Open Source (Title Specific) ... Explained

[dynaflash]

Having seen some issues with scanning sources I might point out an undocumented feature in the 0.9.2 MacGui: Open Source (Title Specific)

It is a variation on how the MacGui normally opens a source. Normally when you choose a source in the open source window, the MacGui does a full scan of the entire source, including all titles and chapters, etc. Now this is very convenient as the interface can load up all info from the dvd and allow you to select what you want right in the main window. However, with the advent of advanced copy protection including dummy cells, zero cells, and intentional "fringe" dvd mastering (to the point where some dvd's barely play on set top players) a full source scan can cause the HandBrake MacGui to crash or otherwise fall on its face.

In these instances, it may help to use Open Source (Title Specific) where the MacGui acts more like the cli in that you can specify just the exact title you want to open, avoiding much of the cruft that can come with a full source scan.

Here's how to use it (you will need to know the title number you wish to open, you can find this a number of ways like using dvdplayer and noting the title number of the main feature):

1. Go to File -> Open Source (Title Specific) ...
Note: if you have just fired up HB and are presented with the Open Source window right at launch. Just cancel that window and then do this step.

2. You will now be presented with the exact same Open Source window you are used to seeing. Choose your source as you normally would.

3. Now you will be asked which title number you want to scan. Enter the title number that you got from running dvdplayer.app or the like.

4. Click the "Open Title" button.

HandBrake will now just scan that title, hopefully bypassing some of the cruft in your source.

[x2.2]

Thanks ever so much for this and apologies for the stupid question, but... can you explain step 3 in a bit more detail. Could you provide an example title number? I keep getting error messages when I insert a title number, so figure I must be getting it wrong.

[dynaflash]

Could you provide an example title number?

1

I keep getting error messages when I insert a title number, so figure I must be getting it wrong.

If you would be good enough to provide an activity log I would not have to guess what the error messages are.

[x2.2]

Thanks...

Code: Select all

[16:54:07] hb_init: checking cpu count
[16:54:07] hb_init: starting libhb thread
[16:54:07] thread b01c0000 started ("libhb")
[16:57:05] macgui: scanning specifically for title: 1
[16:57:05] hb_scan: path=/Volumes/BATTLESTAR_GALACTICA_S3_DISC_1/AUDIO_TS, title_index=1
[16:57:05] thread b0579000 started ("scan")
[16:57:05] scan: trying to open with libdvdread
GUI ERROR dialog: dvd: ifoOpen failed
[16:57:05] hb_stream_open: open /Volumes/BATTLESTAR_GALACTICA_S3_DISC_1/AUDIO_TS failed
[16:57:05] scan: unrecognized file type
[16:57:05] thread b0579000 exited ("scan")
[16:57:05] thread b0579000 joined ("scan")
[16:57:05] libhb: scan thread found 0 valid title(s)
[16:57:20] macgui: trying to open a physical dvd at: /Volumes/BATTLESTAR_GALACTICA_S3_DISC_1/VIDEO_TS
[16:57:20] macgui: scanning specifically for title: 1
[16:57:20] hb_scan: path=/dev/disk1, title_index=1
[16:57:20] thread b0579000 started ("scan")
[16:57:20] scan: trying to open with libdvdread
[16:57:20] scan: DVD has 20 title(s)
[16:57:20] scan: scanning title 1
[16:57:20] scan: opening IFO for VTS 1
[16:57:20] pgc_id: 1, pgn: 1: pgc: 0x15147620
[16:57:20] scan: vts=1, ttn=1, cells=0->0, blocks=0->178, 179 blocks
[16:57:20] scan: duration is 00:00:00 (90 ms)
[16:57:20] scan: ignoring title (too short)
[16:57:20] thread b0579000 exited ("scan")
[16:57:20] thread b0579000 joined ("scan")
[16:57:20] libhb: scan thread found 0 valid title(s)
[17:17:32] macgui: trying to open a physical dvd at: /Volumes/BATTLESTAR_GALACTICA_S3_DISC_1/VIDEO_TS
[17:17:32] macgui: scanning specifically for title: 1
[17:17:32] hb_scan: path=/dev/disk1, title_index=1
[17:17:32] thread b08dd000 started ("scan")
[17:17:32] scan: trying to open with libdvdread
[17:17:33] scan: DVD has 20 title(s)
[17:17:33] scan: scanning title 1
[17:17:33] scan: opening IFO for VTS 1
[17:17:33] pgc_id: 1, pgn: 1: pgc: 0x18067f60
[17:17:33] scan: vts=1, ttn=1, cells=0->0, blocks=0->178, 179 blocks
[17:17:33] scan: duration is 00:00:00 (90 ms)
[17:17:33] scan: ignoring title (too short)
[17:17:33] thread b08dd000 exited ("scan")
[17:17:33] thread b08dd000 joined ("scan")
[17:17:33] libhb: scan thread found 0 valid title(s)

[dynaflash]

HandBrake is telling you that this title is too short.

Code: Select all

[17:17:33] scan: scanning title 1
...
[17:17:33] scan: duration is 00:00:00 (90 ms)
[17:17:33] scan: ignoring title (too short)
...
[17:17:33] libhb: scan thread found 0 valid title(s)

Have you played this dvd in dvdplayer.app or the like and noted which title is the main feature and used that number ?

[x2.2]

Thanks! That's what I am having problems with. I am using dvdplayer that comes with my powerbook and cannot for the life of me figure out how to get the title to show up on the floating remote thing (srry have no idea what it is called). If I go out of full screen and try go title and then select whichever one from drop down an icon comes up saying that not permitted. I know this is one of those idiot questions...

[dynaflash]

With the main feature playing (which I assume is what you want to encode) in dvdplayer, in your main menu bar go to Go -> Title and a popup list of all title numbers on the dvd will show up with a checkmark next to the one that is currently playing. Note that checked title number and use it for Open Source (title specific ...) in HB.

[x2.2]

hangs head and looks very sheepish. yes, that would be the perfect answer to the idiot question. works like a charm now. cheers!

[dynaflash]

No worries, I agree that they kind of bury it. in the future you can also access the info from the controller (remote thingy) if you click on where it says "Title" next to "Chapter" in the actual remote thingy display area. That changes the display to show whatever title your on and switch it there.