Copyright: XingMPEG Encoder  2.20


File Menu

Stream Profiles opens the Manage Stream Profiles window. Use the Manage Stream Profiles window to create a new (custom) Stream Profile or to edit an existing Stream Profile.

Preferences opens the Preferences window to configure options for Job Processing, Error Handling, and Video Playback.

Exit closes the XingMPEG Encoder program.


Help Menu

Help Topics opens the Help Topics Contents for the XingMPEG Encoder.

Xing on the Web connects you directly to Xing Technology's Home page or Xing's Technical Support page on the Internet.

Home Page connects you directly to Xing Technology's Home page.

Support connects you directly to Xing Technology's Technical Support page.

About XingMPEG Encoder displays the version number and copyright for the XingMPEG Encoder.


XingMPEG Encoder Main Menu

  See Also

The XingMPEG Encoder main menu provides access to configuration windows and includes the Encode button, Job Queue, and Preview/Playback area.

File opens the File menu to access the Manage Stream Profiles window, the Preferences window, and the Exit option.

Job opens the Job menu to control a job's Status, reorder jobs, or to view properties of jobs in the Job Queue.

Help opens the Help menu to access the Help Topics, Xing Technology's Home page or Technical Support page, and About information.

Encode Button

Use the Encode button to start encoding a job or to change the status of the job during encoding. The Encode button name changes depending on the status of the encoding job.

Encode starts the encoding process. When encoding begins, the Encode button changes to Pause.

Pause pauses the encoding process. A message box appears asking if you wish to terminate the job.

Yes terminates the job and changes the button to Encode. The job status changes to Aborted.

No closes the message box and changes the button to Resume.

Resume restarts the encoding process and changes the button to Pause.

Job Queue

When you create a job, the job is automatically placed in the Job Queue with the Job Name and a Status. When a job is being encoded, the status field in the Job Queue changes to indicate the percentage of completion. When the encoding is completed, the status field changes to Done.

Creating, Editing, or Deleting Jobs

Use the New, Edit, or Delete keys to create a new job, edit an existing job, or delete a job from the Job Queue.

New opens the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window to create a new job.

Edit opens the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile to choose a new Stream Profile for a job or to change a job's Source and Target files.

Delete opens the Delete confirmation window to delete a job from the Job Queue.

Yes deletes the selected job from the Job Queue.

No returns to the XingMPEG Encoder main menu without deleting the job.

Preview/Review Area

Use the Preview/Review area to preview encoding and review the playback of the MPEG files. Note: Currently .mpx or .lbr files do not playback in the Encoder. Use the StreamWorks Server and Player to playback these types of files.


Properties (Target Tab)

  See Also

The Properties Target tab enables you to view the selected job's target properties. Depending on the file type you are encoding, some of the following properties' descriptions may not display.

Filename displays the full path and name of the Target file.

Type displays the Algorithm, Stream Type, and Stream Profile.

Size displays the size of the Target file.

Length displays the number of frames and the estimated time to play the file.

System Format displays the Algorithm, Pack Size, and System Data Rate of the encoded system stream.

Video Format displays the Algorithm, Dimensions, IPB - GOP (Intra frames) and SubGOP size (Predicted and Bi-directional frames), and Video Data Rate of the encoded video stream.

Audio Format displays the Algorithm, Sample Rate, Channels, and Audio Total Data Rate of the encoded audio stream.


Preferences

The Preferences window enables you to set options for Job Processing, Error Handling, and Video Playback.

Preview Options allows you to view encoded video frames during the encoding process.

Display Video Frames displays the encoded video frames in the Preview area of the XingMPEG Encoder main menu. The default is Display Video Frames.

Error Handling Dialog determines the Encoder's behavior when errors are encountered.

Skip Job On Error skips the current job containing an error and continues processing jobs in the Job Queue.

Wait for User Input pauses the Encoder, and an error message box remains on the screen until you select Continue or Stop.

Continue after [300] Seconds pauses the Encoder, and an error message box remains on the screen for the specified number of seconds. If you do not respond to the error message by choosing Continue or Stop within the specified time, the Encoder automatically skips the current job containing an error and continues encoding entries in the Job Queue. The default is Continue after 300 Seconds. The maximum value is 900 seconds.

Video Playback controls the playback options when playing an MPEG file through the XingMPEG Encoder. The playback is viewed from the XingMPEG Encoder main menu.

Scale sets the playback options.

Frames displays the frame position by current frame number during playback.

Time displays the frame position in SMPTE Timecode format during playback.

Auto Repeat plays an MPEG file in a continuous loop. When Auto Repeat is disabled, playback of the MPEG file pauses at the end of the file.


Edit Stream Profile Properties

  See Also

Use the Edit Stream Profile Properties window to edit an existing Stream Profile. You can edit a copy of a Stream Profile (click here [image] to learn how to copy a Stream Profile), or you can select an existing Stream Profile. When you select a pre-defined Stream Profile, the Encoder creates a copy for you to edit and save as a new Stream Profile.

When you select a Stream Profile from the Stream Profiles directory tree, the Stream Profile Properties fields are set automatically. You can change any highlighted field.

Note: Editing in the Edit Stream Profile Properties window requires an in-depth understanding of the Stream Profile fields and how they relate to one another.

Click the Advanced button to edit advanced Stream Profile Properties fields. Note: These fields should be changed only by advanced users requiring special settings.

Edit the fields from left to right within a group. The options available in each field may depend on a value in a previous field. This is especially true when using an Auto setting.

Name displays the name of the current Stream Profile. Use this field to type in a new name for your Stream Profile (maximum 60 characters).

Description allows you to enter a detailed description of your Stream Profile (maximum 150 characters).

System Format

Data Rate displays the total combined data rate per second of audio, video, and system overhead. This is calculated automatically by adding the Audio Format Total Data Rate, the Video Format Total Data Rate, and system overhead. To change the System Format Data Rate, type Auto for system files or N/A (for audio only or video only) files. Note: If you change the value in the Audio Format Total Data Rate field or the Video Format Data Rate field, you can type in Auto in the System Format Data Rate field. This Data Rate table shows the values for the Data Rate fields.

Data Rate Table

	System  (Match Source)	System  (video and audio)	Video Only	Audio Only
System Format Data Rate	Auto	Numeric Value	N/A	N/A
Video Format Data Rate	Auto	Numeric Value	Numeric Value	N/A
Audio Format Data Rate	Auto	Numeric Value	N/A	Numeric Value

Pack Size sets the size of packs in the system stream. A system stream contains packets of audio, video, and padding data. The size of packs in a system stream can be set to match the sector size of the storage media. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

VideoCD is used when the target MPEG is VideoCD 1.0 or 2.0. Note: VideoCD has very strict Frame Rate, Data Rate, and dimension requirements. Do not alter the settings for VideoCD unless you are sure they meet VideoCD specifications. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Audio Pack Null Bytes includes null bytes in the MPEG System Stream. If you are using a VideoCD disk layout tool that does not expect null bytes in the system stream, you must turn off Audio Pack Null Bytes before creating your VideoCD system stream. VideoCD audio sectors contain 20 zero bytes (null bytes) after the end of the pack. By default, the XingMPEG Encoder includes these null bytes in the MPEG System Stream it creates. Some VideoCD disc layout tools do not expect these null bytes to be in the system stream, instead they expect to insert the null bytes in the CD layout process. Note: This field is only enabled when the VideoCD field is selected.

Video Format

Data Rate displays the amount of video data per second that will be encoded. To change the Video Format Data Rate, you can type in a numeric value, N/A (for audio only files) or Auto. Note: If you change the value in the Video Format Total Data Rate field, you need to enter a value in the System Format Data Rate field.
See the Data Rate Table for more information.

Width sets the width of the MPEG file in pixels. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target dimension to the source dimension. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Height sets the height of the MPEG file in pixels. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target dimension to the source dimension. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Frame Rate sets the number of video frames per second that will be encoded. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target Frame Rate to the source Frame Rate.

GOP sets the frequency of "I" frames based on the MPEG Group Of Pictures (GOP) definition. For example, an entry of 15 causes an "I" frame to occur every 15 frames. The maximum value for GOP is 128. If you set the GOP too low, you will have a high overhead of headers. If you set the GOP too high, seeking (random access) will be limited to large increments within your file. For example, an entry of 128 limits a seek to 4 second increments. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

SubGOP sets the frequency of "P" (Predicted) and "B" (Bi-directional) frames based on the MPEG SubGroup size definition. For example, an entry of 3 causes a P reference frame to occur every third frame within the GOP. The maximum value for SubGOP is 6. The SubGOP should be divisible into the GOP. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Slice Interval sets the number of macroblocks between MPEG slice headers in each frame. The maximum value for Slice Interval is 1200. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Video Scaling Method sets the aspect ratio of the target file. The options are Stretch To Fit and Letter Box. Stretch To Fit changes the aspect ratio of the source file to fit within the specifications of the target file. Letter Box will maximize the target file dimensions while keeping the aspect ratio the same as the source. The Letter Box method is similar to a video tape that has been formatted to fit your television screen instead of a motion picture screen.

Header Info inserts the information typed in the Header Info field into the header of the target MPEG file. The maximum is 250 characters. Note: VideoCD specifications do not allow the use of Header Info. Do not use the Header Info field when editing VideoCD Stream Profiles. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

VBVBufSize sets the MPEG Video Buffer Verifier(VBV) Buffer Size in bits. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Seq Interval sets the frequency of the MPEG sequence header. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Audio Format

Total Data Rate displays the amount of audio data per second that will be encoded. The Encoder selects the most appropriate Algorithm to encode based on the Total Data Rate you select. To change the Audio Total Data Rate, you can type in a numeric value, N/A (for video only files) or Auto. Note: If you change the value in the Audio Format Total Data Rate field, you can type in Auto in the System Format Data Rate field.
See the Data Rate Table for more information.

Algorithm sets the Target file type of MPEG Algorithm. The Algorithm choices depend on the Stream Profile or Total Data Rate selected. Note: Currently .mpx or .lbr files do not playback in the Encoder. Use the StreamWorks Server and Player to playback these types of files.

Low Bit Rate creates monophonic audio data and preserves less fidelity than MPEG-1 or MPEG-2. LBR should be used when minimum audio bit rate is the primary consideration. Note: LBR can only be played back using Xing's StreamWorks products.

MPEG 1 layer 2 creates audio data that conforms to the MPEG-1 standard for digital audio encoding.
MPEG-1 is typically used in applications emphasizing audio quality.

MPEG 1 layer 3 creates the best audio quality data at moderate to high bit rates (112-320kbps). The MPEG 1 layer 3 option is used to create audio only files. While the Encoder can playback MPEG-1 layer 3 .mp3 (audio only) files, compatibility is limited as many MPEG players do not currently support layer 3 audio.

MPEG 2 layer 2 creates audio data that conforms to the MPEG-2 standard for digital audio encoding.
MPEG-2 audio reduces the high frequency fidelity to gain better overall audio quality at lower bit rates.

MPEG 2 layer 3 creates the best audio quality at lower bit rates (less than 112kbps). The MPEG 2 layer 3 setting is used to create audio only files. While the Encoder can playback MPEG-2 layer 3 .mp3 (audio only) files, compatibility is limited as many MPEG players do not currently support layer 3 audio.

Sample Rate sets the interval (in Hz) at which data from the audio source is sampled.

Channel(s) sets the number of channels to be included in the target MPEG file. The options available depend on the settings in the Total Data Rate, Algorithm, and Sample Rate fields.

Mono is a single channel of audio. Use the Mono setting with mono sources or when you need the lowest possible bit rates.

Joint Stereo shares certain bits between high frequency left and right channels. This improves compression efficiency at a slight loss of stereo separation. Lower frequencies are treated as normal stereo. Select the subband at which the transition to joint coding occurs: 4 bands, 8 bands, 12 bands, 16 bands, or 32 bands. Lower transition yields a stronger joint stereo effect. At lower bit rates, a setting of 32 bands is indistinguishable from normal stereo. Use Joint Stereo to obtain the best overall quality at mid-to-lower bit rates.

