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Got the LD rips - Now How Do I Make Them Work?

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I have no idea what to do with these *.bup, *.nfo, and other confusing files.

Why can't these LD rippers just use normal MPEG4/avi files that I can view with DivX Player?



(extremely frustrated at having wasted several days downloading files he can't make work)
Troy Heagy
Electrical Engineer
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Originally posted by: electrictroy
I have no idea what to do with these *.bup, *.nfo, and other confusing files.

Why can't these LD rippers just use normal MPEG4/avi files that I can view with DivX Player?



(extremely frustrated at having wasted several days downloading files he can't make work)
Troy Heagy
Electrical Engineer


There's a very quick learning curve to all those files, electrictroy, so don't worry and don't get frustrated. Thing is, most preservationists here want as nice and clean of a DVD copy of the LD as possible and I'd wager most don't just want to watch on their computers. For that matter, if you DO prefer to watch on your computer, just get a DVD viewing program like PowerDVD, make sure all those files are in a folder called 'VIDEO_TS' and use PowerDVD (or whatever) to open them- they'll play just like a DVD in a stand-alone player.

That said, there's a great informative website that will tell you everything you want to know about all those file types and what to do with them. It is VideoHelp.Com and has a wealth of great stuff!

As to the files you already mentioned, the .BUP files are simply back-up files of the .VOB files (the actual video file the DVD player reads) and an .NFO is just a text document (open with Notepad or the equivalent) telling you details about the rip and source. A DVD folder generally contains .VOB, .IFO and .BUP files. The .IFO files are navigational command lists for the DVD player.

Hope this helped and please don't get frustrated!

And welcome!!!!
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Originally posted by: electrictroy
Troy Heagy
Electrical Engineer


You're an electrical engineer and you can't figure this out? Wow. I'm a mechanical engineer, and even I had no problems noticing that the *.bup ('backup') files are part of the DVD file structure, and that *.nfo sounds enough like 'info' to try opening those files with a text editor.

If you Google a few things, poke around the data structure of known sources of video (e.g. a pressed DVD?), and post a few non-whiny questions, you'd probably find that the way things are done on most of the LD rips is more robust than 'normal' MPEG4 files (e.g. standard file type, menus, audio, etc.), and considerably easier to deal with than a good portion of the *.avi posts you'll come across.

I still can't believe you'd expose your ignorance so clearly, and then proudly qualify yourself as an engineer. At university, you're really supposed to be learning how to figure things out, not just mastering Ohm's law. For shame!

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Thanks, I have PowerDVD and will try that. Now, know anything about converting OGM to a watchable format for DivX Player? ;-) Sometimes, I wonder if it's easier to just BUY the videos?

I figure I have two choices:
- Waste an hour trying to compile these files into viewable format.
- Waste an hour at my job, earn $40, and then walk into the store and buy the vids legally.

Either way, I've "spent time" of one hour. Same Difference.



THANKS AGAIN GREENCAPT!

Troy Heagy :-)






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Originally posted by: Karyudo
Originally posted by: electrictroy Troy Heagy - Electrical Engineer
You're an electrical engineer and you can't figure this out? Wow..... I still can't believe you'd expose your ignorance so clearly, and then proudly qualify yourself as an engineer.


Yeah I admit I am ignorant about these files, but at least I'm not an asshole like you appear to be. You arrogant SOB.

"The first step to knowledge is admitting you do not know."

Remember that.

troy




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Originally posted by: electrictroy
Thanks, I have PowerDVD and will try that. Now, know anything about converting OGM to a watchable format for DivX Player? ;-) Sometimes, I wonder if it's easier to just BUY the videos?

I guess it depends on the video. If the files are from an availble for sale DVD, then I would (morally) have to say 'Yeah, just go buy the DVD'. But what we're mainly about here is stuff that ISN'T available for sale. As for OGMs, I'm kinda new to those (ie don't have any files, haven't played around with them) so I can't really tell you on that one. But when you have time run a search at that website I sent you and they should have something. Is your DivX player a stand-alone one or software?

I figure I have two choices:
- Waste an hour trying to compile these files into viewable format.
- Waste an hour at my job, earn $40, and then walk into the store and buy the vids legally.
Either way, I've "spent time" of one hour. Same Difference.


sounds like a time-waster either way... lol!

THANKS AGAIN GREENCAPT!

