WHS + 2009 Bravia + setup help

Trying to get started with Serviio on an HP MediaSmart box with WHS v1 and the WHS add-in.

The Serviio service is up and running and I have my temp folder assigned to the D: drive managed by WHS. I get video thumbnails to my 2009 Sony Bravia XBR9, but I can apparently only play native format video files (not transcoded ones, just ones my XBR9 likes).

Following the "How To" to locally run ffmpeg, I get the result below on a test file that plays fine, with the error message showing in red:

Microsoft Windows [Version 5.2.3790]
(C) Copyright 1985-2003 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>cd "\Program Files\Serviio\lib

C:\Program Files\Serviio\lib>ffmpeg.exe -i "D:\shares\Videos\dolbycity-aac.m2ts"

ffmpeg version 0.9, Copyright (c) 2000-2011 the FFmpeg developers
built on Dec 13 2011 20:46:11 with gcc 4.4.2
configuration: --enable-static --disable-shared --disable-ffplay --disable-ffs
erver --enable-memalign-hack --enable-libmp3lame --enable-librtmp --extra-libs='
-lrtmp -lpolarssl -lws2_32 -lwinmm' --arch=x86 --enable-runtime-cpudetect --enab
le-pthreads --target-os=mingw32 --cross-prefix=i686-mingw32- --pkg-config=pkg-co
nfig
libavutil 51. 32. 0 / 51. 32. 0
libavcodec 53. 42. 0 / 53. 42. 0
libavformat 53. 24. 0 / 53. 24. 0
libavdevice 53. 4. 0 / 53. 4. 0
libavfilter 2. 53. 0 / 2. 53. 0
libswscale 2. 1. 0 / 2. 1. 0
ΓÇ£D:\shares\Videos\dolbycity-aac.m2tsΓÇ¥: Invalid argument

C:\Program Files\Serviio\lib>

What have I done wrong?

BK

Doh! Need to remove the parentheses. Took the instructions too literally.

Video file that plays now gives the info below, and some others that don't play complain about invalid intra matrix and ignore. Is the bit about the output file normal?

Microsoft Windows [Version 5.2.3790]
(C) Copyright 1985-2003 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>cd "\Program Files\Serviio\lib

C:\Program Files\Serviio\lib>ffmpeg.exe -i D:\shares\Videos\dolbycity-aac.m2ts
ffmpeg version 0.9, Copyright (c) 2000-2011 the FFmpeg developers
built on Dec 13 2011 20:46:11 with gcc 4.4.2
configuration: --enable-static --disable-shared --disable-ffplay --disable-ffs
erver --enable-memalign-hack --enable-libmp3lame --enable-librtmp --extra-libs='
-lrtmp -lpolarssl -lws2_32 -lwinmm' --arch=x86 --enable-runtime-cpudetect --enab
le-pthreads --target-os=mingw32 --cross-prefix=i686-mingw32- --pkg-config=pkg-co
nfig
libavutil 51. 32. 0 / 51. 32. 0
libavcodec 53. 42. 0 / 53. 42. 0
libavformat 53. 24. 0 / 53. 24. 0
libavdevice 53. 4. 0 / 53. 4. 0
libavfilter 2. 53. 0 / 2. 53. 0
libswscale 2. 1. 0 / 2. 1. 0
[mpegts @ 003d96a0] max_analyze_duration 5000000 reached at 5000000
Input #0, mpegts, from 'D:\shares\Videos\dolbycity-aac.m2ts':
Duration: 00:00:31.92, start: 1.400000, bitrate: 5450 kb/s
Program 1
Metadata:
service_name : Service01
service_provider: FFmpeg
Stream #0:0[0x100]: Video: mpeg2video (Main) ([2][0][0][0] / 0x0002), yuv420
p, 720x576 [SAR 16:15 DAR 4:3], 9800 kb/s, 25 fps, 25 tbr, 90k tbn, 50 tbc
Stream #0:1[0x101]: Audio: aac ([15][0][0][0] / 0x000F), 48000 Hz, 5.1, s16,
334 kb/s
At least one output file must be specified

C:\Program Files\Serviio\lib>

[zip]

might be the aac track is not suitable for mpeg2video in mpegts. Might change the profile or trz to transcode the audio track to ac3.

That file with aac actually plays fine.

I'm undertaking a little project to digitize a large pile of home VHS-C tapes. Got them into .dv format on a mac for archiving (6GB each). Need a compatible compressed format that's well-behaved in my setup and I have lots of flexibility since I get to encode.