Stereo includes two independent channels. The total bit rate remains constant, but the split between the channels can vary. The Encoder uses this flexibility to improve quality by allocating more bits to the channel with the more dynamic signal. Use the Stereo setting for best quality stereo audio at higher bit rates.

Dual Channel includes two completely independent channels (left/right), each with half the total bit rate. Dual is generally used for multi-lingual audio programs.

Auto detects the channels in the file.

Joint Stereo Bands sets the number of stereo bands inserted into each channel. This field is only enabled when Joint Stereo is selected in the Channel(s) field.

To navigate in this window:

Save saves the file as a new custom profile.

Cancel exits the Edit Stream Profile Properties window.


What is Encoding?

  See Also

Encoding generally refers to the process of converting analog (video tape, etc.) multimedia content into a digital, computer useable format. There are many digital formats in use today including commonly seen versions such as .avi, .wav, and MPEG. The process typically involves sending analog source material, either from a Live Feed or a video tape machine, to a special processor in a personal computer where the audio and visual information is captured as data which can be used by the computer.

The XingMPEG Encoder converts (encodes) the files created by capture products into MPEG compliant format, the international standard for compact, high quality multimedia files. MPEG files are smaller than other digital multimedia formats, so downloading files from the Internet takes less time and less disk space. MPEG also maintains very high quality audio and video information, so when the files are played on a computer the quality will be almost identical to the original.


What is the XingMPEG Encoder?

  See Also

XingMPEG Encoder is a high performance software program that converts (encodes) new or existing audio and/or video files into MPEG files.

For example you can:

•	Convert an existing .avi file into an MPEG video or audio file.

•	Convert an existing .wav file into an MPEG audio file.

•	Create fully compliant MPEG-1 system streams (video and audio streams combined).

•	Create MPEG-2 audio streams - including MPEG-2 layer 3 audio.

•	Create StreamWorks System (video and audio) streams for delivery using Xing's StreamWorks products.

•	Create audio and video files for VideoCDs, KaraokeCDs, and CD-i Movies.

•	Create VideoCD files that support Single Speed CD-ROM, Whitebook, and other popular MPEG formats - even still file formats.

•	Create MPEG files for quick downloading over the Internet or an intranet.

•	Create MPEG files from Apple's QuickTime .mov files.

•	Re-encode MPEG files: .mpa/.mp3, (audio), .mpv (video), and .mpg (system) files.


Stream Profile Wizard - Target Platform Properties

  See Also

The Stream Profile Wizard opens the Target Platform Properties window to begin creating your Stream Profile.

Target Platform

The Target Platform configures the type of file to be encoded. When you select your Target Platform, most of the fields in this window are set automatically. You can change any highlighted field.

MPEG 1 creates universal MPEG files which can playback on most types of computers. When selecting MPEG 1, you must also select Single Speed CD, 600K, 384K, or 128K in the adjacent field.

VideoCD creates files that conform to the Whitebook Standard including VideoCDs and KaraokeCDs.

StreamWorks creates files for various intranet and Internet target networks. When you select StreamWorks, you must also select a network line type. The options are 1.5Mb T1, 600K, 384K, 128K (ISDN) to 28.8K Modem, and 128K (ISDN) to 14.4K Modem.

Layer 3 Audio creates MPEG audio files which conform to the MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 layer 3 audio specification.

Stream Type

System creates an audio and video MPEG file.

Video Only creates a video only MPEG file.

Audio Only creates an audio only MPEG file.

Note: The drop-down box, below the Stream Type Menu, specifies the overall data rate of the MPEG file.

Data Rates

System displays the total combined data rate per second of audio, video, and system overhead in kbits/sec.

Video displays the amount of video data per second that will be encoded in kbits/sec.

Audio displays the amount of audio data per second that will be encoded in kbits/sec.

Pack Size sets the size of packs in the system stream. A system stream contains packets of video, audio, and padding data. The size of packs in a system stream can be set to match the sector size of the storage media. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

To navigate in this window:

Next moves you to the next window. The Encoder checks the information in this window and provides you with a message box if any information needs to be changed.

Cancel cancels all information and returns you to the previous window.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic that describes the fields in the Stream Profile Wizard - Target Platform Properties window.


Job Wizard - Source and Target Files

  See Also

Use the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window to choose a Stream Type, identify a video source and an audio source, and name your Target file.

Stream Type

System (video and audio)

Select System if you want to include video and audio data in your MPEG file.

Video Only

Select Video Only if you only want video data in your MPEG file.

Audio Only

Select Audio Only if you only want audio data in your MPEG file.

Depending on the Stream Type you selected, the appropriate windows and fields appear.

Make Batch button allows you to encode the same file types in an entire directory. A wildcard is added preceding the file's extension, and the similar file types are encoded as a batch job. The job will display as a Batch Job in the Job Queue. Note: If you browse the Video Filename and Audio Filenames independently, you will receive a Warning message.

Source Files

Video Filename

Click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Video Filename (maximum 250 characters). This field is only available for System or Video Only Stream Types.

Audio Filename

Click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Audio Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Target Filename

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

To navigate in this window:

Back returns you to the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window. The information in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window remains until you Cancel or Finish.

Finish saves the information in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window and places the job in the Job Queue with a Waiting Status.

Cancel cancels all information in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window and returns you to the XingMPEG Encoder main menu.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic that describes the fields in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window.


Stream Profile Wizard - MPEG 1 Video Properties

  See Also

The Stream Profile Wizard opens the MPEG 1 Video Properties window to continue creating a new Stream Profile.

Target Platform - Video

NTSC creates a Standard MPEG file following the US standard for color television broadcast signals.

PAL creates a Standard MPEG file following the European standard for color television broadcast signals.

FILM creates a Standard MPEG file following the 35mm motion picture film standard.

Match Source creates a Standard MPEG file with the same dimensions and frame rate as the video source. If the source cannot be matched exactly, the Encoder will adjust the dimensions and frame rate accordingly. Use Match Source when you are not sure which Stream Profile to use. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Full Screen creates a file for full-screen playback.

Quarter Screen creates a file for quarter-screen playback.

Video Properties

Width sets the width in pixels of the target MPEG. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target dimension to the source dimension. If the source cannot be matched exactly, the Encoder will adjust the dimensions accordingly. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Height sets the height in pixels of the target MPEG. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target dimension to the source dimension. If the source cannot be matched exactly, the Encoder will adjust the dimensions accordingly. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Frame Rate sets the number of video frames per second that will be encoded. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target frame rate to the source frame rate.

GOP sets the frequency of "I" frames based on the MPEG Group Of Pictures (GOP) definition. For example, an entry of 15 causes an "I" frame to occur every 15 frames. The maximum value for GOP is 128. If you set the GOP too low, you will have a high overhead of headers. If you set the GOP too high, seeking (random access) will be limited to large increments within your file. For example, an entry of 128 limits a seek to 4 second increments. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

SubGOP sets the frequency of "P" (Predicted) and "B" (Bi-directional) frames based on the MPEG SubGroup size definition. For example, an entry of 3 causes a P reference frame to occur every third frame within the GOP. The maximum value for SubGOP is 6. The SubGOP should be divisible into the GOP. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Video Scaling Method sets the aspect ratio of the target file. The options are Stretch To Fit and Letter Box. Stretch To Fit changes the aspect ratio of the source file to fit within the specifications of the target file. Letter Box will maximize the target file dimensions while keeping the aspect ratio the same as the source. The Letter Box method is similar to a video tape that has been formatted to fit your television screen instead of a motion picture screen.

To navigate in this window:

Back returns you to the previous window.

Next moves you to the next window. The Encoder checks the information in this window and provides you with a message box if any information needs to be changed.

Cancel cancels all information and returns you to the previous window.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic which describes the fields in the Stream Profile Wizard - MPEG 1 Video Properties window.


Stream Profile Wizard - Audio Properties

  See Also

The Stream Profile Wizard opens the Audio Properties window to continue creating a new Stream Profile.

Target Platform - Audio

Algorithm sets the type of MPEG file for the target file.

Low Bit Rate creates monophonic audio data and preserves less fidelity than MPEG-1 or MPEG-2. LBR should be used when minimum audio bit rate is the primary consideration. LBR can only be played back using Xing's StreamWorks products.

MPEG 1 layer 2 creates audio data that conforms to the MPEG-1 standard for digital audio encoding. This algorithm is typically used in applications emphasizing audio quality and compatibility.

MPEG 1 layer 3 creates the best audio quality data at moderate to high bit rates (112 - 320kbps).

MPEG 2 layer 2 creates audio data that conforms to the MPEG-2 standard for digital audio encoding. MPEG-2 audio reduces the high frequency fidelity to gain better overall audio quality at lower bit rates.

MPEG 2 layer 3 creates the best audio quality at low bit rates (less than 112kbps).

Sample Rate sets the interval (in Hz) at which data from the audio source is sampled. The options available depend on the Algorithm field setting.

Channel(s) sets the number of channels to be included in the target MPEG file. The options available depend on the settings in the Total Data Rate, Algorithm, and Sample Rate fields.

Mono is a single channel of audio. Use the Mono setting with mono sources or when you need the lowest possible bit rates.

Joint Stereo shares certain bits between high frequency left and right channels. This improves compression efficiency at a slight loss of stereo separation. Lower frequencies are treated as normal stereo. Select the subband at which the transition to joint coding occurs: 4 bands, 8 bands, 12 bands, 16 bands, or 32 bands. Lower transition yields a stronger joint stereo effect. At lower bit rates, a setting of 32 bands is indistinguishable from normal stereo. Use Joint Stereo to obtain the best overall quality at mid-to-lower bit rates.

Stereo includes two independent channels. The total bit rate remains constant, but the split between the channels can vary. The Encoder uses this flexibility to improve quality by allocating more bits to the channel with the more dynamic signal. Use the Stereo setting for best quality stereo audio at higher bit rates.

Dual Channel includes two completely independent channels (left/right), each with half the total bit rate. Dual is generally used for multi-lingual audio programs.

Auto detects the channels in the file.

Joint Stereo Bands sets the number of stereo bands inserted into each channel. This field is only enabled when Joint Stereo is selected in the Channel(s) field.

To navigate in this window:

Back returns you to the previous window.

Next moves you to the next window. The Encoder checks the information in this window and provides you with a message box if any information needs to be changed.

Cancel cancels all information and returns you to the previous window.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic which describes the fields in the Stream Profile Wizard - Audio Properties window.


Extracting a Stream Profile from an MPEG Source File

  See Also

You can extract a Stream Profile from a valid MPEG, .mpa/.mp3, .lbr audio, or a StreamWorks .mpx file.

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	In the Manage Stream Profiles window, click the New button.

4	In the New menu, select Stream Profile - Extract and click the OK button.

5	In the Extract Stream Profile window, click the Browse button or type in the full path of the MPEG file that contains the Stream Profile you want to extract and click the OK button. The Stream Profile you extracted appears in the Stream Profile directory tree. The Stream Profile is named the same as the Source Filename.

Tip

When you provide an MPEG system source file (.mpg), MPEG video source file (.mpv) or an MPEG audio source file (.mpa/.mp3), the XingMPEG Encoder tries to use that source file without re-encoding it. However, if your Stream Profile does not match the source file's properties exactly (Data Rate, Resolution, Frame Rate, etc.), the Encoder assumes you want the file re-encoded with the new properties. Use the Match Source Stream Profile to prevent unnecessary re-encoding.

Click here [image] for more information on re-encoding.


Creating a New Folder to Hold Stream Profiles

  See Also

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	In the Manage Stream Profiles window, click the New button.

4	In the New menu, select Folder and click the OK button.

5	In the New Folder name field, type in a name for the folder (maximum 60 characters).

6	If you want to add a description for the Stream Profile folder (maximum 150 characters) select the folder, click the right mouse button, and select Edit.