Troy Heagy :-)


No prob.
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"(extremely frustrated at having wasted several days downloading files he can't make work)"

So, if I'm reading this right, it sounds like you downloaded the torrent files, and want to know how to play them. Is this correct?

If so, then greencpt is correct - these are the standard DVD files, and you need only burn them as such onto a DVD (assuming you have a burner.)

If you don't, then save them to a directory (a separate directory for each movie, since many - if not all - of the filenames will be duplicates, and after starting up your software DVD player, select "Play files from hard drive" (or something along those lines.)

If you wish to make it an XVID (which really isn't necessary at this point, since these files should fit on a DVD anyways), there are many programs that will take the existing DVD structure and recompress it (Dr. DIVX comes to mind.).

And please don't be afraid to ask questions in the future.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Originally posted by: MeBeJedi
"(extremely frustrated at having wasted several days downloading files he can't make work)"And please don't be afraid to ask questions in the future.


Mmmm yes... fear leads to the Dark Side.....
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Originally posted by: electrictroy
Originally posted by: KaryudoOriginally posted by: electrictroy"The first step to knowledge is admitting you do not know."

Remember that.


I did. If you'd stopped at, "I have no idea what to do with these *.bup, *.nfo, and other confusing files," that would be admitting you do not know, and I could live with that. But you continued with what I thought was the arrogant and condescending, "Why can't these LD rippers just use normal MPEG4/avi files that I can view with DivX Player?" as if LD rippers were somehow stupid for not putting things in a format you could understand. That's the part I took offense to. I probably shouldn't have, and I apologize -- it was early, and I didn't take into consideration the sorts of things I think and type when I'm frustrated, too. I still think an engineer should be able to do better on the self-education front, though. In admitting you don't know, you only really have to admit it to yourself. It's disappointing to me to see people with a similar sort of education as I've got being ignorant -- I don't think it makes the profession look that great (and this is a profession that doesn't look that great at the best of times). Sort of like a lawyer getting all confused and frustrated by the fine print on a sweepstakes entry or something. If expecting more from fellow professionals makes me an arrogant SOB asshole, well, I guess I'm guilty as charged.

You'll note that my post, however assholish, did answer most of your first questions.

BTW, unfortunately you can't just run out and buy these things. George Lucas has ruled that out. So downloading is pretty much your only hope. Or, if you are interested in the simplest possible way to get the material and play it at home, contact Rikter Blaksvn (you can PM him here, or visit his website) and for a few bucks, he'll hook you up with DVDs you can pop right in your standalone. I'll admit a nice monolithic XviD is certainly more straightforward to deal with than the arcane filenames of DVD. But DVD is so much more universal and flexible on anything but a computer, that it's definitely worth the time figuring out the structure and how to burn it.

If you're really interested in figuring all this stuff out (including how to deal with OGM/XviD/DivX/MPEG4/DVD/DV, and transcoding between them, etc.), I'd recommend heading over to Doom9.org. That's where the people who actually create the tools to do what you want hang out. And there are easy-to-follow guides galore over there, too. Highly recommended.
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Originally posted by: KaryudoYou're an electrical engineer and you can't figure this out? Wow..... I still can't believe you'd expose your ignorance so clearly, and then proudly qualify yourself as an engineer.
Karyudo:

There is no justification for attacking another person, as you did to me. Yes, I was frustrated I couldn't make the LaserDisc downloads work & that they weren't available in the usual MPEG4 I am used to, but I didn't attack YOU and call you "ignorant", did I?

No.

You could try showing the same courtesy towards me instead of kicking me in the balls with your verbal attacks. Learn to be like GreenCapt who was extremely friendly & helpful.

You could also learn to use the words, "I'm sorry."

Troy





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Okay, guys. Intentions were misread, and mistakes were made. It's all good now (or at least take it to PMs. )

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Originally posted by: greencapt
As for OGMs, I'm kinda new to those (ie don't have any files, haven't played around with them) so I can't really tell you on that one. But when you have time run a search at that website I sent you and they should have something. Is your DivX player a stand-alone one or software?


DivX = the freebie player I downloaded

OGM = some strange file format that carries multiple audio streams (english, japanese, and/or subtitles). In order to view it, I must run it through 2 different programs to split out the standard AVI file.

I think I'll just go buy the DVD. ;-)

troy
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I'm sorry. I really am -- I did already say "I apologize" in my last post, after all.