Experimenting with some conversion tools (handbrake, xmedia, ffmpegx, etc.). Read up on the general requirements for Bravia and using MediaInfo to explore my output. ffmegx is working the best for me.

xmedia has a "Sony TV" preset, but the clips do not show on the XBR9. ffmpeg and mediainfo output below. Any ideas to get things working?

BK

----------

Microsoft Windows [Version 5.2.3790]
(C) Copyright 1985-2003 Microsoft Corp.

C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>cd "\Program Files\Serviio\lib

C:\Program Files\Serviio\lib>ffmpeg.exe -i D:\shares\Videos\Q_sony_clip135_test.
ts
ffmpeg version 0.9, Copyright (c) 2000-2011 the FFmpeg developers
built on Dec 13 2011 20:46:11 with gcc 4.4.2
configuration: --enable-static --disable-shared --disable-ffplay --disable-ffs
erver --enable-memalign-hack --enable-libmp3lame --enable-librtmp --extra-libs='
-lrtmp -lpolarssl -lws2_32 -lwinmm' --arch=x86 --enable-runtime-cpudetect --enab
le-pthreads --target-os=mingw32 --cross-prefix=i686-mingw32- --pkg-config=pkg-co
nfig
libavutil 51. 32. 0 / 51. 32. 0
libavcodec 53. 42. 0 / 53. 42. 0
libavformat 53. 24. 0 / 53. 24. 0
libavdevice 53. 4. 0 / 53. 4. 0
libavfilter 2. 53. 0 / 2. 53. 0
libswscale 2. 1. 0 / 2. 1. 0
[mpegts @ 003d96a0] max_analyze_duration 5000000 reached at 5005000
Input #0, mpegts, from 'D:\shares\Videos\Q_sony_clip135_test.ts':
Duration: 27:01:32.57, start: 0.000000, bitrate: 29 kb/s
Program 1
Metadata:
service_name : Service01
service_provider: FFmpeg
Stream #0:0[0x100]: Video: h264 (Main) ([27][0][0][0] / 0x001B), yuv420p, 72
0x480 [SAR 1:1 DAR 3:2], 29.97 fps, 29.97 tbr, 90k tbn, 59.94 tbc
Stream #0:1[0x101]: Audio: ac3 ([129][0][0][0] / 0x0081), 48000 Hz, stereo,
s16, 192 kb/s
At least one output file must be specified

C:\Program Files\Serviio\lib>

------------------

General
ID : 1 (0x1)
Complete name : \Q_sony_clip135_test.ts
Format : MPEG-TS
File size : 339 MiB
Duration : 30mn 48s
Overall bit rate : 1 539 Kbps

Video
ID : 256 (0x100)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L3.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Codec ID : 27
Duration : 30mn 48s
Bit rate : 1 269 Kbps
Nominal bit rate : 1 200 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 3:2
Frame rate mode : Variable
Standard : NTSC
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Stream size : 280 MiB (82%)
Writing library : x264 core 125 r2197
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=0 / 8x8dct=0 / 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=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=290 / keyint_min=29 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=abr / mbtree=1 / bitrate=1200 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=10000 / vbv_bufsize=10000 / nal_hrd=none / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00

Audio
ID : 257 (0x101)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : 129
Duration : 30mn 48s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Delay relative to video : 26h 30mn
Stream size : 42.3 MiB (12%)

Menu
ID : 4096 (0x1000)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Duration : 30mn 48s
List : 256 (0x100) (AVC) / 257 (0x101) (AC-3)
Service name : Service01
Service provider : FFmpeg
Service type : digital television

[patters]

The 2009 series Bravias will play H.264 with AC3 or AAC audio in ts/m2ts natively but only if the aspect ratio is precisely 4:3 or 16:9 I believe. Later models play all sizes. Your aspect looks to be 3:2 which might be why you're having problems. I'd go with that format since it will be way more compact than mpeg2 while retaining good quality.

A future Serviio version will hopefully make this distinction and only transcode non-valid aspect ratio H264, rather than all H264 which would allow Bravia 2009 owners to play back HD digicam footage natively:
https://bitbucket.org/xnejp03/serviio/i ... resolution

Wow - that could be the key tidbit of info I need.

I'm going to try some examples today.

The Filters/Preview tab of the Sony TV profile in XMedia Recode shows the specific "Aspect Error" for any of five possible Zoom settings. The only Zoom setting that shows ZERO aspect error at 4:3 is "Pan Scan". Detected Video Size is 720x480. I'll try this one first.