7	In the Folder Properties windows, type in the description for your Folder and click the OK button.


Starting and Stopping Playback of a File

  See Also

To start or stop playback

You can play jobs in the Job Queue with a Done Status, however only MPEG files that include video can be viewed.

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select a Job in the Job Queue.

2	To play a file, click the [image]  button.

To stop playing a file, click the [image]  button.

Note: Playback is automatically closed when you:

•	Select another job from the Job Queue.

•	Modify the Job Queue.

•	Create or Edit a job.

•	Open the Job menu.

•	Click the Encode button.

Tip

To change the playback volume, use your Window's volume controls or audio adapter's mixer controls.

If the XingMPEG Player is installed, you can use the volume setting of the XingMPEG Player to control the XingMPEG Encoder's audio playback. Run the XingMPEG Player and move the audio playback volume slider to a desired audio volume setting. When you close the XingMPEG Player, the new settings will take effect in the XingMPEG Encoder.


Previewing Video Frames While Encoding

  See Also

The Preview feature is enabled by default. You do not need to change this setting unless you do not want to preview the video frames while encoding.

To set the option to preview video frames while encoding

1	From the File menu, select the Preferences window.

2	In the Preferences window, select Display Video Frames.

3	Click the OK button.


Selecting a Stream Profile

  See Also

Select a Stream Profile to include in a job.

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window directory tree, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

3	In the Stream Profile folder, click on a Stream Profile. When you select a Stream Profile, a summary of the Stream Profile appears to the right of the Stream Profile directory tree.

Tip

If you want to edit a Stream Profile, use the Manage Stream Profiles window to select the Stream Profile.


Setting Options for Handling Errors in Jobs

  See Also

If the Encoder encounters an error while encoding a job, it displays an error message, sets the job's Status to Error, and skips the job. Depending on the options you set in the Preferences window, the Encoder skips the job:

•	Immediately upon encountering the error (Skip Job on Error).

•	After displaying an error message on the screen that you must dismiss (Wait for User Input).

•	At a pre-determined amount of time after the error message appears on the screen (Continue after [300] Seconds).

To set the error handing options

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Preferences.

•	Select Skip Job on Error to immediately skip the current job containing an error and continue processing jobs in the Job Queue.

•	Select Wait for User Input to pause the Encoder and displays an error message box until you select Continue or Stop.

•	Select Continue after [300] Seconds and type in a number of seconds (maximum 900) to pause the Encoder and display an error message box for the specified number of seconds. If you do not respond by choosing Continue or Stop within the specified amount of time, the Encoder skips the current job containing an error and continues processing jobs in the Job Queue. The default is 300 seconds.

Tip

Depending on the error, you may have an option to Continue, or you may have to Stop encoding the job and correct the error.


Changing a Job's Status

  See Also

You can skip encoding a job in the Job Queue by changing the job's Status from Waiting to Skip. Double-clicking a Done status changes your selection to Waiting or Skip.

To change the job status

From the Job Queue, double-click on the current status of a job. Each time you double-click, the status toggles between Waiting and Skip.

Or

1	From the Job Queue, select the Job and click the right mouse button.

2	In the pop-up menu, select Change Status and then Waiting or Skip.

Job status conditions

•	When a job is added to the Job Queue, the status of the job is set to Waiting.

•	When a job is being encoded, the status changes to indicate the percentage of completion.

•	When a job is completed, the status changes to Done.

•	When an error is encountered during encoding, the status is set to Error.

•	When a status is set to Skip, the job will not be encoded.

•	When a job is aborted, the status changes to Aborted.


Moving Jobs in the Job Queue

  See Also

You can move jobs in the Job Queue so they will be processed in a specific order.

1	From the Job Queue, select the Job.

2	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the Job menu.

3	In the Job menu select:

•	Move To Top to move the selected job to the top of the Job Queue.

•	Move Up to move the selected job up one position in the Job Queue.

•	Move Down to move the selected job down one position in the Job Queue.

•	Move to Bottom to move the selected job to the bottom of the Job Queue.


How Do I Create a Job?

  See Also

To create a job, use the Job Wizard to select a Stream Profile, choose a Stream Type, identify a video source and an audio source, and name your target file.

Select a stream profile

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

3	In the Stream Profile folder, click on a Stream Profile.

4	Click the Next button.

Depending on the Stream Profile you selected, the appropriate fields are available in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window.

Choose a stream type:

•	Select System if you want to include video and audio data in your MPEG file.

•	Select Video Only if you only want video data in your MPEG file.

•	Select Audio Only if you only want audio data in your MPEG file.

Identify your source(s) files:

•	Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Video Filename (maximum 250 characters).

•	Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Audio Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Name your target file

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Send the job to the job queue

Click the Finish button. The job is automatically placed in the Job Queue.


Starting and Stopping the Encoding Process

  See Also

From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the Encode button. Encoding begins and the Encode button name changes to Pause.

•	Click the Pause button to pause the encoding.
From the message box:

Select Yes if you want to terminate the encoding. The pause button changes back to Encode, and the job status changes to Aborted.

Select No to close the message box. The Pause button changes back to Resume.

•	Click Resume to restart the encoding.

During the encoding process:

•	All jobs marked as Waiting are encoded in the order listed in the Job Queue.

•	The Encode button name changes to Pause to allow you to control the processing.

•	The job's Status in the Job Queue changes to indicate the progress.

•	The XingMPEG Encoder main menu displays the video frames as they are processed. The option to Display Video Frames in the Preferences window is enabled by default. To obtain a slight increase in encoding performance, disable Display Video Frames from the Preferences window.

Tip

Only video frames can be viewed during the encoding process.


Choosing a Job's Stream Type, Source, and Target Files

  See Also

Depending on the Stream Profile you selected, the appropriate fields are available in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window.

Choose a stream type:

•	Select System if you want to include video and audio data in your MPEG file.

•	Select Video Only if you only want video data in your MPEG file.

•	Select Audio Only if you only want audio data in your MPEG file.

Identify your source(s) files:

•	Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Video Filename (maximum 250 characters).

•	Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Audio Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Name your target file

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Send the job to the job queue

Click the Finish button. The job is automatically placed in the Job Queue.


Deleting Jobs from the Job Queue

  See Also

Jobs can be deleted from the Job Queue when the Encoder is inactive.

1	From the Job Queue, select the job and click the Delete button.

2	The Delete confirmation window appears:

•	Select Yes to delete the selected job from the Job Queue.

•	Select No to return to the XingMPEG Encoder main menu without deleting the job.

Tip

Deleting a job from the Job Queue does not delete its source and target files.


Looking at a Job's Properties

  See Also

You can view a job's Target properties, Source properties, and Error messages.

1	From the Job Queue, select the job and click the right mouse button.

2	In the pop-up menu, select Properties.

3	In the Job Properties window, click the tab to select Target, Source, or Error.

Or

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the Job menu.

2	In the Job menu, select Properties.

3	Click the tab to select Target, Source, or Error.

Tip

An Error tab selection is only available if an error occurred during encoding.


Editing a Job's Stream Profile

  See Also

You can edit the Stream Profile included in a job. When you edit a job, you overwrite the existing job with the new changes. Editing a Stream Profile is recommended only for advanced users. Editing in the Edit Stream Profile Properties window requires an in-depth understanding of the Stream Profile fields and how they relate to one another.

1	From the Job Queue, select the job.

2	Click the Edit button. From the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, write down the highlighted Stream Profile name which is used by the job.

3	Click the Cancel button to exit the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window.

4	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

5	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

6	From the Manage Stream Profiles window, select the same Stream Profile used by the job. Note: If you selected a pre-defined Stream Profile, a message box appears. Select Yes to confirm you want to make a copy of the pre-defined Stream Profile.

7	In the Edit Stream Profile Properties window, edit the Stream Profile Properties. Note: Click the Advanced button to enable advanced fields to be edited. These fields should be changed only by advanced users requiring special profile settings.

8	Click the Save button. Your new Stream Profile is placed at the bottom of the Stream Profiles directory and overwrites the job's existing Stream Profile.


Editing a Stream Profile (Advanced Users)

  See Also

When you open a pre-defined Stream Profile in the Editing a Stream Profile window, you create a (new) custom Stream Profile.

Editing a Stream Profile is recommended only for advanced users. Editing in the Edit Stream Profile Properties window requires an in-depth understanding of the Stream Profile fields and how they relate to one another.

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	From the Manage Stream Profiles window, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

4	In the Stream Profile folder, select a Stream Profile and click the Edit button. Note: If you selected a pre-defined Stream Profile, a message box appears. Select Yes to confirm you want to make a copy of the pre-defined Stream Profile.

5	In the Edit Stream Profile Properties window, edit the Stream Profile Properties. Note: Click the Advanced button to enable advanced fields to be edited. These fields should be changed only by advanced users requiring special profile settings.

6	Click the Save button. Your new Stream Profile is placed at the bottom of the Stream Profiles directory.


Using the Wizard to Create a New (Custom) Stream Profile

  See Also

The XingMPEG Encoder comes with a wizard that walks you through the steps to create a new (custom) Stream Profile. The Stream Profile Wizard offers explanations of the options and provides pre-defined formats wherever possible.

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	In the Manage Stream Profiles window, click the New button.

4	In the New menu, select Stream Profile - Wizard and click the OK button.

5	Follow the directions on the window and click Next to move to the next window.

6	In the Stream Profile Wizard - Name window, review the Stream Profile and click Finish to continue or Back to make changes.

Tip

Click here [image] to learn how to create a job with a Stream Profile.


Reading a Job's Error Message

  See Also

If an error occurs during encoding, an error message box appears describing the error. Depending on the error, you may have an option to Continue, or you may have to Stop the encoding process for this job and correct the error. Once you have dismissed the error message box, you can read the error message again in the Job Properties window.

To read a job's error message

1	From the Job Queue, select the job and click the right mouse button.

2	In the pop-up menu, select Properties.

3	In the Job Properties window, click the Error tab.

Or

1	From the Job Queue, select the job.

2	In the Job menu, select Properties.

3	In the Job Properties window, click the Error tab.

Tip

An Error tab selection is available only if an error occurred within the job.


Technical Support

  See Also

Xing Technology's Web site at http://support.xingtech.com/ includes a number of ways to access technical support for the XingMPEG Encoder. You can:

•	Use Xing's SmartFAQ system to help you quickly find answers to frequently asked questions.

•	Look in the file download area to find the latest versions of software, updates, and utilities.

•	Submit a problem report if you are experiencing a problem and cannot find the answer in the SmartFAQ system.

Tip

You can connect directly to Xing Technology's Home page or Technical Support page. From the XingMPEG main menu, select the Help menu and then Home Page or Support from Xing on the Web.


Job Menu

The Job menu controls a job's Status, reorders jobs, and views Properties of jobs within the Job Queue.

Change Status enables you to change a job's Status in the Job Queue.

Waiting status holds the job in the Job Queue waiting for encoding to begin.

Skip status holds the job in the Job Queue, but the job is skipped when encoding begins.

Move To Top moves the selected job to the top of the Job Queue.

Move Up moves the selected job up one position in the Job Queue.

Move Down moves the selected job down one position in the Job Queue.

Move To Bottom moves the selected job to the bottom of the Job Queue.

Properties opens the Properties window for the selected job. The Properties window enables you to view the selected job's Target properties, Source properties, and Error messages.


New Menu

The New menu offers three options to use when creating a Stream Profile:

Stream Profile - Wizard walks you through the windows to help you create a Stream Profile. The Stream Profile Wizard offers explanations of the options and provides pre-defined formats wherever possible.

Stream Profile - Extract opens the Extract Stream Profile window to Extract a Stream Profile from an MPEG source file.

Folder creates a new folder in the Stream Profile directory tree.


Extract Stream Profile

  See Also

You can extract a Stream Profile from a valid MPEG, .mpa/.mp3, .lbr audio, or a StreamWorks.mpx file.

