#29 mpeg2enc:mpeg2coder failed

[tbattist]

Trying to create VCD from a Divx contained AVI. The
following command/pipe is basically from MENCVCD. It
runs for a little while and stops with a mpeg2enc
failure, and it never aborts on the same frame when
repeated. There have been times when a short avi file
(15 s) actually finishes. Of course, I need to convert
larger files. I've tried a variety of switch
combinations and looked on the internet for the same
problem, but don't see anything. I am using mplayer
1.0pre5 amd mjpegtools 1.6.2. I even tried dvd://1 as
input and get the same failure. MPlayer works fine.

mkfifo -m 660 stream.yuv
mplayer -noframedrop -vo yuv4mpeg -ao pcm -v -osdlevel
0 file.avi
cat - < stream.yuv | yuvscaler -v 0 -M WIDE2STD -O VCD | /
mpeg2enc -v 0 -s -f 2 -b 1152 -B 260 -V 46 -S 800 -g 6
-G 15 -r 16 -F 4 -n n -4 2 -2 1 -o file.mpv

Following is mpeg2enc failure. A broken pipe results
after the mpeg2enc failure:

INFO: [mpeg2enc] Frame end 143 P quant=9.21 total
act=9466.76771
INFO: [mpeg2enc] Frame end 144 P quant=7.13 total
act=9499.32907 8%
INFO: [mpeg2enc] Frame end 145 P quant=6.41 total
act=9531.98911 8%
mpeg2enc: mpeg2coder.cc:411: void
MPEG2Coder::PutAC(int, int, int): Assertion
`signed_level == -(encparams.dctsatlim+1)' failed.

[tbattist]

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My platform uses an Athlon XP 1800, 512 RAM - meaning
to say that adequate hardware is available for this
process, you'd think.

I am now tempted to look at using encode2mpeg,
thinking it will provide a cleaner input to mpeg2enc, that
is given the problem is a difficult input stream.
Although I must say my DivX/AVI file or DVDs that I am
trying to convert to VCD look good on the tube when
viewing through MPlayer.

[Bernhard Praschinger]

Logged In: YES
user_id=155293

Could you try a simpler mpeg2enc command like:
mpeg2enc -f 1 -o file.m1v

That is a combination that works for soure. If mpeg2enc
still fails, I fear that you have a memory problem, so
please chack your memory with memtest X86 for example:
http://www.memtest86.com/
or http://www.memtest.org/

When mpeg2enc fail in random patterns that us usually no
direct fault of mpeg2enc. I has been by now failing HW.

[tbattist]

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user_id=1172510

I tried the memtest and got 13 passes with no errors...it ran
for 7 hours. Great suggestion. The thought of bad memory
did cross my mind given the random behavior of the problem
(not failing at the same frame). Although it was not the
problem, the test did served to increase my RAM transfer rate
from 381 to 627 MB/s and up my CPU FSB from 200 to 266
MHz....and yes, there's a story behind this less than optimal
operation having to do with compile errors received when
using memory that's since been replaced. ....and BTW, my
memory is DDR 133 and CPU is Athlon XP 1800if your
wondering....and now, if you really think about it, the problem
occurred under less stringent timing conditions. Gee.

I also tried the simpler "mpeg2enc -f 1 -o file.m1v", but same
ol' error. Yikes!

Now, here's the interesting part. I tried the
new "encode2mpeg" script, and it worked flawlessly every
time..... That's strange,...doesn't it use mpeg2enc also?
And, I not about to disect why "encode2mpeg" works.

Anyway, it would be nice if someone (like the person who
wrote mpeg2enc) could explain what this "PutAC(int,int,int):
Assertion.....blah blah" error is all about so I can sleep at
night. :-)

Thanks waldviertler!

[Bernhard Praschinger]

Logged In: YES
user_id=155293

Your HW sounds Ok.

If it is no obvious HW Problem, plese contact the mjpeg
users mailinglist. If you can create run the mpeg2enc ing
gdb and create a backtrace. It is easier to find out what is
really wrong. Also include the version of the mjpegtools you
use and your compiler versions (gcc, nasm) and you
distrubution.

What command does the encode2mpeg script use ?