ImTOO 3GP encoder and H264

Since my early posts I've been advising people that I'm a user of
ImToo encoding solutions. I bought these encoders because they were cheap and got good feedback from other users of these solutions. Also because I wanted something to make the conversion from DVD to portable format easier.

I ended up buying the bundle of ImToo 3GP Suite that includes both the DVD to 3GP Encoder and the 3GP Encoder (Above).

First I recommend you download the software and try it before buying. Usually ImToo tools allow you to encode short videos or encode up to 5 minutes. This is great as it will allow you to try out the different format and settings until you feel comfortable that this is what you want.

Since I started using ImToo there's been a flood of encoders in the web. Mostly due to the popularity of the iPod video and other PMP devices. Back in 2002 when I started creating videos for mobile phones there were not a lot of options and the Nokia Multimedia Converter was one of the only ones available to do 3GP and h263. Real also had RealProducer which is a good software if you want to use realvideo format. But I've stuck with them since it works for me and if ImToo doesn't work with something then I can always use SUPER.

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Some things to keep in mind...

• The bitrate, frame rate and resolution you set will only work if it's a combination that's supported by your phone. For more information see here.
• The ZOOM option in Imtoo encoders work in conjunction with the Aspect setting in the Video section of the settings. I tend to use the ZOOM option and not play around with the Aspect ratio setting. But you may want to try to use either.
• Further, zoom only works reliably if the source video doesn't have black bars as part of the picture frame. If they do then the black bars will be part of the video. See here.
• 3GP, 3GPP2, MP4 and MPEG-4 AVC all work in Nseries devices but you got to have the right settings.
• If using h264 codec don't forget to expand the Expert section of the settings and set the coder to 0 (zero).
• DVDs are all created differently. The same settings that work for 1 dvd will cause audio synch problems with another dvd or a jumpy picture.
• This is also due to the fact that some DVDs are encoded at 23.987 fps others at 29.97 fps others at 24 fps
• Some dvds have interlaced frames others have progressive frames.
• Some dvds have AC3 audio some have ProLogic2 or other audio formats. Some have only PCM audio.
• Remember to select the right Language track and right subtitle if you want to have those enabled
• TIP: Try first to encode one chapter of the dvd and try it out, if something is wrong right click on the chapter and play around with the settings. Email Imtoo support to get some more tips on how to solve specific problems they usually respond within a day or two.
• If it doesn't work sometimes it's not the fault of the encoder or the device or you, but a combination of different factors. No matter how hard you try sometimes some dvds are just difficult to find the correct settings to encode.
  
• Other DVD encoders may be more robust/smarter than Imtoo. So again shop around, try different solutions and if you find something that totally blows aways Imtoo please share in the comments so I can also try it! :)
• Have fun!, that's what it's all about.
  

Easter Eggs

Just in time, have a good Easter (if you celebrate it).

Also, I would like to talk about a topic that matches this time of year very good.
Easter Eggs in DVDs.

Easter Eggs are some "hidden" things in the DVD discs. Some funny outtakes, additional scenes, interviews, or other things.

In cases where these features are video you can also encode them for use in your Nseries.

Some things you may need:

• Have a DVD that has these hidden contents (there are some websites that keep track of these easter eggs or hidden features)
  
• Identify the Track number and Chapter number where these video clips are hidden
• Have a DVD software that allows you to read the Track and Chapter numbers like Imtoo DVD to 3GP.
• Encode using working settings

Using this method I extracted the clips from the Extended editions of the LOTR trilogy, Outtakes from the Star Wars DVDs, etc.

If this information is not enough to allow you to do this. Leave a comment and I'll update the post with more details.

Until next time,

May the force be with you!