I also took steps to mend fences by pointing out where you could go to find a lot more info on all this digital video stuff. People here are helpful and somewhat knowledgable, but they're also here for a highly-specific reason (Star Wars OT Preservation), and thus you're far less likely to get the depth of expertise with the questions you're asking here as opposed to someplace where the focus is solely digital video issues, without any specific content in mind.

You'll also probably find that members here are predominantly interested in content in the DVD format, so that it can be easily played on standalone units, rather than MPEG4, which for the most part is still tied to computer-based players, etc.

If you spend just a little time getting to know how DVDs are structured and burned, you're going to get a lot more out of this forum -- even if DVD is, for you, just a necessary evil on the road to making MPEG4 stuff for yourself. All you need to know about DVD structure is probably found in this document: http://www.doom9.org/dvd_basics.htm. After that, then I'd recommend http://www.doom9.org/guides.htm. And after that, there's always Doom9's forums...
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Originally posted by: electrictroy
I have no idea what to do with these *.bup, *.nfo, and other confusing files.

Why can't these LD rippers just use normal MPEG4/avi files that I can view with DivX Player?



(extremely frustrated at having wasted several days downloading files he can't make work)
Troy Heagy
Electrical Engineer



There are aome XVID versions of the OT on the torrent network you just really have to look for them I suggest ISOHUNT - BUt why use such a low rez format for these films?

In your last post you said that you would go buy them - SORRY to say but these are fan created DVD's - these DVD's HAVE never been released (the whole reason for this forum ) and MAY never be released.

- Are you looking for the NEW 2004 DVD's? - IF so I do suggest buying them (THEY ARE NOT the same that you saw as a KID or that came out though!)

Do you not have a DVD writer the movies you download are DVD files that are ment to be burned onto a blank DVD then veiwed on a DVD player (that can play recorded DVD's that is).

If you really just want them on DVD email me for details

“My skill are no longer as Mad as the once were” RiK

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Rikter will take good care of you.

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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Originally posted by: MeBeJedi
Rikter will take good care of you.


Rikter makes all the pain go away.....
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Originally posted by: electrictroy
Originally posted by: greencapt
As for OGMs, I'm kinda new to those (ie don't have any files, haven't played around with them) so I can't really tell you on that one. But when you have time run a search at that website I sent you and they should have something. Is your DivX player a stand-alone one or software?


DivX = the freebie player I downloaded

OGM = some strange file format that carries multiple audio streams (english, japanese, and/or subtitles). In order to view it, I must run it through 2 different programs to split out the standard AVI file.

I think I'll just go buy the DVD. ;-)

troy



Like you said, ogm files are dual audio, usually encountered when dealing with anime.

dont have the links off hand, but they have video players that will play the files directly. BSPlayer and radlight are two i know of off hand. Also i think there are ways to get Windows Media Player to recognize them (at least enough to play them) you will need to download the ogg audio codec.

ok, this guide is pretty helpful for palying ogm files
http://ld-anime.faireal.net/guide/ogm-en
(found with a search for 'ogm file player' and/or 'ogm player')

-Darth Simon
Why Anakin really turned to the dark side:
"Anakin, You're father I am" - Yoda
"No. No. That's not true! That's impossible!" - Anakin

0100111001101001011011100110101001100001

*touchy people disclaimer*
some or all of the above comments are partially exaggerated to convey a point, none of the comments are meant as personal attacks on anyone mentioned or reference in the above post
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EVERY mpeg-4 player will play any container file format (avi, wmv, mpg, ogm, mkv etc...) provided you have the supporting software (they are called filters, and what they actually are, is quides for (de-)multiplexing the various streams). I would suggest BSPlayer, or The Core Media Player.
For the supporting software (filters): As I have stated 1 million times before, ffdshow (try downloading it here) will handle both almost every container file, and includes every compression codec you might imagine.
As an alternative, you can download the OGM filter in the link above.
If you do have this software, and still prefer to have your movie in another container, such as avi, you can load the file in VirtualDubMod, disable all the audio and subtitle streams except the ones you desire, and save as .... .avi using the option "direct stream copy". This will take aproximately 3 minutes.
And now, for your feature presentation:
The Classic Re-re-re-release of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back.
In this version the word "WOOKIE" has been changed to "HAIR CHALLENGED ANIMAL" and the entire cast has been digitally replaced by Ewoks.
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Originally posted by: RikterThere are aome XVID versions of the OT on the torrent network - BUt why use such a low rez format for these films?