File to base new profile on uses the selected file as a base for the new Stream Profile. Click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the file name.

Tip

When you provide an MPEG system source file (.mpg), MPEG video source file (.mpv), or an MPEG audio source file (.mpa/.mp3), the XingMPEG Encoder tries to use that source file without re-encoding it. However, if your Stream Profile does not match the source file's properties exactly (Data Rate, Resolution, Frame Rate, etc.), the Encoder assumes you want the file re-encoded with the new properties. Use the Match Source Stream Profile to prevent unnecessary re-encoding.

Click here [image] for more information on re-encoding.


Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile

  See Also

The Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window includes a directory tree of folders that contain pre-defined and user created Stream Profiles. Use the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window to select a Stream Profile to include in a job. When you select a Stream Profile, a summary of the Stream Profile appears to the right of the Stream Profile directory tree.

Next opens the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window.

Cancel closes the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic which describes the fields in the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window.

Tip

If you want to edit a Stream Profile, select the Stream Profile from the Manage Stream Profiles window.


Stream Profile Wizard - Name

  See Also

The Stream Profile Wizard - Name window presents an overview of the Stream Profile created for your job using the wizard and provides an opportunity to make changes if necessary.

System displays the Algorithm and System Data Rate.

Video displays the Algorithm, Target Platform, Dimensions, Frame Rate, and Video Data Rate.

Audio displays the Algorithm, Sample Rate, Channels, and Audio Data Rate.

Name type in a name for your Stream Profile or use the wizard default name (maximum 60 characters).

Description type in a description for your Stream Profile (maximum 150 characters).

To navigate in this window:

Back returns you to the previous window. Any information you have changed is saved.

Finish saves the Stream Profile as configured and places it at the bottom of the Stream Profile directory tree.

Cancel cancels all information and returns you to the Manage Stream Profiles window.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic which describes the fields in the Stream Profile Wizard - Name window.


Creating a Custom Stream Profile

  See Also

Custom Stream Profiles are created by customizing an existing Stream Profile or by creating a new Stream Profile. You can create a new (custom) Stream Profile by:

•	Using the Stream Profile Wizard to Create a New (Custom) Stream Profile.

•	Extracting a Stream Profile from a MPEG Source File.

•	Editing a Stream Profile (Advanced Users).


Rewinding a File

  See Also

To set the current position to the start of the file, click the [image]  button.

To step backward to the last "I" frame of a video file, click the [image]  button.


Fast Forwarding a File

  See Also

To set the current position to the end of the file, click the [image]  button. Depending on your current MCI MPEG driver, clicking this button may not seek exactly to the end of the file.

To step forward one "I" frame, click the [image]  button.


Repeating Playback Automatically

  See Also

To play the MPEG file in a continuous loop

1	From the File menu, select the Preferences window.

2	In the Preferences window, select Auto Repeat.

3	Click the OK button.

Tip

Unless Auto Repeat is selected, playback of the MPEG file pauses when the end of the file is reached.


Producing Quality MPEG Files

  See Also

Keep in mind that the quality of your MPEG files can never exceed the quality of your source files, so you should take steps to ensure the quality of your source files. For example:

•	When working with capture hardware, use capture settings that produce the best quality by using the highest data rates available.

•	When capturing audio data, you will achieve the best quality at 44100 Hz 16-bit Stereo Audio (CD quality). Look for this option in your capture software. Note: Some capture hardware will not capture at 44100 Hz. In this case, 22050 Hz is an acceptable alternative.

•	When capturing video data, set the resolution (width and height dimensions) to the same resolution as the target file. Optionally, set the resolution to exactly twice the resolution of the target file.

•	In general, you will achieve the best quality when the dimension of the source file matches the output dimension of the target file. When creating your MPEG file in the Encoder, select Match Source to create a file that will match the source file as closely as possible. If the source cannot be matched exactly, the Encoder will adjust the dimension accordingly.

•	The Encoder supports creation and playback of the MPEG-2 layer 3 algorithm. MPEG-2 layer 3 creates the best audio quality at low bit rates (less than 112kbps). However, compatibility is limited as many MPEG players do not currently support layer 3 audio.

•	If your source file properties do not meet MPEG requirements, the Encoder adjusts the file to bring it into compliance. For example, MPEG Frame Rates are 23.976; 25; 29.97; and 30 FPS. If your source file Frame Rate does not match one of these, the Encoder will perform a Frame Rate conversion. Many other adjustments may be made in order to produce the highest quality MPEG compliant file from your source file.

•	When you provide an MPEG system source file (.mpg), MPEG video source file (.mpv), or an MPEG audio source file (.mpa/.mp3), the XingMPEG Encoder tries to use that source file without re-encoding it. However, if your Stream Profile does not match the source file's properties exactly (Data Rate, Resolution, Frame Rate, etc.), the Encoder assumes you want the file re-encoded with the new properties. Use the Match Source Stream Profile to prevent unnecessary re-encoding.

Click here [image] for more information on re-encoding.


Deleting a Stream Profile

  See Also

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	In the Manage Stream Profiles window, select the Stream Profile.

4	Click the Delete Button.

5	The Delete confirmation windows appears:

•	Select Yes to delete the selected Stream Profile.

•	Select No to return to the Manage Stream Profiles window without deleting the Stream Profile.

Tip

You cannot delete any of the pre-defined Stream Profiles or Stream Profiles that are currently used in a job.


Pre-Defined Stream Profiles Description

  See Also

The XingMPEG Encoder comes with a number of pre-defined Stream Profiles.

Audio Only Layer 3 Folder contains Stream Profiles for making audio only MPEG files for a wide range of target networks.

128K Stream Profile creates CD quality layer 3 audio only MPEG-1 layer 3 files for broadband target networks. Great for music!

112K Stream Profile creates CD quality layer 3 audio only MPEG-1 layer 3 files for broadband target networks. Great for music!

64K Stream Profile creates a radio quality audio only MPEG-2 layer 3 files for narrowband target networks.

28.8 Modem Stereo Stream Profile creates a telephone quality stereo audio only MPEG-2 layer 3 files for narrowband target networks.

28.8 Modem Mono Stream Profile creates a telephone quality mono audio only MPEG-2 layer 3 files for narrowband target networks.

Note: Layer 3 audio cannot be thinned.

MPEG 1 Folder contains Stream Profiles for making various kinds of MPEG files, from full size down to smaller Internet based sizes.

Match Source Stream Profile creates an MPEG file that best matches the source file (near CD quality audio). Use the Match Source Stream Profile when you are unsure which Stream Profile to use or to avoid unnecessary re-encoding.

When you provide an MPEG system source file (.mpg), MPEG video source file (.mpv) or an MPEG audio source file (.mpa), the XingMPEG Encoder tries to use that source file without re-encoding it. However, if your Stream Profile does not match the source file's properties exactly (Data Rate, Resolution, Frame Rate, etc.), the Encoder assumes you want the file re-encoded with the new properties. Use the Match Source Stream Profile to prevent unnecessary re-encoding.

If you want to use an MPEG-2 or LBR Algorithm, you need to create a custom Match Source Stream Profile. Use the MPEG 1 Match Source Stream Profile and change the Algorithm field to MPEG-2 or LBR. Click here [image] to learn how to create a new Stream Profile based on an existing stream.

Click here [image] for more information on re-encoding.

NTSC Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file following the US (NTSC) standard for color television broadcast signals (near CD quality audio).

PAL Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file following the European standard (PAL) for color television broadcast signals (near CD quality audio).

FILM Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file following the 35mm motion picture film standard (near CD quality audio).

600K Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file with high radio quality audio suitable for broadband target networks.

384K Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file with radio quality audio suitable for broadband target networks.

128K Stream Profile creates a quarter-screen MPEG file with radio quality audio suitable for narrowband target networks.

VideoCD Folder contains Stream Profiles for making VideoCD MPEG files for the Whitebook Standard.

NTSC Stream Profile creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the US (NTSC) standard for color television broadcast signals (CD quality audio).

PAL Stream Profile creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the European (PAL) standard for color television broadcast signals (CD quality audio).

FILM Stream Profile creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the 35mm motion picture film standard (CD quality audio).

StreamWorks Folder contains folders and Stream Profiles for making files for various intranet and Internet target networks.

Audio/Video Layer 2 folder contains Stream Profiles for making audio and video MPEG files for a wide range of target networks.

1.5Mb Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG-1 file with near CD quality layer 2 audio for broadband target networks.

600K Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG-1 video file with high radio quality layer 2 audio for broadband target networks.

384K Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG-1 video file with radio quality layer 2 audio for broadband and narrowband target networks.

128K ISDN to 28.8K Modem Stream Profile creates a quarter-screen MPEG-1 video file with radio quality layer 2 audio for 128K ISDN down to 28.8K Modem target networks.

128K ISDN to 14.4K Modem Stream Profile creates a quarter-screen MPEG-1 video file with radio quality layer 2 audio for 128K ISDN down to 14.4K Modem target networks.

Note: The MPEGLive! Encoder does not thin the streams. Use the StreamWorks Server to thin streams with layer 2 audio or video only for delivery to a range of connection rates.

Audio/Video Layer 3 folder contains Stream Profiles for making audio and video MPEG files for a wide range of target networks.

1.5Mb Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG-1 video file with CD quality layer 3 audio for broadband target networks.

600K Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG-1 video file with near CD quality layer 3 audio for broadband target networks.

384K Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG-1 video file with radio quality layer 3 audio for broadband and narrowband target networks.

128K ISDN to 28.8K Modem Stream Profile creates a quarter-screen MPEG-1 video file with radio quality layer 3 audio for 128K ISDN down to 28.8K Modem target networks.

Note: Layer 3 audio cannot be thinned.

Audio Only Layer 2 folder contains Stream Profiles for making audio only MPEG files for a wide range of target networks.

384K Stream Profile creates a CD quality layer 2 audio only MPEG-1 file for broadband and narrowband target networks.

128K ISDN Stream Profile creates a near CD quality layer 2 audio only MPEG-1 file for broadband and narrowband target networks.

64K ISDN Stream Profile creates a high radio quality layer 2 audio only MPEG-2 file for narrowband target networks.

14.4 Modem Stream Profile creates a radio quality LBR audio only file for narrowband target networks.

28.8 Modem Stream Profile creates a radio quality layer 2 audio only MPEG-2 file for narrowband target networks.

9600 Modem Stream Profile creates a radio quality LBR audio only file for narrowband target networks.

Note: The MPEGLive! Encoder does not thin the streams. Use the StreamWorks Server to thin streams with layer 2 audio or video only for delivery to a range of connection rates.

Audio Only Layer 3 folder contains Stream Profiles for making audio only MPEG files for a wide range of target networks.

192K Stream Profile creates the highest quality layer 3 audio only MPEG-1 file for broadband target networks. While Xing supports custom Stream Profiles up to 384K audio only layer 3 files, the quality gained above 192K is negligible.

128K ISDN Stream Profile creates a CD quality layer 3 audio only MPEG-1 file for broadband target networks. Great for music!

64K ISDN Stream Profile creates a high radio quality layer 3 audio only MPEG-2 file for narrowband target networks.

28.8 Modem Stereo Stream Profile creates a radio quality layer 3 audio only MPEG-2 file for narrowband target networks.

28.8 Modem Mono Stream Profile creates a radio quality layer 3 audio only MPEG-2 file for narrowband target networks.

Note: The MPEGLive! Encoder does not thin the streams. Use the StreamWorks Server to thin streams with layer 2 audio or video only for delivery to a range of connection rates. Layer 3 audio cannot be thinned.


SMPTE Timecode

Society for Motion Picture and Television Engineers is a standard time encoding format designed specifically for film and video applications. The SMPTE Timecode expresses time in the format h:m:s:f, where h is hour, m is minute, s is second, and f is frame.


Folder Properties

  See Also

Stream Profile Name allows you to enter a name for your folder (maximum 60 characters).