I think there's a potential issue in that the original video is 640x480, but iMovie saves the .dv from the original import (external Canopus ADVC 110 analog-digital coverter) at 720x480. The actual video remains 640x480, but it's reported as 720x480. Some tools report both values. So, it's not truly HD at all. Maybe this has consequences for the encoding and Bravia treatment?

BK

No joy with the 4:3 version.

I see in the mediainfo details that the framerate mode is Variable, and I gather that the Bravia usually chokes on that. Not sure yet how to change that in xmedia as it seems to be burried/obscured/unavailable.

BK

-------------------------
General
ID : 1 (0x1)
Complete name : R_sony_720_480_clip135_test.ts
Format : MPEG-TS
File size : 339 MiB
Duration : 30mn 48s
Overall bit rate : 1 538 Kbps

Video
ID : 256 (0x100)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L3.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Codec ID : 27
Duration : 30mn 48s
Bit rate : 1 268 Kbps
Nominal bit rate : 1 200 Kbps
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate mode : Variable
Standard : NTSC
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Stream size : 280 MiB (82%)
Writing library : x264 core 125 r2197
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=0 / 8x8dct=0 / 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=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=290 / keyint_min=29 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=abr / mbtree=1 / bitrate=1200 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=10000 / vbv_bufsize=10000 / nal_hrd=none / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00

Audio
ID : 257 (0x101)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : 129
Duration : 30mn 48s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Delay relative to video : 26h 30mn
Stream size : 42.3 MiB (12%)

Menu
ID : 4096 (0x1000)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Duration : 30mn 48s
List : 256 (0x100) (AVC) / 257 (0x101) (AC-3)
Service name : Service01
Service provider : FFmpeg
Service type : digital television

[patters]

Threre's a difference between DAR (Display Aspect Ratio) and PAR (Picture Aspect Ratio). Not sure which the TV is actually checking. Your DAR was 4:3 but the PAR wasn't. Can you try encoding to a resolution which is exactly 4:3 or 16:9, rather than 720x480? If your encoder won't allow it then would something like Handbrake do it?

Yes, I think variable frame rate is probably not a good idea.

No luck with 1280x720 @ 16:9 - I tried a few variations, details of one below. The files/thumbnails don't even show up on the Bravia.

I have an inquiry in with the Xmedia Recode folks to see how to force constant frame rate mode with their program.

Should I expect Handbrake's MP4 or MKV containers to work natively?

BK

-------------------

General
ID : 1 (0x1)
Complete name : T_sony_1280_720_clip135_test.ts
Format : MPEG-TS
File size : 338 MiB
Duration : 30mn 48s
Overall bit rate : 1 535 Kbps

Video
ID : 256 (0x100)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L3.1
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, ReFrames : 2 frames
Codec ID : 27
Duration : 30mn 48s
Bit rate : 1 265 Kbps
Nominal bit rate : 1 200 Kbps
Width : 1 280 pixels
Height : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Stream size : 279 MiB (82%)
Writing library : x264 core 125 r2197
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=0 / 8x8dct=0 / 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=0 / weightp=2 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=abr / mbtree=1 / bitrate=1200 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=10000 / vbv_bufsize=10000 / nal_hrd=none / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00

Audio
ID : 257 (0x101)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AC-3
Format/Info : Audio Coding 3
Mode extension : CM (complete main)
Format settings, Endianness : Big
Codec ID : 129
Duration : 30mn 48s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel positions : Front: L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Compression mode : Lossy
Delay relative to video : 26h 30mn
Stream size : 42.3 MiB (13%)

Menu
ID : 4096 (0x1000)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Duration : 30mn 48s
List : 256 (0x100) (AVC) / 257 (0x101) (AC-3)
Service name : Service01
Service provider : FFmpeg
Service type : digital television

[patters]

Should I expect Handbrake's MP4 or MKV containers to work natively?

No, but Serviio will remux them to m2ts.

Appreciate the input! Will need to play around and learn more. Not sure things are functioning 100% yet.

I now have a recipe for success using Serviio/WHS-->XBR9, but very few of my other examples/experiments fly. Same exact story with Serviio/WHS-->Oppo BDP-83-->XBR9.

Whole different ballgame using Serviio/WHS-->XBOX360-->XBR9. That setup seems to play everything I'm throwing at it!

BK

[patters]

That's not a fair comparison though. The Xbox 360 profile forces most things to be transcoded on the fly to WMV.