I don't know about XVID, but I do know that MPEG4 will exceed the quality of DVD (mpeg2), given the same amount of space. I've seen HDTV-quality vids encoded in MPEG4 standard that are absolutely gorgeous.

I'm going to check out the BSplayer. Thanks!

troy
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Originally posted by: electrictroy
Originally posted by: RikterThere are aome XVID versions of the OT on the torrent network - BUt why use such a low rez format for these films?

I don't know about XVID, but I do know that MPEG4 will exceed the quality of DVD (mpeg2), given the same amount of space. I've seen HDTV-quality vids encoded in MPEG4 standard that are absolutely gorgeous.

I'm going to check out the BSplayer. Thanks!

troy


You do realise that the DVDs the guys here create are normally based on Laserdiscs, and as such are normally a 'lower' quality than the official DVDs (No offense to DrGonzo, EditDroid and the rest, but you guys know what I mean).

I'm not sure exactly what you believe you are getting hold of.

If you want the best (visual) quality version of the original Star Wars trilogy, I would suggest buying the official DVDs.

If you want to watch MPEG-4 versions of the films: Convert a DVD with the likes of Nero Digital.

Yes, MPEG-4 can offer higher quality than MPEG-2, but I'm assuming until there is an HD broadcast of the trilogy (and even then, it will be the SE / 2004 edition), there will be no better version of the films to download than those discussed here / available at myspleen.

Kindest Regards

DVD-Boy

Save London’s Curzon Soho Cinema

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"I do know that MPEG4 will exceed the quality of DVD (mpeg2), given the same amount of space. I've seen HDTV-quality vids encoded in MPEG4 standard that are absolutely gorgeous."

To add to what DVD-BOY said, here you are talking about an MPEG4 created from a master of phenomenal quality, but what you have been considering with these torrents is making a more compressed version of an already compressed version from a composite master that is well below DVD quality. An MPEG4 rip of these torrents will not improve the quality. That simply isn't possible with lossy compression. If you want to watch these torrents on your hard drive without using too much space, then the MPEG4 is a fine alternative, but if you want to watch these on a DVD player, there's simply no reason to recompress them, since they will fit on a DVD as is.

As much as I love all these different versions, you are trying to use MPEG4 to create a purse out of a pig's ear.

Now, if one of these people were to give you their AVI master to make the MPEG4 version......

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: Sadly, I believe the prequels are beyond repair.
<span class=“Bold”>JediRandy: They’re certainly beyond any repair you’re capable of making.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>MeBeJedi: You aren’t one of us.
<span class=“Bold”>Go-Mer-Tonic: I can’t say I find that very disappointing.</span></span>

<span class=“Italics”>JediRandy: I won’t suck as much as a fan edit.</span>

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In my previous message, I wasn't talking about the Original Trilogy 400-line resolution laserdiscs. I was talking *in general* that MPEG4 is a superior standard over MPEG2. Nor was I talking about converting MPEG2 to MPEG4, because that would be foolish.

.

But since you brought it up, given a choice, I'd rather see the laserdiscs converted directly to an MPEG4 computer file. I've grown tired of seeing MPEG2 artifacts (blockiness or pixelation) on my DVDs.

Also, I'm sure with the arrivial of Blu-Ray DVDs, MPEG4 will be the new archival standard. I might as well accept it now, versus later.



ASIDE: If anyone's interested (or not), I've decided to purchase the actual laserdiscs. My friend's got a laserdisc player he doesn't want anymore, so I figure I might as well watch the real thing, rather than a dub.
troy
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Originally posted by: electrictroy
ASIDE: If anyone's interested (or not), I've decided to purchase the actual laserdiscs. My friend's got a laserdisc player he doesn't want anymore, so I figure I might as well watch the real thing, rather than a dub.


Normally, you can't have superior quality over the transfer source. But when it comes to analog mediums, there is another factor you have not calculated, and that is the capability of your player to bring the most out of your source. So there are some cases, where purchacing the "dub", will improve your viewing experience.
For instance, the upcoming XO based projects will have better quality than an average LD player would give you, even with a "superior quality" source.
And now, for your feature presentation:
The Classic Re-re-re-release of Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back.
In this version the word "WOOKIE" has been changed to "HAIR CHALLENGED ANIMAL" and the entire cast has been digitally replaced by Ewoks.