Description allows you to enter a detailed description of your folder (maximum 150 characters).


Changing a Folder's Name or Description

  See Also

You can change the name or description of any folder you created.

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	In the Manage Stream Profiles window, select the folder you created, click the right mouse button, and select Edit.

4	In the Folder Properties window, type in the new name (maximum 60 characters) or description (maximum 150 characters) for the folder and click the OK button.


Audio Data Rates, Channels, and Sample Rates

MPEG 1 Layer 2 Audio Data Rates, Channels, and Sample Rates

Data Rate kbps	Channel(s)	Sample Rates (kHz)
32	Mono	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
48	Mono	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
56	Mono	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
64	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
80	Mono	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
96	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
112	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
128	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
160	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
192	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
224	Stereo, Joint Stereo, Dual	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
256	Stereo, Joint Stereo, Dual	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
320	Stereo, Joint Stereo, Dual	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
384	Stereo, Joint Stereo, Dual	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
*All Channels include Mono, Stereo, Joint Stereo, and Dual.

MPEG 1 Layer 3 Audio Data Rates, Channels, and Sample Rates

Data Rate kbps	Channel(s)	Sample Rates (kHz)
32	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
40	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
48	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
56	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
64	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
80	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
96	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
112	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
128	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
160	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
192	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
224	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
256	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
320	All Channels*	32.0, 44.1, 48.0
*All Channels include Mono, Stereo, Joint Stereo, and Dual.

MPEG 2 Layers 2 and 3 Audio Data Rates, Channels, and Sample Rates

Data Rate kbps	Channel(s)	Sample Rates (kHz)
8	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
16	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
24	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
32	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
40	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
48	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
56	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
64	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
80	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
96	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
112	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
128	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
144	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
160	All Channels	16.0, 22.05, 24.0
*All Channels include Mono, Stereo, Joint Stereo, and Dual.

LBR Audio Data Rates, Channels, and Sample Rates

Data Rate kbps	Channel(s)	Sample Rates (kHz)
8	Mono	8.0
9	Mono	8.0
10	Mono	8.0
11	Mono	8.0
12	Mono	8.0
13	Mono	8.0
14	Mono	8.0
15	Mono	8.0
16	Mono	8.0


Getting Help

There are several ways to use Help while in the XingMPEG Encoder.

Field Descriptions

You can get a description of the fields on a window or message box by:

•	Pressing the F1 key while working in the menu, window, or message box.

•	Clicking the Help button on the window if present.

Learning Procedures

You can learn how to perform a procedure by reading the Help Topics Contents. The procedure topics are designed to run in a smaller window so you can keep the Help open on the screen while you complete the procedure.

To open the Help Topic Contents:

1	Select Help from the XingMPEG Encoder main menu and then select Help Topics .

2	From the Help Topics menu, click on the Contents tab.

3	Open a book by double-clicking on the book.

4	Open a topic by double-clicking on the topic.

Reference Information

You can get reference information such as configuration tables and descriptions of Stream Profiles in the Help Topics Contents.


MPEG

Moving Picture Experts Group

MPEG is the popular name for ISO/IEC DIS 11172, the video compression standard developed under the auspices of the International Standards Organization (ISO) by the Moving Picture Experts Group.


How Do I Select a Stream Profile?

  See Also

The Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window includes a directory tree of folders that contain pre-defined and user created Stream Profiles. Use the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window to select a Stream Profile to include in a job. When you select a Stream Profile, a summary of the Stream Profile appears to the right of the Stream Profile directory tree. The Encoder comes with a comprehensive set of pre-defined Stream Profiles, or you can create new (custom) Stream Profiles.

Click here [image] for more information on pre-defined Stream Profiles.

To select a stream profile

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window directory tree, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

3	In the Stream Profile folder, click on a Stream Profile. When you select a Stream Profile, a summary of the Stream Profile appears to the right of the Stream Profile directory tree.

Tip

If you want to edit a Stream Profile, use the Manage Stream Profiles window to select the Stream Profile.


Playback Buttons and Controls

  See Also

Buttons

   Play

   Stop

   Seeks to the start of file.

   Seeks to the end of the file. Depending on your MCI MPEG driver, clicking this button may not seek exactly to the end of the file.

   Step backward to the last frame (video files). Depending on your MCI MPEG driver, clicking this button may not seek exactly to the previous "I" frames. Continue clicking until you step backwards.

   Step forward one video frame (video files).

Controls

Track Bar with Slider

The Track Bar is a rectangular control representing the file being played. The left edge of the Track Bar represents the start of the file. The right edge of the Track Bar represents the end of the file. The Slider is a vertical bar that sets on the Track Bar. As the file is played, the Slider moves across the Track Bar indicating the current position. You can drag the Slider across the Track Bar to any position in the file.

 Displays the frame position by current frame number during playback.

 Displays the frame position in SMPTE Timecode format during playback.


How Do I Create a VideoCD 2.0 Using a Still Image?

  See Also

To create a single still image file, you must use the VideoCD Stream Profile and include an audio source. The Audio length determines the duration of playback.

1	From the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, select a VideoCD Stream Profile.

2	Click the Next button.

Choose a stream type

Select the System Stream Type.

Identify your source still file

Click the Browse button and use the down arrow in the Files of type field to open the Stills files or type in the full path of the still file name.

Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Audio Filename.

Name your target file

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Send the job to the job queue

Click the Finish button. The job is placed automatically in the Job Queue.


How Do I Create a Video Using a Sequence of Single Frames?

  See Also

To create a video using a sequence of single frames

1	From the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, select a Stream Profile.

2	Click the Next button.

Choose a stream type

Select System if you want to include video and audio data in your MPEG file.

Select Video Only if you only want video data in your MPEG file.

Identify your source files

The Encoder can encode a sequence of single frame video or still files if:

•	The files are all in one directory.

•	The file names end with numeric characters.

•	The files are named so that they can be numerically sorted with the number at the end of the name.

•	All the file numbers have the same number of numeric characters.

The Encoder applies standard DOS conventions for the use of wildcards in a command line.

For example:

TREE??.JPG will include all JPG files in the directory specified with a filename of TREE followed by up to two valid numeric characters. In this case, there are two valid file names: TREE01, TREE02. Note: The zeros in the file name are added to create files names that contain the same number of digits.

TREE*.JPG will include all JPG files in the directory you specify with a filename of TREE, followed by any number of valid numeric characters. In this case, there are three valid file names: TREE001, TREE002, and TREE999. Note: The zeros in the file name are added to create files names that contain the same number of digits.

Click the Browse button, or type in the full path of the still file names and use the DOS wildcard characters which are the ? or the * characters.

If you want to add audio to your sequence of still images, click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Audio Filename.

Name your target file

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Send the job to the job queue

Click the Finish button. The job is automatically placed in the Job Queue.


Encoding Jobs in Batches

  See Also

If you have a number of jobs to encode, you may want to encode jobs in batches.

Set the error handing option to skip jobs with an error

1	From the XingMPEG window, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Preferences.

3	In the Preferences menu, Error Handling Dialog, select Skip Job on Error.

4	Click the OK button.

Set the status of all jobs you want to encode to waiting

From the Job Queue, double-click on the current status of a job. Each time you double-click, the status toggles between Waiting and Skip.

Or

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the Job menu.

2	In the Job menu, select the Change Status window and select Waiting or Skip.

Begin encoding

From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the Encode button.

Tip

If an error occurs during encoding, the job's status will change to Error, and a brief summary of the error appears. You can review the job's error in the Properties window.


Batches

Encoding a number of jobs without interruption.


Changing a Job's Stream Type, Source, or Target Files

  See Also

You can change a job's Stream Type, video source file, audio source file, or the name of the Target File. When you change a job, you overwrite the existing job with the new changes.

1	From the Job Queue, select the job.

2	In the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the Edit button.

3	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, click the Next button.

4	In the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files  window, make changes and click the Finish button. The job is sent to the Job Queue overwriting the original job with the new changes.


What are Stream Profiles?

  See Also

A Stream Profile defines what characteristics will be included in the encoded MPEG (Target) file. These characteristics include settings such as Target Platforms, Data Rates, Frame Rates, and Sample Rates.

The Encoder comes with a comprehensive set of pre-defined Stream Profiles, or you can create your own (custom) Stream Profiles. Click here [image] for more information on pre-defined Stream Profiles.


Manage Stream Profiles

  See Also

The Manage Stream Profiles window includes a directory tree of folders that contain pre-defined and user created Stream Profiles. Use the Manage Stream Profiles window to edit a Stream Profile, or to create a new (custom) Stream Profile based on an existing Stream Profile. When you select a Stream Profile, a summary of the Stream Profile appears to the right of the Stream Profile directory tree.

New opens the New menu with additional options for creating a new Stream Profile.

Edit opens the Stream Profiles Properties window to edit the selected Stream Profile.

Delete opens the Delete confirmation window to delete the Stream Profile. Note: You cannot delete Stream Profiles that are currently used in a job or any of the pre-defined Stream Profiles.

Yes deletes the Stream Profile.

No returns to the Manage Stream Profiles window without deleting the Stream Profile.


Renaming a Job in the Job Queue

  See Also

1	From the Job Queue, select the job by clicking the left mouse button once on the job name. The job name appears highlighted.

2	Type in the new name and press the enter key.

Tip

Do not double-click the job name or you will change the job's status.


Using Job Queue Shortcuts

  See Also

The Job Queue has a pop-up menu that allows you to take shortcuts to:

•	Change the Status of a job.

•	Make a copy of a job.

•	Move a job within the Job Queue.

•	View a job's properties (which includes a job's error message).

To use the shortcuts

From the Job Queue, select a job and click the right mouse button.

In the pop-up menu, select an item and click the left mouse button.

To dismiss the pop-up menu, move the mouse off the menu and click the left mouse button.


How Do I Create System (video and audio) Files?

  See Also

To create a system file, you need to create a system job. Use the Job Wizard to select a Stream Profile, choose the System Stream Type, identify a video source and an audio source, and name your target file.

Select a stream profile

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

3	In the Stream Profile folder, click on a Stream Profile.

4	Click the Next button.

Depending on the Stream Profile you selected, the appropriate fields are available in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window.

Choose a stream type

Select the System Stream Type at the top of the window.

Identify your source(s) files

Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Video Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Audio Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Name your target file

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Send the job to the job queue

Click the Finish button. The job is automatically placed in the Job Queue.


How Do I Create Video Only Files?

  See Also

To create a video only file, you need to create a video only job. Use the Job Wizard to select a Stream Profile, choose the Video Only Stream Type, identify a video source, and name your target file.

Select a stream profile

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

3	In the Stream Profile folder, click on a Stream Profile.

4	Click the Next button.

Depending on the Stream Profile you selected, the appropriate fields are available in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window.

Choose a stream type

Select the Video Only Stream Type.

Identify your video source files

Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Video Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Name your target file

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Send the job to the job queue

Click the Finish button. The job is automatically placed in the Job Queue.


How Do I Create Audio Only Files?

  See Also

To create an audio only file, you need to create an audio only job. Use the Job Wizard to select a Stream Profile, choose the Audio Only Stream Type, identify an audio source, and name your target file.

Select a stream profile

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

3	In the Stream Profile folder, click on a Stream Profile.

4	Click the Next button.

Depending on the Stream Profile you selected, the appropriate fields are available in the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window.

Choose a stream type

Select the Audio Only Stream Type.

Identify your audio source files

Click the Browse button or type in the full path of the Audio Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Name your target file

Depending on the source files selected, a default Target Filename may appear. To prevent overwriting a source file, the Target Filename field may be left blank. In this case, click the Browse button to access your files or type in the full path of the Target Filename (maximum 250 characters).

Send the job to the job queue

Click the Finish button. The job is automatically placed in the Job Queue.


Creating a New Job Based on an Existing Job

  See Also

When you edit a job, you overwrite the existing job with the new changes. When creating a new job based on an existing job you can:

•	Change the Stream Type, Source, and Target files for the job.

