42:37] starting job
[22:42:37] sync: expecting 62949 video frames
[22:42:37] work: only 1 chapter, disabling chapter markers
[22:42:37] job configuration:
[22:42:37]  * source
[22:42:37]    + I:\BSG SE02\BSG SE02EP20.mkv
[22:42:37]    + title 1, chapter(s) 1 to 1
[22:42:37]    + container: matroska,webm
[22:42:37]    + data rate: 1536 kbps
[22:42:37]  * destination
[22:42:37]    + D:\Bsg Se02ep20-1.mkv
[22:42:37]    + container: Matroska (.mkv)
[22:42:37]  * video track
[22:42:37]    + decoder: h264
[22:42:37]    + frame rate: 23.976 fps -> constant 23.976 fps
[22:42:37]    + loose anamorphic
[22:42:37]      + storage dimensions: 1920 * 1080 -> 1280 * 720, crop 0/0/2/0, mod 0
[22:42:37]      + pixel aspect ratio: 959 / 960
[22:42:37]      + display dimensions: 1278 * 720
[22:42:37]    + filter
[22:42:37]      + Decomb (default settings)
[22:42:37]    + encoder: H.264 (x264)
[22:42:37]      + options: b-adapt=2:rc-lookahead=50
[22:42:37]      + quality: 20.00 (RF)
[22:42:37]  * audio track 1
[22:42:37]    + decoder: Unknown (DTS-HD MA) (5.1 ch) (track 1, id 0x1)
[22:42:37]    + DTS-HD Passthru
[22:42:37] reader: first SCR 0 id 0x0 DTS 0
[22:42:37] yadif thread started for segment 0
[22:42:37] yadif thread started for segment 1
[22:42:37] yadif thread started for segment 2
[22:42:37] yadif thread started for segment 3
[22:42:37] decomb thread started for segment 2
[22:42:37] decomb thread started for segment 3
[22:42:37] encx264: min-keyint: 24, keyint: 240
[22:42:37] encx264: encoding with stored aspect 959/960
[22:42:37] encx264: Encoding at constant RF 20.000000
[22:42:37] decomb thread started for segment 1
x264 [warning]: --psnr used with psy on: results will be invalid!
x264 [warning]: --tune psnr should be used if attempting to benchmark psnr!
x264 [info]: using SAR=959/960
[22:42:37] decomb thread started for segment 0
x264 [info]: using cpu capabilities: MMX2 SSE2Fast SSSE3 FastShuffle SSE4.2 AVX
x264 [info]: profile High, level 3.1
[23:38:05] reader: done. 1 scr changes
[23:38:08] work: average encoding speed for job is 18.906757 fps
[23:38:09] sync: got 62949 frames, 62949 expected
[23:38:09] h264-decoder done: 62949 frames, 0 decoder errors, 0 drops
[23:38:09] render: 62948 frames output, 0 dropped and 0 duped for CFR/PFR
[23:38:09] render: lost time: 0 (0 frames)
[23:38:09] render: gained time: 0 (0 frames) (0 not accounted for)
x264 [info]: frame I:485   Avg QP:18.07  size:120217  PSNR Mean Y:45.41 U:48.73 V:50.96 Avg:46.22 Global:45.36
x264 [info]: frame P:18308 Avg QP:21.45  size: 39006  PSNR Mean Y:44.23 U:47.88 V:50.51 Avg:45.13 Global:43.15
x264 [info]: frame B:44155 Avg QP:22.62  size: 23134  PSNR Mean Y:41.54 U:45.33 V:48.11 Avg:42.54 Global:42.03
x264 [info]: consecutive B-frames:  2.6%  3.0% 26.2% 68.2%
x264 [info]: mb I  I16..4:  7.4% 78.5% 14.0%
x264 [info]: mb P  I16..4:  1.3% 14.7%  1.3%  P16..4: 40.7% 19.3% 12.3%  0.0%  0.0%    skip:10.5%
x264 [info]: mb B  I16..4:  0.2%  5.0%  0.2%  B16..8: 53.4%  7.8%  1.8%  direct: 7.2%  skip:24.3%  L0:46.1% L1:48.7% BI: 5.2%
x264 [info]: 8x8 transform intra:87.5% inter:68.6%
x264 [info]: coded y,uvDC,uvAC intra: 89.5% 90.4% 70.4% inter: 40.0% 43.7% 5.4%
x264 [info]: i16 v,h,dc,p: 49% 13%  7% 31%
x264 [info]: i8 v,h,dc,ddl,ddr,vr,hd,vl,hu:  9% 11% 33%  7%  8%  7%  9%  7%  9%
x264 [info]: i4 v,h,dc,ddl,ddr,vr,hd,vl,hu: 15% 17% 15%  8% 11%  8% 11%  7%  9%
x264 [info]: i8c dc,h,v,p: 61% 16% 15%  8%
x264 [info]: Weighted P-Frames: Y:3.5% UV:1.5%
x264 [info]: ref P L0: 48.3% 11.9% 27.8% 11.8%  0.2%
x264 [info]: ref B L0: 76.0% 18.9%  5.1%
x264 [info]: ref B L1: 90.3%  9.7%
x264 [info]: SSIM Mean Y:0.9532700 (13.304db)
x264 [info]: PSNR Mean Y:42.354 U:46.097 V:48.830 Avg:43.323 Global:42.349 kb/s:5466.17
[23:38:09] dca-decoder done: 0 frames, 0 decoder errors, 0 drops
[23:38:09] mux: track 0, 62948 frames, 1793876787 bytes, 5466.02 kbps, fifo 512
[23:38:09] mux: track 1, 246140 frames, 1208988780 bytes, 3683.84 kbps, fifo 4096
[23:38:09] decomb: deinterlaced 0 | blended 4 | unfiltered 62944 | total 62948
[23:38:09] libhb: work result = 0
Encode done!
HandBrake has exited.

