Converting differences with Windows 32/64 bit, VLC 3.0.8

[imscorob]

I'm a new user with VLC. No idea what I'm doing. I just make this clear.

I have a laptop with Win 7, 64bit and a PC with Win 8, 32bit + ATI Graphic card.

Tried to convert an mkv file to mp4 with video 2500 bit, and audio AC3, 512 bit, 6 channels, 44.1 kHz
The result is strange.

The 32 bit is pixeled.
The 64 bit is NOT pixeled, but has wrong color. Bleached?

Regardless what bitrate I choose, the result is always the same. I even tried to go up to 5000 bit.

When I look at the MediaInfo, I see different "Encoding Settings". I place it here for better reading. I have no idea what this means, but maybe you do...
32bit
Encoding settings : cabac=0 / ref=1 / deblock=0: -1: -1 / analyse=0:0x11 / me=dia / subme=0 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.15 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-1 / threads=3 / lookahead_threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=0 / weightp=0 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=0 / intra_refresh=0 / rc=abr / mbtree=0 / bitrate=2500 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=0

64bit
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=3 / deblock=1: 0: 0 / analyse=0x3:0x13 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=3 / lookahead_threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=23.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00


Even the size of the files are different
32bit : 2,10 GB (2 261 408 210 bytes)
64bit : 2,09 GB (2 248 817 937 bytes)

I haven't change any setting. I don't even know how or where to do that.
Two things I have change in the UI only. The bitrate and audio. Every other setting are exactly the same in the UI.
Even tried without the graphic card, but the result is the same.

It would be nice to use my PC, Win 8, 32bit because it has the graphic card, that's fast. My Laptop is overheating and gives wrong (bleached) color.

The audio is also strange. MediaInfo says 6 channels, 44.1 kHz and that is correct for both 32 and 64 bit.
Windows "Properties" says 32bit 4 channels and 64bit says 2 channels? With 48 kHz?
Which one is correct? How to test it?

Shouldn't the result be the same regardless 32 or 64 bits?
What do I do now?

BTW: How do I upload images here so you can see the results?

[imscorob]

UPDATE

I have downloaded the VLC 3.0.9.2, 32 bit version and even increased the bitrate to 3.000, but the result is the same.
Pixeled picture. At least the color is right...


The MediaInfo says :

General
Complete name : F:\Video\Movie\Swordfish (2001) [1080]\Swordfish (2001) 32bit 3000.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media
Codec ID : isom
File size : 2.45 GiB
Duration : 1h 39mn
Overall bit rate : 3 538 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2020-04-23 09:02:44
Tagged date : UTC 2020-04-23 09:02:44
Writing application : vlc 3.0.9.2 stream output

Video
ID : 2
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Baseline@L4
Format settings, CABAC : No
Format settings, ReFrames : 1 frame
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 1h 39mn
Source duration : 1h 39mn
Bit rate : 3 000 Kbps
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 800 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 2.40:1
Frame rate mode : Variable
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Minimum frame rate : 23.810 fps
Maximum frame rate : 24.390 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.081
Stream size : 2.09 GiB (85%)
Source stream size : 2.09 GiB (85%)
Writing library : x264 core 155
Encoding settings : cabac=0 / ref=1 / deblock=0: -1: -1 / analyse=0:0x11 / me=dia / subme=0 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.15 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-1 / threads=3 / lookahead_threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=0 / weightp=0 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=0 / intra_refresh=0 / rc=abr / mbtree=0 / bitrate=3000 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=0
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2020-04-23 09:02:44
Tagged date : UTC 2020-04-23 09:02:44
Color range : Full
mdhd_Duration : 1660608

Audio
ID : 1
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : ac-3
Duration : 1h 39mn
Source duration : 1h 39mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 512 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 44.1 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 363 MiB (14%)
Source stream size : 363 MiB (14%)
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2020-04-23 09:02:44
Tagged date : UTC 2020-04-23 09:02:44
mdhd_Duration : 5955570


Windows "Properties" shows about the audio : 4 channels, 48kHz. Thats wrong....