•	Select a new Stream Profile for the job.

•	Edit the job's Stream Profile.

Begin by making a copy of the job and using the copy to create the new job.

1	From the Job Queue, select a job and click the right mouse button.

2	In the pop-up menu, select Copy and click the left mouse button.

3	Click the right mouse button. In the pop-up menu, select Paste and click the left mouse button. A copy of the job is placed at the bottom of the Job Queue and is highlighted. Note: You can also use the standard Windows keyboard shortcuts - CTRL+C to copy and CTRL+V to paste.

If you want to select a new stream profile

1	From the Job Queue, select the job.

2	In the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the Edit button.

3	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, select a new Stream Profile and then click the Next button.

4	In the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window click the Finish button. The new job is added to the Job Queue.

If you want to change the stream type, source, or target file

1	From the Job Queue, select the job.

2	In the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the Edit button.

3	In the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, click the Next button.

4	In the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window, you can change the Stream Type, Source files, and Target file, and then click the Finish button. The new job is added to the Job Queue.

If you want to edit the job's stream profile

Editing in the Edit Stream Profile Properties window requires an in-depth understanding of the Stream Profile fields and how they relate to one another. Editing a Stream Profile is recommended only for advanced users.

1	From the Job Queue, select the job.

2	Click the Edit button. From the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, write down the highlighted Stream Profile name which is used by the job.

3	Click the Cancel button to exit the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window.

4	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

5	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

6	From the Manage Stream Profiles window, select the same Stream Profile used by the job. Note: If you selected a pre-defined Stream Profile, a message box appears. Select Yes to confirm you want to make a copy of the pre-defined Stream Profile.

7	In the Edit Stream Profile Properties window, edit the Stream Profile Properties. Note: Click the Advanced button to enable advanced fields to be edited. These fields should be changed only by advanced users requiring special profile settings.

8	Click the Save button. Your new Stream Profile is placed at the bottom of the Stream Profiles directory and overwrites the job's existing Stream Profile.


Changing the Playback Current Position Indicator

  See Also

The Current Position Indicator is located on the Preview/Playback area of the XingMPEG Encoder main menu. During playback, the indicator displays the current position of the stream in either frames or time.

To set the current position indicator

1	From the File menu, select the Preferences menu.

2	In the Preferences window, select Frames to display the frame position by current frame number or Time to display the frame position in SMPTE Timecode format.

3	Click the OK button.

 Frames

 Time


How Do I Create MPEG Files?

  See Also

MPEG files are created by setting up a job and encoding it. This is a general overview to help you begin encoding. When you have finished reading the overview, follow the simple steps below to encode your first job.

Source files

To get started encoding you a need source file such as an .avi, .wav or MPEG file. You can create your own source files using capture hardware and software designed to create audio and video source material.

Generally, if an .avi or .wav file will playback on your system, the XingMPEG Encoder can encode it. Click here [image] for more information on source file requirements.

Stream Profile

Once you have a source file, you need to choose a Stream Profile. A Stream Profile defines what characteristics will be included in the encoded MPEG file. These characteristics include settings such as Target Platforms, Data Rates, Frame Rates, and Sample Rates. The Encoder comes with a comprehensive set of pre-defined Stream Profiles or you can create new (custom) Stream Profiles.

Job

The job includes the Stream Profile, an audio source and/or a video source, and the name of your target file. The job is automatically added to the Job Queue when you complete the information for the job.

Encode

When you click the Encode button, the jobs waiting in the Job Queue are encoded.

To see how easy it is to use the XingMPEG Encoder, follow these simple steps:

1 Start the New Job Wizard

From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2 Use the default Match Source Stream Profile

From the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, click the Next button.

3 Browse for a source .avi file

From the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window, click the Browse button and select an .avi file.

4 Finish setting up the job

Click the Finish Button.

5 Start Encoding the job

From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the Encode button. The job is encoded.

6 Playback and review the job

When the job is done encoding, click the Play button.


Stream Profile Wizard - StreamWorks Video Properties

  See Also

The Stream Profile Wizard opens the StreamWorks Video Properties window to continue creating a new Stream Profile.

Target Platform - Video

NTSC creates a Standard MPEG file following the US standard for color television broadcast signals.

PAL creates a Standard MPEG file following the European standard for color television broadcast signals.

FILM creates a Standard MPEG file following the 35mm motion picture film standard.

Match Source creates a Standard MPEG file with the same dimensions and frame rate as the video source. If the source cannot be matched exactly, the Encoder will adjust the dimensions and frame rate accordingly. Use Match Source when you are not sure which Stream Profile to use. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Full Screen creates a file for full-screen playback.

Quarter Screen creates a file for quarter-screen playback.

Video Properties

Width sets the width in pixels of the target MPEG. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target dimension to the source dimension. If the source cannot be matched exactly, the Encoder will adjust the dimensions accordingly. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Height sets the height in pixels of the target MPEG. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target dimension to the source dimension. If the source cannot be matched exactly, the Encoder will adjust the dimensions accordingly. Note: There are upper limits to the size allowed.

Frame Rate sets the number of video frames per second that will be encoded. If Auto is entered, the Encoder will match the target Frame Rate to the source Frame Rate.

GOP sets the frequency of "I" frames based on the MPEG Group Of Pictures (GOP) definition. For example, an entry of 15 causes an "I" frame to occur every 15 frames. The maximum value for GOP is 128. If you set the GOP too low, you will have a high overhead of headers. If you set the GOP too high, seeking (random access) will be limited to large increments within your file. For example, an entry of 128 limits a seek to 4 second increments. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

SubGOP sets the frequency of "P" (Predicted) and "B" (Bi-directional) frames based on the MPEG SubGroup size definition. For example, an entry of 3 causes a P reference frame to occur every third frame within the GOP. The maximum value for SubGOP is 6. The SubGOP should be divisible into the GOP. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Video Scaling Method sets the aspect ratio of the target file. The options are Stretch To Fit and Letter Box. Stretch To Fit changes the aspect ratio of the source file to fit within the specifications of the target file. Letter Box will maximize the target file dimensions while keeping the aspect ratio the same as the source. The Letter Box method is similar to a video tape that has been formatted to fit your television screen instead of a motion picture screen.

To navigate in this window:

Back returns you to the previous window.

Next moves you to the next window. The Encoder checks the information in this window and provides you with a message box if any information needs to be changed.

Cancel cancels all information and returns you to the previous window.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic which describes the fields in the StreamWorks Video Properties window.


Stream Profile Wizard - VideoCD Video Properties

  See Also

The Stream Profile Wizard opens the VideoCD Video Properties window to continue creating a new Stream Profile.

Target Platform - Video

NTSC creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the US standard for color television broadcast signals.

PAL creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the European standard for color television broadcast signals.

FILM creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the 35mm motion picture film standard.

Video Properties

Width displays the width in pixels of the target MPEG file. This field is for reference only.

Height displays the height in pixels of the target MPEG file. This field is for reference only.

Frame Rate displays the number of video frames per second that will be encoded. This field is for reference only.

GOP sets the frequency of "I" frames based on the MPEG Group Of Pictures (GOP) definition. For example, an entry of 15 causes an "I" frame to occur every 15 frames. The maximum value for GOP is 128. If you set the GOP too low, you will have a high overhead of headers. If you set the GOP too high, seeking (random access) will be limited to large increments within your file. For example, an entry of 128 limits a seek to 4 second increments. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

SubGOP sets the frequency of "P" (Predicted) and "B" (Bi-directional) frames based on the MPEG SubGroup size definition. For example, an entry of 3 causes a P reference frame to occur every third frame within the GOP. The maximum value for SubGOP is 6. The SubGOP should be divisible into the GOP. Click the Advanced button to allow access to this field.

Video Scaling Method sets the aspect ratio of the target file. The options are Stretch To Fit and Letter Box. Stretch To Fit changes the aspect ratio of the source file to fit within the specifications of the target file. Letter Box will maximize the target file dimensions while keeping the aspect ratio the same as the source. The Letter Box method is similar to a video tape that has been formatted to fit your television screen instead of a motion picture screen.

To navigate in this window:

Back returns you to the previous window.

Next moves you to the next window. The Encoder checks the information in this window and provides you with a message box if any information needs to be changed.

Cancel cancels all information and returns you to the previous window.

Help or F1 opens this Help Topic which describes the fields in the VideoCD Video Properties window.


Properties (Source Tab)

  See Also

The Properties Source tab enables you to view the selected job's source properties. Depending on the file type you are encoding, some of the following properties' descriptions may not display.

Video Filename displays the full path and name of the Video Source file.

Type displays the Algorithm.

Size displays the size of the source file.

Length displays the number of frames and the estimated time to play the file.

Format displays the Dimensions and Frame Rate of the encoded video stream.

Audio Filename displays the full path and name of the Audio Source file.

Type displays the source file type and extension.

Size displays the size of the source file.

Length displays the estimated time to encode the file in seconds.

Format displays the Algorithm and Channels of the encoded audio stream.


Properties (Error Tab)

  See Also

The Properties Error tab enables you to read the selected job's error message. The Error message describes the error and, depending on the type of Error, may describe how to correct it. Click here [image] to learn how to troubleshoot an error message.


Choosing Which Stream Profile to Use

  See Also

This section describes each of the Stream Profiles and offers some considerations for when you should choose a particular profile.

MPEG 1 Stream Profiles

Use MPEG 1 Stream Profiles to make various kinds of MPEG files, from full size down to smaller Internet based sizes.

Match Source Stream Profile creates an MPEG file that best matches the source file (near CD quality audio). Use the Match Source Stream Profile when you are unsure which Stream Profile to use or to avoid unnecessary re-encoding.

When you provide an MPEG system source file (.mpg), MPEG video source file (.mpv), or an MPEG audio source file (.mpa/.mp3), the XingMPEG Encoder tries to use that source file without re-encoding it. However, if your Stream Profile does not match the source file's properties exactly (Data Rate, Resolution, Frame Rate, etc.), the Encoder assumes you want the file re-encoded with the new properties. Use the Match Source Stream Profile to prevent unnecessary re-encoding.

Click here [image] for more information on re-encoding.

NTSC Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file following the US (NTSC) standard for color television broadcast signals (near CD quality audio ).

PAL Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file following the European standard (PAL) for color television broadcast signals (near CD quality audio).

FILM Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file following the 35mm motion picture film standard (near CD quality audio).

600K Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file with high radio quality audio suitable for broadband target networks.

384K Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG file with radio quality audio suitable for broadband target networks.

128K Stream Profile creates a quarter-screen MPEG file with radio quality audio suitable for narrowband target networks.

VideoCD Stream Profiles

Use VideoCD Stream Profiles to make VideoCD 1.0 or 2.0 MPEG files for the Whitebook Standard. Note: You must use the VideoCD Stream Profile when creating a VideoCD using a still image.

NTSC Stream Profile creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the US (NTSC) standard for color television broadcast signals (CD quality audio).

PAL Stream Profile creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the European (PAL) standard for color television broadcast signals (CD quality audio).

FILM Stream Profile creates a VideoCD MPEG file following the 35mm motion picture film standard (CD quality audio).

StreamWorks Stream Profiles

Use StreamWorks Stream Profiles to make files for various intranet and Internet target networks. Note: StreamWorks creates files for delivery to narrowband (28.8K, 14.4K, or 9600 modems) by a method called thinning.

If you are creating a StreamWorks file, here are some considerations:

•	In general choose the Stream Profile that best matches your target connection speed.

•	Video received by Narrowband modems is never full-motion; video appears as a slide show at these lower speeds.

•	If you want to deliver video and audio to 28.8K modems, use the 28.8K Audio/Video Stream Profile when audio quality and video quality are equally important. If you want to optimize the video quality of your stream (and thereby compromise the audio quality), use the 14.4K Audio/Video profile.

