SageEncoder v0.4.2 01/29 - Encode .mpg to .wmv streaming files & divx

[that_kid]

Good Idea, I'll do that thanks.

[Gaurav]

before i try this out -

does this make it possible to schedule a timed recording (PPV game) and be able to start watching it from the internet as soon as the recording starts ?

[ajuhawk]

Originally Posted by Gaurav

before i try this out -

does this make it possible to schedule a timed recording (PPV game) and be able to start watching it from the internet as soon as the recording starts ?

My program does not allow for the the way it works now. I can easily add that feature, but I'll have to check and see if Windows Media Encoder allows for that (i.e. it's capable of starting the encoding and then continuing as the file gets bigger...)... If that works out then I'll definately make an option, probably be later this week before I can test though.

[Gaurav]

Originally Posted by ajuhawk

My program does not allow for the the way it works now. I can easily add that feature, but I'll have to check and see if Windows Media Encoder allows for that (i.e. it's capable of starting the encoding and then continuing as the file gets bigger...)... If that works out then I'll definately make an option, probably be later this week before I can test though.

That will be just awesome...i guess i'll wait a few days for you to research before i set sail.

[ajuhawk]

Originally Posted by Gaurav

That will be just awesome...i guess i'll wait a few days for you to research before i set sail.

First look says that Windows Media Encoder will not encode a file that is still being recorded - anyone know differently?

[kkoz]

Does Sage Encoder put links to encoded shows that are accessible from Nielm's Web Server?

Also, how is the Tools > Add WMV(s) to Webpage option intended to be used. When I select it, I am prompted for a folder, but I'm not sure what is suppose to happen.

Thanks,

-Kevin

[ajuhawk]

Originally Posted by kkoz

Does Sage Encoder put links to encoded shows that are accessible from Nielm's Web Server?

Currently, no. I believe someone asked Nielm about this and it should be out in a future version of his web interface (or is it all ready?) What Sage Encoder does is create an independent set of pages for you to access. These can of couse also be run on the Java Web Server that Nielm uses and a menu option can be added to his menus.

Originally Posted by kkoz

Also, how is the Tools > Add WMV(s) to Webpage option intended to be used. When I select it, I am prompted for a folder, but I'm not sure what is suppose to happen.

This option allows you to add any wmvs you want to the web pages that I generate. Thus if you have a huge folder of wmvs somewhere, use this option to point to that directory and let it go.

Hope that helps.

-AJ

[kkoz]

Thanks AJ. That all makes perfect sense.

-Kevin

[kkoz]

I've found a couple of issues with Sage Encoder v0.3.0 that I wonder if others are also having, or if I'm simply doing something wrong:

Background: I'm using Nielm's web server to tag files for encoding. I have the following Sage Encoder options checked: Run at intervals, Use Job File Tigger, Allow Web Triggers, and Sort by Show (I'm not really sure what this does). All other options are unchecked.

1. I check a file in Nielm's web server. The .wse file is created. I click Start in Sage Encoder, but it does not start encoding. The log shows a "Skipping file due to keepout time..." entry in the list.

However, I have the "Do not Process between" checkbox unchecked. I does happen that the current time is within the restricted time range, but I think the intention was to probably only have this logic kick in if the checkbox was checked.

2. I have two Sage recording directories, and have entered both directories in the fields provided on the Setup dialog. Sage Encoder never seems to pick up the "wse" files if they are in the 2nd input directory.

I've tried to check the "Use 2nd Input Dir" checkbox, but everytime I reload Sage Encoder, this option returns to an unchecked state.

Are these known issues, or am I doing anything wrong?

This is a pretty cool app though, and as someone currently running both a SageTV and BeyondTV system, this type of functionality is one of the few things that BeyondTV still does that I need that SageTV does not.

Nice work AJ.

-Kevin

[nyplayer]

Great Application AJ,

One Thing I am using V0.4.1. the only problem I have is that the settings are not being saved. Such as Use 2nd Output and Use 2nd Input etc... on the initial window of Sage Encoder.

Thanks

[rsagetv99]

Has anyone used this to encode files to Divx or Xvid, just for playing through Sage? I am interested in doing something similar to what I used to do in Cayars STV. I would like to be able to tag the shows (in SAGE) to be compressed, and then have it compress those shows overnight into my video imports folder. When finished delete the original file, but mantain the show data in a format that SAGE can read (XML or maybe HTML).