Any idea what to do?

[mederi]

abr vs crf method

.../ rc=abr / mbtree=0 / bitrate=2500 /...
.../ rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=23.0 /...

It is possible that there are bugs somewhere in VLC. First of all you should check properties (MediaInfo tool) of a source/input file, then you should decide target/output parameters. Check following discussion about x264/x265 encoding: https://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=152988
[profile=high,level=4.1,preset=medium,crf=22]?

[imscorob]

abr vs crf method

.../ rc=abr / mbtree=0 / bitrate=2500 /...
.../ rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=23.0 /...

It is possible that there are bugs somewhere in VLC. First of all you should check properties (MediaInfo tool) of a source/input file, then you should decide target/output parameters. Check following discussion about x264/x265 encoding: https://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=152988
[profile=high,level=4.1,preset=medium,crf=22]?

Hi, Thanks for your reply. I don't know what those parameters are.
How can I change them? I read that post you supplied "Custom options [profile=main,level=3,preset=medium,crf=23]"
I guess that's how...

So, in my case it should be "Custom options [profile=rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=23.0"
Or should I try "profile=high,level=4.1,preset=medium,crf=22" as your last line was?
I'll try the first, if not working, I'll try the line you wrote. I don't know what that is, but I'll try. I'll be back in 2 hours

Meanwhile....
MediaInfo shows this for the source :
General
Unique ID : 251654916399159139114425734103987686110 (0xBD52F952769D6D1FA7633247775C8ADE)
Complete name : Swordfish (2001).mkv
Format : Matroska
Format version : Version 4 / Version 2
File size : 7.06 GiB
Duration : 1h 39mn
Overall bit rate : 10.2 Mbps
Movie name : Swordfish (2001)
Encoded date : UTC 2020-04-19 08:10:05
Writing application : mkvmerge v45.0.0 ('Heaven in Pennies') 32-bit
Writing library : libebml v1.3.10 + libmatroska v1.5.2
Attachements : xlog.txt / cover.jpg
DURATION : 01:39:15.712000000
NUMBER_OF_FRAMES : 186116
NUMBER_OF_BYTES : 476456960
_STATISTICS_WRITING_APP : mkvmerge v45.0.0 ('Heaven in Pennies') 32-bit
_STATISTICS_WRITING_DATE_UT : 2020-04-19 08:10:05
_STATISTICS_TAGS : BPS DURATION NUMBER_OF_FRAMES NUMBER_OF_BYTES

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : High@L4.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 5 frames
Codec ID : V_MPEG4/ISO/AVC
Duration : 1h 39mn
Bit rate : 9 548 Kbps
Width : 1 920 pixels
Height : 800 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 2.40:1
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.259
Stream size : 6.48 GiB (92%)
Title : Swordfish
Writing library : x264 core 114 r1924 08d04a4
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=5 / deblock=1: -2: -2 / analyse=0x3:0 / me=tesa / subme=10 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.10:0.05 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=48 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=2 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=0 / chroma_qp_offset=-6 / threads=16 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=8 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=2 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=24 / scenecut=50 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=150 / rc=2pass / mbtree=1 / bitrate=9548 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.70 / qpmin=0 / qpmax=61 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / vbv_maxrate=48000 / vbv_bufsize=40000 / nal_hrd=none / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:0.90
Language : English
Default : Yes
Forced : Yes
Color range : Full
DURATION : 01:39:15.658000000
NUMBER_OF_FRAMES : 142793
NUMBER_OF_BYTES : 7105329209
_STATISTICS_WRITING_APP : mkvmerge v45.0.0 ('Heaven in Pennies') 32-bit
_STATISTICS_WRITING_DATE_UT : 2020-04-19 08:10:05
_STATISTICS_TAGS : BPS DURATION NUMBER_OF_FRAMES NUMBER_OF_BYTES