•	When using the 28.8K Audio/Video Stream Profile, you may want to use MPEG-2 audio rather than LBR if your audio content contains music. MPEG-2 audio will yield wider frequency response, but contains more compression artifacts (noise) than LBR audio at low data rates.

•	If you want to deliver video and audio to 14.4K modems, use the 14.4K Audio/Video Stream Profile. If the audio portion of your content is not necessary, you can choose (through configuration of the StreamWorks Server's PLAY files) to optimize video quality by sending only the video data from the stream to 14.4K modems.

•	It is currently impossible to simultaneously deliver video and audio to 9600 modems; however, if you are using the 14.4K Audio/Video Stream Profile, you can choose (through configuration of the StreamWorks Server's PLAY files) to send either the audio or video data from the stream to 9600 modems.

Use Audio/Video Stream Profiles for making MPEG file videos for a wide range of target networks.

1.5Mb Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG file with near CD quality audio for broadband target networks.

600K Stream Profile creates a full-screen TV quality MPEG video file with high radio quality audio for broadband target networks.

384K Stream Profile creates a full-screen MPEG video file with radio quality audio for broadband and narrowband target networks.

128K ISDN TO 28.8K Modem Stream Profile creates a quarter-screen MPEG video file with radio quality audio for 128K down to 28.8K target networks.

128K ISDN TO 14.4K Modem Stream Profile creates a quarter-screen MPEG video file with radio quality audio for 128K down to 14.4K target networks.

Use Audio Only Stream Profiles for making audio only MPEG files for a wide range of target networks.

384K Stream Profile creates a CD quality audio only MPEG-1 file for broad and narrowband target networks.

128K ISDN Stream Profile creates a near CD quality audio only MPEG-1 file for broadband and narrowband target networks.

64K ISDN Stream Profile creates a high radio quality audio only MPEG-1 file for narrowband target networks.

28.8K Modem Stream Profile creates a radio quality audio only MPEG-2 file for narrowband target networks.

14.4K Modem Stream Profile creates a radio quality audio only LBR file for narrowband target networks.

9600 Modem Stream Profile creates a radio quality audio only LBR file for narrowband target networks.

Each of these choices has tradeoffs on quality versus speed. The content of the source file also affects the quality of the encoded file. Click here [image] for more information on producing quality MPEG files.


MPEG 1 Stream Profile Specification

  See Also

MPEG 1 Stream Profiles

Stream Profile Name	Match Source	NTSC	PAL	FILM
Video Type	Auto	Full-screen TV	Full-screen TV	Full-screen TV
Audio Quality	Auto	Near CD	Near CD	Near CD
System
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Pack Size	2048	2048	2048	2048
System Data Rate (kbit/sec)	Auto	1228.8	1228.8	1228.8
Video
Algorithm	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2
Width	Auto	352	352	352
Height	Auto	240	288	240
Frame Rate (Frames/Sec)	Auto	30	25	24
GOP	15	15	15	15
SubGOP	3	3	3	3
Video Data Rate (kbit/sec)	Auto	1098	1098	1098
Audio
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Sample Rate (Hz)	Auto	44100	44100	44100
Channel(s)	Auto	Joint Stereo	Joint Stereo	Joint Stereo
Stereo Bands	Auto	4	4	4
Audio Data Rate (kbit/sec)	Auto	112	112	112

MPEG 1 Stream Profiles (continued)

Stream Profile Name	600K	384K	128K
Video Type	Full-screen TV	Full-screen	Quarter-Screen
Audio Quality	High-Radio	Radio	Radio
System
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Pack Size	2048	2048	2048
System Data Rate (kbit/sec)	600	384	128
Video
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Width	352	352	160
Height	240	240	120
Frame Rate (Frames/Sec)	24	24	24
GOP	15	15	15
SubGOP	3	3	3
Video Data Rate (kbit/sec)	480	334.8	92
Audio
Algorithm	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2
Sample Rate (Hz)	44100	44100	44100
Channel(s)	Joint Stereo	Mono	Mono
Stereo Bands	4	N/A	N/A
Audio Data Rate (kbit/sec)	96	32	32


VideoCD Stream Profile Specification

  See Also

VideoCD Stream Profiles

Stream Profile Name	NTSC	PAL	FILM
System
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Pack Size	2324	2324	2324
System Data Rate (kbits/sec)	1394.4	1394.4	1394.4
Video
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Width	352	352	352
Height	240	288	240
Frame Rate (Frames/Sec)	29.97	25	23.976
GOP	15	15	15
SubGOP	3	3	3
Video Data Rate (kbits/sec)	1150	1150	1150
Audio
Algorithm	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2
Sample Rate (Hz)	44100	44100	44100
Channel(s)	Stereo	Stereo	Stereo
Stereo Bands	N/A	N/A	N/A
Audio Data Rate (kbits/sec)	224	224	224


StreamWorks Stream Profiles Specifications

  See Also

Audio/Video Layer 2 Profiles

Profile Name	1.5Mb	600K	384K
Scaleable down to	128K ISDN	128K ISDN	64K ISDN
Target Network	Broadband	Broadband	Broadband/ Narrowband
Video Type	Full-screen TV	Full-screen TV	Full-screen TV
Audio Quality	Near CD	High Radio	Radio
Video
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Width	352	352	352
Height	240	240	240
Frame Rate (Frames/Sec)	29.97	29.97	29.97
GOP	15	15	15
SubGOP	3	3	3
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	1098	520	334
Audio
Algorithm	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2
Sample Rate (kHz)	44.1	44.1	44.1
Channel(s)	Joint Stereo	Joint Stereo	Mono
Stereo Bands	4	4	N/A
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	112	64	32
Audio/Video Layer 2 Profiles (continued)

Profile Name:	128K ISDN to 28.8K Modem	128K ISDN to 14.4K Modem
Scaleable down to	28.8K Modem	14.4K Modem
Target Network	Broadband/ Narrowband	Broadband/ Narrowband
Video Type	Quarter-screen	Quarter-screen
Audio Quality	Radio	Radio
Video

Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Width	160	160
Height	120	120
Frame Rate (Frames/Sec)	29.97	29.97
GOP	15	15
SubGOP	3	3
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	96	102
Audio

Algorithm	MPEG-2 layer 2	LBR
Sample Rate (kHz)	16	8.0
Channel(s)	Mono	Mono
Stereo Bands	N/A	N/A
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	16	8
Audio/Video Layer 3 Profiles

Profile Name	1.5Mb	600K	384K
Scaleable down to	192K	192K	64K ISDN
Target Network	Broadband	Broadband	Broadband/ Narrowband
Video Type	Full-screen TV	Full-screen TV	Full-screen TV
Audio Quality	CD	Near CD	Radio
Video
Algorithm	MPEG-1	MPEG-1	MPEG-1
Width	352	352	352
Height	240	240	240
Frame Rate (Frames/Sec)	29.97	29.97	29.97
GOP	15	15	15
SubGOP	3	3	3
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	1082	472	334
Audio
Algorithm	MPEG-1 layer 3	MPEG-1 layer 3	MPEG-2 layer 3
Sample Rate (kHz)	44.1	44.1	16.0
Channel(s)	Stereo	Joint Stereo	Joint Stereo
Stereo Bands	N/A	16	4
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	128	112	32
Audio/Video Layer 3 Profiles (continued)

Profile Name:	128K ISDN to 28.8K Modem
Scaleable down to	28.8K Modem
Target Network	Broadband/ Narrowband
Video Type	Quarter-screen
Audio Quality	Radio
Video
Algorithm	MPEG-1
Width	160
Height	120
Frame Rate (Frames/Sec)	29.97
GOP	15
SubGOP	3
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	96
Audio
Algorithm	MPEG-2 layer 3
Sample Rate (kHz)	16.0
Channel(s)	Mono
Stereo Bands	N/A
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	16
Audio Only Layer 2 Profiles

Profile Name	384K	128K ISDN	64K ISDN
Scaleable down to	64K ISDN	64K ISDN	64K ISDN
Target Network	Broadband/ Narrowband	Broadband/ Narrowband	Narrowband
Quality	CD	Near CD	High Radio
Algorithm	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-1 layer 2	MPEG-2 layer 2
Sample Rate (kHz)	44.1	44.1	22.5
Channel(s)	Stereo	Joint Stereo	Mono
Stereo Bands	N/A	4	N/A
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	320	112	56
Audio Only Layer 2 Profiles (continued)

Profile Name	28.8 Modem	14.4 Modem	9600 Modem
Scaleable down to	28.8K Modem	14.4K Modem	9600 Modem
Target Network	Narrowband	Narrowband	Narrowband
Quality	Radio	Radio	Radio
Algorithm	MPEG-2 layer 2	LBR	LBR
Sample Rate  (kHz)	22.05	8.0	8.0
Channel(s)	Mono	Mono	Mono
Stereo Bands	N/A	N/A	N/A
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	24	12	8
Audio Only Layer 3 Profiles
Profile Name	192K	128K ISDN	64K ISDN
Target Network	Broadband	Broadband	Narrowband
Quality	Highest Quality Available	CD Quality Great for Music	High Radio
Algorithm	MPEG-1 layer 3	MPEG-1 layer 3	MPEG-2 layer 3
Sample Rate (kHz)	44.1	44.1	22.5
Channel(s)	Stereo	Joint Stereo	Joint Stereo
Stereo Bands	N/A	16	4
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	128	112	56
Audio Only Layer 3 Profiles (continued)

Profile Name	28.8 Modem Stereo	28.8 Modem Mono
Target Network	Narrowband	Narrowband
Quality	Radio	Radio
Algorithm	MPEG-2 layer 3	MPEG-2 layer 3
Sample Rate  (kHz)	16.0	16.0
Channel(s)	Joint Stereo	Mono
Stereo Bands	4	N/A
Transmit Data Rate (kbps)	24	16


Valid Source and Target Files

  See Also

MPEG-1

To Produce a MPEG-1 Video Only Stream
Video for Windows (.avi)	Encode	MPEG-1 Video Only Stream (.mpv)
MPEG-1 Video Only Stream (.mpv)	Decode and  Re-encode	MPEG-1 Video Only Stream (.mpv)
MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode Video Stream	MPEG-1 Video Only Stream (.mpv)
StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode Video Stream	MPEG-1 Video Only Stream (.mpv)
Apple's QuickTime  (.mov)	Encode	MPEG-1 Video Only Stream (.mpv)
To Produce an MPEG-1 Audio Only Stream
Video for Windows (.avi)	Encode	MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3) StreamWorks Low Bit Rate (.lbr)
MPEG-1 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)	Re-encode	MPEG-1 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)
MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode Audio Stream	MPEG-1 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)
Apple's QuickTime (.mov)	Encode	MPEG-1 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)
Wave (.wav)	Encode	MPEG-1 or MPEG-2  Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3) StreamWorks Low Bit Rate (.lbr)
To Produce a MPEG-1 System Stream (Mux Video Stream and Audio Stream)
Video Stream
Video for Windows (.avi)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
MPEG-1Video Stream (.mpv)	Decode and Re-encode Video Stream only if necessary	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode Video Stream	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
StreamWorks  System Stream (.mpx)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode Video Stream	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Apple's QuickTime  (.mov)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Audio Stream
Video for Windows (.avi)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Wave (.wav)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
MPEG-1 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode or Pass-though	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode Audio Stream	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Apple's QuickTime  (.mov)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Sequential Single Frames

Microsoft Windows Bitmap	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Joint Photographics Experts Group (.jpg)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Kodak PhotoCD (.pcd)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Macintosh Quickdraw PICT (.pct)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Adobe Photoshop 3.0 (.psd)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Truevision TARGA (.tga)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
Tagged Image File Format (.tif)	Encode	MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)
MPEG-1 StreamWorks Systems Stream

To Produce MPEG-1 StreamWorks System Stream
(Mux Video Stream and Audio Stream)

Video Stream
Video for Windows (.avi)	Encode	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
MPEG-1 Video Only Stream(.mpv)	Use Video Stream to create System Stream - Decode and Re-encode only if necessary	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
MPEG-1  System Stream (.mpg)	Demux, Decode, and  Re-encode Video Stream	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
StreamWorks  System Stream (.mpx)	Demux, Decode, and  Re-encode Video Stream	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
Apple's QuickTime (.mov)	Encode	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
Audio Stream
Video for Windows(.avi)	Encode	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
Wave(.wav)	Encode	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode or Pass-though	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)	Extract, Decode, and  Re-encode Audio Stream	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
Apple's QuickTime (mov.)	Encode	StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)
Single Still Image VideoCD Stream

To Produce a Single Still Image (VideoCD Stream Profile Only)

Video Stream
Microsoft Windows Bitmap (.bmp)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Joint Photographics Experts Group (.jpg)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Kodak PhotoCD  (.pcd)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Macintosh Quickdraw PICT  (.pct)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Adobe Photoshop 3.0  (.psd)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Truevision TARGA  (.tga)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Tagged Image File Format (.tif)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Apple's QuickTime (.mov)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Audio Stream (a single still must include audio)

Video for Windows  (.avi)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Wave  (.wav)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
MPEG-1 Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)	Demux, Decode, and Re-encode or Pass-though	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
MPEG-1 System Stream (.mpg)	Extract, Decode, and Re-encode Audio Stream	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)
Apple's QuickTime (.mov)	Encode	VideoCD System Stream (.mpg)


Where Do I Begin?