Thanks.

[Deleted User 11865]

Can you try remuxing with mkvmerge GUI (open HandBrake's MKV, set the output folder & file name, click Start muxing) and see if mkvmerge's output has the same issue?

[deathtical]

Remuxing didn't solve the problem. It did seem to have a small affect but didn't fix it. It did reduce the file size a bit too. I appreciate you sticking with this. Thanks.

[Deleted User 11865]

OK. The difference between how VLC and XBMC handle the file does seem to suggest an issue with interleaving of audio & video packets though (at least that's my best guess).

Would you be able to demux HandBrake's MKV to elementary streams (raw H.264, raw DTS, etc.) and create a new MKV from these streams (with mkvmerge)?

[deathtical]

Would you be able to demux HandBrake's MKV to elementary streams (raw H.264, raw DTS, etc.) and create a new MKV from these streams (with mkvmerge)?

I get the same thing

I tried an experiment where I made 4 different versions. DTSHD, FLAC, AC3, and AAC. Everything else was the same. I get the same behavior in all files, however, the stuttering gets less worse the as you got down in audio quality. But even with AAC it still stutters but at about 50%. I am starting to wonder if it is a bandwidth or system issue. My encoding rig has no problem playing the files, then again, my HTPC plays all my other BluRay rips just fine and they all use very similar settings. I just find it strange that it is only with about 20-30% of the files and always in the same spots in the files.

So sad

[Deleted User 13735]

Running your htpc or dlna over a network?
A repeatable stutter in the same spot(s) each time suggest a bandwidth issue. If the spots that stutter are in high-motion / detail scenes in your video, you can bet that high peak bitrate is the issue. There are lots of tricks to maximize network throughput (critical with WiFi networks), and there are instructions for lowering your peak transient bitrates, which can spike surprisingly high in Handbrake. Search for "vbv" on the forums.