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : A_AC3
Duration : 1h 39mn
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 640 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Channel positions : Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 454 MiB (6%)
Title : AC3 5.1 @ 640 Kbps [Original]
Language : English
Default : Yes
Forced : Yes

[Lotesdelere]

I can see there are many differences between the 32-bit and the 64-bit encoding settings.
For the 32-bit encoding CABAC and BFRAMES are not used(!!), ME is quite low, SUBME, 8x8DCT, WEIGHTP and MBTREE are not used, and the most important, like Mederi said: it's using ABR while the 64-bit is using CRF, the latter being a must do IMO. CRF=23 should be good enough.

[mederi]

Or should I try "profile=high,level=4.1,preset=medium,crf=22" as your last line was?

Yes. If you are not an expert, then you should not worry about all those encoding settings listed by MediaInfo. Just use options I have mentioned to select an encoding preset and a desired ratecontrol method. If you create/edit a transcoding profile, Video codec > Encoding parameters:
Codec [H-264]
Bitrate [800 kb/s] => abr method
or
Quality [26] => qp method
or
both Bitrate and Quality disabled [Not used] => default recommended crf method with a default value 23
You can set a different value of the crf option in the last input field there:
Custom options [crf=22]
You better set an encoding preset (profile, level, preset), too:
Custom options [profile=high,level=4.1,preset=slow,crf=22] << Use VLC options for x264 encoder. You can find them in "vlc-help.txt" file (vlc.exe -H). They actually follow the original x264 options, though there is an option for the originals, too.
Custom options [options={profile=high,level=4.1,preset=slow,rc=crf,crf=22}]

H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC encoder (x264) (x264)
--sout-x264-level=<string> H.264 level
Specify H.264 level (as defined by Annex A of the standard). Levels
are not enforced; it's up to the user to select a level compatible
with the rest of the encoding options. Range 1 to 5.1 (10 to 51 is
also allowed). Set to 0 for letting x264 set level.
--sout-x264-profile={baseline,main,high,high10,high422,high444}
H.264 profile
Specify H.264 profile which limits are enforced over other settings
--sout-x264-qp=<integer [-1 .. 51]>
Set QP
This selects the quantizer to use. Lower values result in better
fidelity, but higher bitrates. 26 is a good default value. Range 0
(lossless) to 51.
--sout-x264-crf=<integer [0 .. 51]>
Quality-based VBR
1-pass Quality-based VBR. Range 0 to 51.
--sout-x264-preset={ultrafast,superfast,veryfast,faster,fast,medium,slow,slower,veryslow,placebo}
Default preset setting used
Default preset setting used
--sout-x264-options=<string>
x264 advanced options
x264 advanced options, in the form {opt=val,op2=val2}.

The source is Full HD video, High@L4.1, rc=2pass / bitrate=9548, ... Once I tried the 2pass method in VLC and I did not succeed So try the recommended options. Preset slow/slower increases the quality but also an encoding time (the more powerful computer the faster encoding). Higher crf value decreases the filesize significantly and also reduces the quality. You can just copy the audio (Keep original audio track).

[imscorob]

This was the result with 32bit, VLC 3.0.8

First the source:
Writing library : x264 core 114 r1924 08d04a4
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=5 / deblock=1: -2: -2 / analyse=0x3:0 / me=tesa / subme=10 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.10:0.05 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=48 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=2 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=0 / chroma_qp_offset=-6 / threads=16 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=8 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=2 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=24 / scenecut=50 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=150 / rc=2pass / mbtree=1 / bitrate=9548 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.70 / qpmin=0 / qpmax=61 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / vbv_maxrate=48000 / vbv_bufsize=40000 / nal_hrd=none / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:0.90


******************
1:st Custom Option
profile=high,rc=crf,mbtree=1,crf=23.0

I don't see the "Custom Option" changes in the output info (Encoding settings). And the picture is pixeled...
I just put here the important result from MediaInfo.