Is this possible now? I tried setting this up, but the quality of the show was terrible on my 57" TV, but I think it was because the compression was so high. I can't remember if it maintained the show info, but I don't think it did.

[CadErik]

I installed the encoder and I'm using it through the web server. I setup on the encoder interface an output directory and on my first test, the wmv was created in the original directory.
Also my other question is how to change the encoding quality? The default settings encoded my 600 mb file into a 20mb file with a quite poor quality.

Thanks,

Erik.

[that_kid]

Ok I finally had a chance to get to this. Ok what I did was modify the shows_index.html so the link is formatted the way I need it. I guess this would have this be an option in sage encoder because I need to use an embedded player. Thanks

[ajuhawk]

kkoz, nyplayer - thanks for pointing out those bugs! They should be fixed now, so let me know if the issues still exist. (see first post v0.4.2). Let me know if anything else crops up.

[ajuhawk]

Originally Posted by rsagetv99

Has anyone used this to encode files to Divx or Xvid, just for playing through Sage? I am interested in doing something similar to what I used to do in Cayars STV. I would like to be able to tag the shows (in SAGE) to be compressed, and then have it compress those shows overnight into my video imports folder. When finished delete the original file, but mantain the show data in a format that SAGE can read (XML or maybe HTML).

Is this possible now? I tried setting this up, but the quality of the show was terrible on my 57" TV, but I think it was because the compression was so high. I can't remember if it maintained the show info, but I don't think it did.

I know I haven't done anything to purposely allow for this...as this program has evolved from a simple compress and generate webpage output program. However, that doesn't mean I can't add it

If you can point me to the thread/post that has the particulars that you're looking for that'd be helpful. No promises on getting it done quick, but I can see what I can do to help you out.

[ajuhawk]

Originally Posted by CadErik

I installed the encoder and I'm using it through the web server. I setup on the encoder interface an output directory and on my first test, the wmv was created in the original directory.
Also my other question is how to change the encoding quality? The default settings encoded my 600 mb file into a 20mb file with a quite poor quality.

Thanks,

Erik.

There's a file called "tvshows.prx" that you should have installed in the same directory as Sage encoder. If you double click this file it should open up "Windows Media Profile Editor" where you can tweak the compression settings to your liking.

Also, if there's a lot of shows that are being run through Sage Encoder, Sage Encoder will encode all of them to the input directory and onced finished move them all to the output directory.

[ajuhawk]

Originally Posted by that_kid

Ok I finally had a chance to get to this. Ok what I did was modify the shows_index.html so the link is formatted the way I need it. I guess this would have this be an option in sage encoder because I need to use an embedded player. Thanks

Took a look at the file and I think I can make that an easy option (and get rid of the other one I added). I'll have this in the next release.

[rsagetv99]

Originally Posted by ajuhawk

I know I haven't done anything to purposely allow for this...as this program has evolved from a simple compress and generate webpage output program. However, that doesn't mean I can't add it

If you can point me to the thread/post that has the particulars that you're looking for that'd be helpful. No promises on getting it done quick, but I can see what I can do to help you out.

Here is th old thread that talks about compressing the files, I think it used a FFMPEG to do the encoding, and a job folder to identify the files to be encoded. The job folder contained XML files to save the show info and set the bitrate, etc. Your utility is very similar. Cayars integrated this utility into his STV and added a "Compress" option in the show details page. You could go to a shows details and click compress, and this would generate the XML file in the jobs folder - you get the idea. Then I scheduled a job to run at night to process the jobs.

http://forums.sagetv.com/forums/show...light=compress

[CadErik]

Ok maybe someone can explain me how did this work:
- I selected a movie in the Web interface for encoding
- I started the encoder
- then I can't remember exactly what I did... I think I deleted manually the original file
- and now magically, the encoded movie is showing as archived in Sage with all the show's details!!! This is fantastic!! But how to make encoded movies appear in archived with all the correct details?
I encoded two other files and they are not appearing as archived... How did this magic happen?

Thanks

Erik.

[ajuhawk]

Quick update on changes:
I've been swamped lately, so there hasn't been any progress. Still on my mind, so once I get un-buried I'll get those taken care of.