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Learn to Convert Your
Videos to the DivX Format
© 2006
Desktop-Video-Guide.com
In this article we will teach a very important technique in digital
video—how to convert video to DivX.
A video to DivX conversion is quite common nowadays, as more and more people
are beginning to realize the versatility of DivX technology.
In case you haven’t heard of it, DivX is what is called a compression
algorithm, that “squeezes” your video into a smaller file format.
As a result, you store large videos on your hard disk or make it easier for
people to stream them from your web site. We will be using a program called
Dr. DivX to convert to DivX.
Step 1: Select the Video Options
The first thing that you’ll notice is that Dr. DixX uses a wizard-driven
interface to enable you to convert video to DivX. I am sure that those of
you who are new to this whole process will appreciate the simplicity of a
wizard. Upon running the program the wizard will take you through step 1,
'Select Video Input'.
You will be presented with four buttons: Video File, Digital Video, Live
Capture and Custom Plug-in.
Video File is used if you have the video file on your hard drive. If,
however, you are connecting directly to your digital camcorder, you would
choose Digital Video. Live Capture is used for capturing televised video as
it plays and Custom Plug-in is used for video that is input through a cable
input of some sort.
Most likely the video that you want to convert to DivX will reside on your
hard drive, either as raw footage or in a previously encoded format. Click
Video File for your video to DivX conversion and click Next.
Step 2: Select Audio Options
Next you will be presented with the audio screen in the wizard. It needs to
know the source of your audio input for your video to DivX conversion. The
source of your audio input, you ask? Isn’t that the same as the source of
your video file?
In most cases, the answer is yes, you will be using the audio from your
video file. However, there are some cases where you want to convert video to
DivX using some other source for your audio input.
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For example, suppose you want to overlay music over the video file when you
convert to DivX, as you would in a music video or some special presentation
like that. In that case, you might choose an mpeg file as your audio source.
For now, however, it’s safe to assume that you want the same audio source
from your video file - so select that option and click Next.
Step 3: Select Output Options
The third step in your video to DivX conversion is the choice of your
output. You have a number of options when you convert to DivX, depending on
the desired quality and intended use of the file.
As a beginner, you’ll appreciate the pre-set standards for output under
'Certification Level' on the left side of the screen. These are meant to
ensure optimal quality output for the following devices: High Definition,
Home Theater, Portable or Handheld. If, however, you de-select Certification
Level, you can choose custom output specifications on the right side of the
screen.
Here you indicate the number of files you want output, and their file sizes.
You can also indicate the quality of the output as well. At this stage, I
recommend that you stay with the pre-sets under Certification until you feel
more comfortable with the product. You will find size and video length at
the bottom right of the screen as you convert video to DivX.
Step 4: Start Encoding
The final step to convert video to DivX is to click Next and go straight to
encode. Before Dr. DivX will convert to DivX however it will give you one
last chance to tweak the settings. Beginners are well advised to go with the
defaults and proceed.
The video to DivX conversion produces a decent quality video. It is likely
that you can fit up to 100 minutes of video on a single CD-ROM. Now, this
may not be DVD quality video, and some parts of the footage can appear
blurry. However it can certainly be decent for a home movie or if you want
to make backups of your old VHS tapes. Dr. DivX also de-interlaces the video
as well, making it easier to view on a PC monitor.
Conclusion
If you’re new to the process of learning how to convert video to DivX and
want a no-hassle introduction, Dr. DivX. is worth the investment.
It’s a steep one at that - the program costs $50. That’s quite a price to
pay for such simple software, but software that makes life simple usually
involves considerable complexity on the backend. There are of course
alternatives available in the public domain arena.
Programs such as VirtualDub and DivX / XviD compare quite well, but they are
not as user-friendly. However, they offer advanced video to DivX hackers
extra opportunities to tweak settings. For beginners, however, Dr. DivX is
worth the price.
How to create a movie with Windows MovieMaker
A short tutorial on how to create a movie clip with Windows MovieMaker.
How to jazz up your videos with professional DVD menus
This article shows you how to create great looking DVD menus to accompany
your video productions.
Convert
digital photos to VCD format
How you can convert digital photos to VCD format using Ulead DVD PictureShow.
Burn VCD discs using Nero Burning ROM
Various concepts about camera shutter speeds which you need to know in order
to take good photos.
How to choose Firewire cards for video capture
Takes you through the main considerations to think about before buying a
Firewire card.
For more articles, be sure to visit Desktop-Video-Guide.com .
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Recommended Desktop Video Tools & Services |
A
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Create
Great-Looking Digital Videos
Roxio VideoWave Professional is a video editing
program that could be the answer to your video editing headaches. If you have
trouble creating good-looking home videos, VideoWave allows you to edit and
produce Hollywood-style videos with a few mouse clicks.
The Easy Way To Make DVD
Movies
Ulead DVD MovieFactory is the quick, easy way to make great DVD movies, music discs and write data
on DVDs or CDs. The software allows you to burn video straight to disc using
no hard drive space. You can also easily trim video clips or add DVD
chapters and titles.
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