One quick way to check relative network throughput is with a ping utility I wrote, It's really useful for finding the least congested wireless channels from your living room (relative beacon strength is not an indication of the cleanest channel). Also, a free utility called INSIDDER will show you all the WiFi traffic in your neighborhood. Install fping.exe, edit the code with your own information, paste to Notepad, and save as routerping.bat

Code: Select all

@ECHO ON
@ECHO *
@ECHO Router Ping Utility (routerping.bat)
@ECHO Useful for comparing throughput using various WiFi channels (1, 6, 11)
@ECHO Also 5GHz band
@ECHO *
@ECHO EDIT FILE WITH YOUR ROUTER'S IP AND LOCATION OF fping.exe (required)
@ECHO Test takes 2+ minutes to complete (2000 pings)
@ECHO To stop - type Control-C.
@ECHO *
@pause

@REM Add (-L filename.txt) to create a Logfile.
@REM See fping documentation for more parameters.
@REM EDIT YOUR ROUTER IP AND PATH TO fping.exe HERE
@C:\Users\PATHTO\fping.exe 192.168.1.xxx -n 2000 -s 32768 -t 1


@ECHO *
@ECHO More than 5 dropped packets may indicate channel interference.
@ECHO DIVIDE 500 BY AVERAGE TIME TO GET RELATIVE THROUGHPUT (Mbps)
@ECHO 30-40 percent of your router max is good.
@ECHO *
@pause

[deathtical]

Running your htpc or dlna over a network?
A repeatable stutter in the same spot(s) each time suggest a bandwidth issue. If the spots that stutter are in high-motion / detail scenes in your video, you can bet that high peak bitrate is the issue. There are lots of tricks to maximize network throughput (critical with WiFi networks), and there are instructions for lowering your peak transient bitrates, which can spike surprisingly high in Handbrake. Search for "vbv" on the forums.

One quick way to check relative network throughput is with a ping utility I wrote, It's really useful for finding the least congested wireless channels from your living room (relative beacon strength is not an indication of the cleanest channel). Also, a free utility called INSIDDER will show you all the WiFi traffic in your neighborhood. Install fping.exe, edit the code with your own information, paste to Notepad, and save as routerping.bat

Code: Select all

@ECHO ON
@ECHO *
@ECHO Router Ping Utility (routerping.bat)
@ECHO Useful for comparing throughput using various WiFi channels (1, 6, 11)
@ECHO Also 5GHz band
@ECHO *
@ECHO EDIT FILE WITH YOUR ROUTER'S IP AND LOCATION OF fping.exe (required)
@ECHO Test takes 2+ minutes to complete (2000 pings)
@ECHO To stop - type Control-C.
@ECHO *
@pause

@REM Add (-L filename.txt) to create a Logfile.
@REM See fping documentation for more parameters.
@REM EDIT YOUR ROUTER IP AND PATH TO fping.exe HERE
@C:\Users\PATHTO\fping.exe 192.168.1.xxx -n 2000 -s 32768 -t 1


@ECHO *
@ECHO More than 5 dropped packets may indicate channel interference.
@ECHO DIVIDE 500 BY AVERAGE TIME TO GET RELATIVE THROUGHPUT (Mbps)
@ECHO 30-40 percent of your router max is good.
@ECHO *
@pause

I appreciate the feedback, but I don't think this is the case. This happens regardless of VBR or CBR. It is for very specific points in very specific videos. They are not "high action" or "high motion" portions of the video. I don't know if you've seen BSG or how recently, but there are scenes that are shot with some kind of grainy/blurry filter, typically used during flash backs or other slow motion shots, and this is where it happens. The fast paced scenes play just fine. Also, I do not have this issue with any other blu-ray rips and the majority of what I watch is scifi, horror, and action films.

That said, I will still give the script a try. Thanks again.

[Deleted User 13735]

but there are scenes that are shot with some kind of grainy/blurry filter, typically used during flash backs or other slow motion shots, and this is where it happens.

Sorry I didn't make myself clear, but that's exactly what I was talking about: Detail (dissimilar pixels) in motion (I didn't say fast). For instance, a simple crossfade can be murder on a home system.

A simple indicator of transient bitrate is play it in VLC with the info pane open. Then render one of those sections with a significantly lower bitrate and compare the playback on your home system.

And just what is your network like? Are you streaming over wireless?

[deathtical]

Oh no. Not wireless. That's good enough for my wife's ipad and my netbook, but my HTPC is wired and gets between 100-200Mbs. Wish it was gigabit, but what can you do?

[Deleted User 13735]

Check your throughput.
Running multiple switches / computers? Lots of traffic? Multiple streams? IGMP enabled on all nodes?