.Dream format and compression

what are my options?

from WinCustomize Forums
Here's how I make dreams:

1. Make animation in photoshop

2. Export frames

3. Use virtual dub to make a raw avi
(Usually around 1.5gb)

4. Convert avi to wmv with windows media encoder
(With quality based compression at 1600x1200, usually drops size down to 10-20mb)

5. Open dream maker
• Add info and files
• Save file
• Upload


I have come to find out that the cpu takes a hard hit from the wmv format
~some files using more than 30%~

So my question is this:

What can I do between steps 3 and 4?

What programs if any would be better, and how can I get decent quality image out of an mpeg file?
6,744 views 7 replies
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Here is some tips on making animated wallpapers.  .Wmv's are going to have more CPU usage, so it's best to use an .mpg.

https://forums.wincustomize.com/index.aspx?aid=148510

 
The Political Machine 2024
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
"Id say try it with less compression as it eats alot of cpu cycles to decompress the..."

~sigh~ why do my posts get scrambled?

well, since part of that quote was left^ I guess I'll address it first~again~

aside from converting from raw to wmv, I don't compress any of them


and I had already read that thread, they don't really mention any programs to use to make them, I currently use windows media encoder to make the wmv files, and I have attempted raw to mpeg2 with mediacoder, but the video's just come out blank, mpeg4 works but only if I change the container to mpg, and I'd rather not jerry rig the dreams to work ~most people may not have the codecs~

so... if anyone has some step by step instructions on how to make a raw avi into a mpeg2 file that utilizes very little cpu cycles, please share
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Good news everybody!

I think I have this mpeg compression figured out,

so within the next few weeks I will have all of my dreams updated

this one specifically:
https://www.wincustomize.com/skins.aspx?skinid=539&libid=50

has dropped from 24mb to 6mb and the loop is now seemless ~still need to test cpu utilization~



so, expect this, all of my current, and 7 new dreams to appear soon... ~still testing and finalizing everything~


edit: I don't get it... I have everything working fine in xp, but when I take the files to vista and try to set them as a wallpaper, they simply don't work

I try to recode the avi's to mpeg in vista and I just get error's... I've tried several different programs and codecs, but still no luck...

~still trying~
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Take a look at VidCrop
http://www.geovid.com/VidCrop/

This tool is able to convert, compress & crop video
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Take a look at VidCrop
http://www.geovid.com/VidCrop/

This tool is able to convert, compress & crop video
End of quote


Hi all))
I want to say that for me its very usefull tool so want to advice it everybody..
Good Luck=)  
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Take a look at VidCrop
http://www.geovid.com/VidCrop/

This tool is able to convert, compress & crop video
End of quote


Untill I spent too much money on a pro compression software pack this is the one I used as well. You have to tweak it to your liking but it is easy to figure out.