Encoding settings : cabac=0 / ref=1 / deblock=0: -1: -1 / analyse=0:0x11 / me=dia / subme=0 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.15 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-1 / threads=3 / lookahead_threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=0 / weightp=0 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=0 / intra_refresh=0 / rc=abr / mbtree=0 / bitrate=3000 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=0

It looks the same as the old one without any custom option :
Encoding settings : cabac=0 / ref=1 / deblock=0: -1: -1 / analyse=0:0x11 / me=dia / subme=0 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.15 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-1 / threads=3 / lookahead_threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=0 / weightp=0 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=0 / intra_refresh=0 / rc=abr / mbtree=0 / bitrate=3000 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=0


******************

2:nd Custom Option:
profile=high,level=4.1,preset=medium,crf=22

Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=3 / deblock=1: -1: -1 / analyse=0x3:0x13 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.15 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-3 / threads=3 / lookahead_threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=abr / mbtree=1 / bitrate=3000 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00

******************

It looks very good. Same color as the original and NO PIXEL !!
This toked 9 hours !?
I checked it on my big 60" Ultra-HD and it looks good! Like the original.


I tried "vlc-help.txt" file (vlc.exe -H)", but I gel an error message :

*******************
Dumped content to vlc-help.txt file.
[00cdc168] dshow libvlc error: no video capture device was detected
[00cdc168] dshow libvlc error: no audio capture device was detected
[00cdc168] dshow libvlc error: no video capture device was detected

Press the RETURN key to continue...
*******************

At least I get the file anyway, 336kb to read


Lotesdelere ->
The original shows cabac=1, all the other tries shows cabac=0.
But this last one shows cabac=1 too. Whatever that means.


Anyway... The frame rate is strange:
Source =
Frame rate mode : Constant

Output =
Frame rate mode : Variable
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Minimum frame rate : 23.810 fps
Maximum frame rate : 24.390 fps

Why is the output not constant?


Thank you mederi for the help !
It would be great if you could get a quality like this on the first try, whithout messing with custom options.
99% av the users don't know what those are. "Complicated" or "Too technical"

File size I don't worry about, it's the quality that matters that why I have only Full HD video, High@L4.1
I'll try with 4000 bitrate next time. I'm not an expert but a newbe, but I'm getting there
I would love to have just one button with "Start", and that's it

Next try will be with 64bit Windows 10
The 64 bit VLC gives bleached color
I'll be back...

[mederi]

/ rc=abr / bitrate=3000 /

You are still using abr method instead of crf. I repeat, that you have to unset both Bitrate (abr) and Quality (qp) to use crf method! Then you can control it within Custom options. Once you find the best encoding parameters, you can create your custom profile you will use all the time in the future. You can perform several tests with different values on a short sample to compare the quality, not the whole long video (Start/Stop Time option available in Open Media dialog under Show more options).

Codec [H-264]
Bitrate [Not used]
Quality [Not used]
Custom options [profile=high,level=4.1,preset=medium,crf=22]

Then just try to adjust the crf value. You can also compare medium/slow/slower presets, whether a result is worth a longer encoding time.
You can use mkv container/encapsulation instead of mp4.

Perhaps the GUI dialog for the transcoding profile could contain a link to a wiki page on the Internet, where users could find basics for all codecs.

[imscorob]

First of all, I hate Windows 10 !!! It toket 9 hours to fix it and 5 hours to convert this movie...
Anyway...


VLC 3.0.8 (Fresh install), Windows 10, 64bit, 2 core, ATI Radeon HD 5650 graphic card, 5 hours job

The movie is 800pix high, so I changed that in the VLC setting.
Audio changed to AC3, 512bit, 48kHz (DVD quality)
The bitrate I rased to 4.000 bit
NO extra custom option this time !!! Just the basics for later comparising


The result is in 'MediaInfo'->
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=3 / deblock=1: 0: 0 / analyse=0x3:0x13 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=3 / lookahead_threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=abr / mbtree=1 / bitrate=4000 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00


Result is, almost the same as the source. NOT bleached as it was on Win 7, 64bit! Great news!

To compare it to Win 8, 32, custom setting
profile=high,level=4.1,preset=medium,crf=22

It was ok. I have to 'smooth' the picture out somehow. It's only a little pixeled. Maybe because I raised the bitrate to 4.000
My plan is to have the final setting set to 3.5000 with AC3, DVD quality. As standard to all of my future mp4's.
I don't care if takes 5 hours as long it's perfect pic. I have a very big screen TV, so every flaws shows.


The output looks fine with the MediaInfo, BUT in Windows Properties, there are NO INFO about the file content. Everything is blank !
No video, audio or any details / properties
The videoplayback hangs up when paused for a few seconds, before it starts to play again. So there is something wrong with the output file.


Some extra info: I use Sysinternals, Process Explorer (Free MS standalone program). It shows that the GPU used max 2%.
On Win 8, 32, 4% was used only, with the same graphic card


- "You can perform several tests with different values on a short sample to compare the quality, not the whole long video (Start/Stop Time option available in Open Media dialog under Show more options)."
Great !!!!! Thank you for this tip !!!
If I would be a women, I would say "I will berry all of your children for this tip, my lifesaver!"

- "You can use mkv container/encapsulation instead of mp4."
I don't like mkv. It's open source, so God knows how long it will stay around, something new always turns up. And can't play everywhere.
Once you start to use one standard, you have to keep to that or you will have a bunch of inconvenience later...

- "Perhaps the GUI dialog for the trans-coding profile could contain a link to a wiki page on the Internet, where users could find basics for all codecs."
Why not use a popup balloon or an "Info" button to a popup balloon directly in the UI, next to the 'function'? Simplicity wins...
I'm pretty sure, many people gives up their tries... "I have no time for this!"

As a former programmer, I would do these things. Specially since VLC has 149 mil downloads
1. Adding Popup -balloons with small/very basic, user friendly (for dumb newbies like me) info. Could be disabled globally

For NOT downloading extra programs and making VLC more "complete"
2. Adding easy import subtitle

3. Adding chapter import to mp4
Chapters you can download from the internet [url]https://chapterdb.plex.tv[/url] , or can extract it from mkv with "mkvextract" to a text/xml file. Command line is ->
mkvextract "xy.mkv" chapters -s "xy-chapters.txt"

4. Adding insert of cover picture (I have 1080x1080 covers, it will be a pain in the ass to find a program and make it work)

5. Starting an official VLC YouTube Channel with instruction video, 3 min, max 5, with subtitle (How many people do you think will read THIS info we are talking about or even understands?)
OR will read 336 kB "vlc-help" file ?
"YouTube VLC Stream LUA Fix" -> [url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg4Og5ra_F0[/url] 13,588 views, read the comments. People don't read. They 'watch' and everybody goes to the all-knowing YouTube
I fixed this problem too with this video... And have more videos to watch

6. Adding an update button to the "Playlist", in case there is a broken link, you can check if a new version is available with the fix and hit "Update". No hassle...
Instead of overloading forums with questions, doing your own hacks or waiting for the next release. "Notepad++" has "Plugins Admin" with tabs "Available", "Updates", "Installed"

7. Export chapters, subtitles from DVD, BD, mkv to text files. I have many Discs and I would not mind to share it.


I used "DVD Decrypter". It had a 'pre-analyse' option. Did an excellent job, down converting DVD-9 (dual) to DVD-4 (single layer)
- "Once I tried the 2pass method in VLC and I did not succeed"
That sounds bad. I'll try that too. It has to work. Quality is everything, at least for me


I use several computers, one at the time, so I'm reading you're replies a little late, and sorry for MY late reply. I'll read all of your info's and will try all of those things.
Thank you mederi!
I'll be back...