  See Also

This is a general overview to help you begin encoding. When you have finished reading the overview, follow the simple steps below to encode your first job.

Source files

To get started encoding you a need source file such as an .avi, .wav, or MPEG file. You can create your own source files using capture hardware and software designed to create audio and video source material.

Where do I get source files?

Here are some ways you can capture, create, or acquire source files.

You can capture video and/or audio by using:

•	Capture hardware and software

•	Sound cards (audio only)

You can create source material using:

•	Multimedia software such as Animation and Effects software

•	Digital imaging cameras

•	Audio creation software

•	Paint-type software

You can acquire source files by:

•	Downloading files from the Internet

Generally, if an .avi or .wav file will playback on your system, the XingMPEG Encoder can encode it. Click here [image] for more information on source file requirements.

Stream Profile

Once you have a source file, you need to choose a Stream Profile. A Stream Profile defines what characteristics will be included in the encoded MPEG file. These characteristics include settings such as Target Platforms, Data Rates, Frame Rates, and Sample Rates. The Encoder comes with a comprehensive set of pre-defined Stream Profiles, or you can create new (custom) Stream Profiles.

Job

The job includes the Stream Profile, an audio source and/or a video source, and the name of your target file. The job is automatically added to the Job Queue when you complete the information for the job.

Encode

When you click the Encode button, the jobs waiting in the Job Queue are encoded.

To see how easy it is to use the XingMPEG Encoder, follow these simple steps:

1 Start the New Job Wizard

From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the New button.

2 Use the default Match Source Stream Profile

From the Job Wizard - Select a Stream Profile window, click the Next button.

3 Browse for a source .avi file

From the Job Wizard - Source and Target Files window, click the Browse button and select an .avi file.

4 Finish setting up the job

Click the Finish Button.

5 Start encoding the job

From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, click the Encode button. The job is encoded.

6 Playback and review the job

When the job is done encoding, click the Play button.


Source File Requirements

  See Also

This section describes what kind of source files can be used in the XingMPEG Encoder, what source file requirements must be met, and where to get source files.

What source files can I use?

Generally, if an .avi or .wav file will playback on your system, the XingMPEG Encoder can encode it.

Valid Source File Types	Requirements

Video for Windows (.avi)*	• .avi file dimensions must be evenly divisible by 4, such as a width of 160.
Wave (.wav)*	• .wav files must be 8 or 16 bit data and cannot include non-linear PCM data.
Apple QuickTime (.mov)
Joint Photographics Experts Group (.jpg)

Kodak PhotoCD (.pcd)
Microsoft Windows Bitmap (.bmp)
Macintosh Quickdraw PICT (.pct)
Adobe Photoshop 3.0 (.psd)
Truevision TARGA (.tga)
Tagged Image File Format (.tif)	• Must not be LZW
MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 (layers 2 and 3) Audio Only Stream (.mpa/.mp3)
MPEG-1 Video Only Stream (.mpv)
MPEG-1 (layer 2) System Stream (.mpg)
StreamWorks System Stream (.mpx)	• Only the Video portion of an .mpx file is valid as a source file type. The audio portion is .lbr which is not a valid source file type for re-encoding. When using an .mpx file as the source, make sure you do not indicate the file name in the audio filename field.
*Use your capture software or Windows Properties to view information about your .avi and .wav source files.

Where do I get source files?

Here are some ways you can capture, create, or acquire source files.

You can capture video and/or audio by using:

•	Capture hardware and software

•	Sound cards (audio only)

You can create source material using:

•	Multimedia software such as Animation and Effects software

•	Digital imaging cameras

•	Audio creation software

•	Paint-type software

You can acquire source files by:

•	Downloading files from the Internet

Tip

Click here [image] for more information on the use of source files and what target files they can produce.


Errors and Warning Messages

  See Also

This section describes the most common warning and error messages and their solutions. The error messages are organized under the name of the menu or window where you were working when the error occurred.

Upon Startup of the XingMPEG Encoder

Warning! No MPEG player is installed on your system. Without an MPEG player you will not be able to review your encoded files within the XingMPEG Encoder. Please install the XingMPEG Player.

You must have the XingMPEG Player installed on your system to playback encoded files.

Warning! An earlier version of the XingMPEG Player has been installed on your system. For best results make sure version 3.3 or later of the XingMPEG Player is installed.

You should have the XingMPEG Player (version 3.3) installed on your system.

Warning! The XingMPEG Player is not the currently registered MPEG player on your system. To have full functionality in the XingMPEG Encoder it must be the default MPEG player.

You must have the XingMPEG Player installed as the default player on your system.

XingMPEG Encoder Main Menu

Cannot close application during encoding operation.

You must complete the encoding process for the current job before closing the Encoder, or click the Pause button and select Yes to Terminate the encoding for the job. Note: Remember to change the job status back to waiting and encode the job in the future.

Cannot find required file profiles.xdb. Rerun install to correct problem.

The Stream Profiles file may have been moved or deleted. Reinstall the XingMPEG Encoder program.

Can't Load Xmencode Dll, please reinstall XingMPEG Encoder!

The DLL directory may have been moved or deleted. Reinstall the XingMPEG Encoder program.

Job Queue

Warning! The XingMPEG Player is not the currently registered MPEG player on your system. To have full functionality in the XingMPEG Encoder it must be the default MPEG player.

You must have the XingMPEG Player installed as the default player on your system.

Improperly installed VFW decompressor handler for AVI files.

There may be a problem with the .avi codec (capture hardware) used for reading the .avi file. This error can also occur when trying to use an .avi file compressed with a hardware codec on a system that does not have this codec installed.

Encoding Errors

Warning! The XingMPEG Player is not the currently registered MPEG player on your system. To have full functionality in the XingMPEG Encoder it must be the default MPEG player.

You must have the XingMPEG Player installed as the default player on your system.

Input audio file not found.

The audio source file may have been moved or deleted. Make sure that the audio source filename is correct and that you have typed or selected the correct path (drive and directory).

Input video file not found.

The video source file may have been moved or deleted. Make sure that the video source filename is correct and that you have typed or selected the correct path (drive and directory).

Invalid Job! The only acceptable job using a single still image is to combine it with an audio clip using one of the VideoCD stream profiles. If you want to use sequential images for your video you must use wildcards in the video filename (see help for more information).

You either did not use a VideoCD Stream Profile, forgot to include an audio source, or did not use the wildcard characters in the Video Source Filename field. Click here [image] for more information on creating a VideoCD 2.0 using a still image.

Unsupported file type for video encoding. Source must be a valid AVI file, MPEG file, or one of the supported sequential still image types. If this error occurs with an AVI file, make sure the AVI compressor that created the file is available on your computer.

Check to be sure your file extension is a valid type (MPEG-1, mpg, .mov, .mpv, or .avi). Click the Browse button to view the valid file extension types.

Stream Profile Wizard windows

Warning! The data rates entered will produce an unconstrained MPEG stream.

The current Stream Profile properties will create a non-MPEG-1 compliant file. While this is allowed, the file may not playback correctly on some systems. Review your Stream Profile properties and make the necessary changes. If you do not know what needs to be changed, use the pre-defined Stream Profile which most closely matches your requirements.

Warning! The video dimensions presented here will produce an unconstrained MPEG stream.

The current Stream Profile Properties will create a non-MPEG-1 compliant file. While this is allowed, the file may not playback correctly. Review your Stream Profile Properties and make the necessary changes. If you do not know what needs to be changed, use the pre-defined Stream Profile which most closely matches your requirements.

The new stream profile must have a name.

Type in a name for the Stream Profile in the Name field.

Edit Stream Profile Properties window

Warning! The current settings will produce an unconstrained video stream.

The current Stream Profile Properties will create a non-MPEG-1 compliant file. While this is allowed, the file may not playback correctly on some systems. Review your Stream Profile Properties and make the necessary changes. If you do not know what needs to be changed, use the pre-defined Stream Profile which most closely matches your requirements.

Invalid Video CD operation! You cannot specify any string in the header info field.

VideoCD specifications do not allow the use of Header Info. Do not use the Header Info field when editing VideoCD Stream Profiles.

<#> jobs are currently using this profile. Do you still wish to edit the profile?

If you edit the Stream Profile, it will overwrite the Stream Profile in the job(s) shown.

Manage Stream Profiles window

Warning - <#> jobs are currently using this profile. It cannot be deleted! Before you can delete it you must delete all jobs that use it.

You cannot delete a Stream Profile while it is in use by a job. You must delete the job(s) using the Stream Profile first, then you can delete the Stream Profile. Note: You cannot delete any of the pre-defined Stream Profiles.

Source and Target Files window

Target file already exists. When you run this job a new file of the same name will overwrite it. Do you wish to continue?

You already have a target file with the same name. If you click OK, you will overwrite the target file that may already be included in a different job.

Cannot have the same name for both a source and target file.

Change the name of the target file.

Video file either does not exist or is currently accessed by another application. Please provide a valid name or release file from the other application.

Make sure that the video source filename is correct and that you have typed or selected the correct path (drive and directory). If the filename and path are correct, check to be sure the file is not open in another application such as your capture software or a player.

Audio file either does not exist or is currently accessed by another application. Please provide a valid name or release file from the other application.

Make sure that the audio source filename is correct and that you have typed or selected the correct path (drive and directory). If the filename and path are correct, check to be sure the file is not open in another application such as your capture software or a player.

Target file cannot be created. Make sure the file's drive letter exists or that another application does not have the file open.

Make sure that the target filename is correct and that you have typed or selected the correct path (drive and directory).

Unsupported Wave File. Must be 8 or 16 bit data to be acceptable.

Click here [image] for more information on source file requirements.

Unsupported input file width! The input file must be a multiple of 4 pixels.

Click here [image] for more information on source file requirements.

Unsupported Wave File! (non linear PCM data).

Click here [image] for more information on source file requirements.

Warning! The width of the MPEG source file video is not a multiple of 16. This file cannot be encoded.

The source MPEG file must have a width that is a multiple of 16.


Copying a Job in the Job Queue

  See Also

1	From the Job Queue, select a job and click the right mouse button.

2	In the pop-up menu, select Copy and click the left mouse button.

3	In the pop-up menu, select Paste and click the left mouse button. A copy of the job is placed at the bottom of the Job Queue and is highlighted.

Tip

You can also use the standard Windows keyboard shortcuts - CTRL+C to copy and CTRL+V to paste.


Frequently Asked Questions

  See Also

This section describes frequently asked questions and their answers.

When I play back an encoded file with the Encoder it looks jerky.

If problems occur with playback of encoded MPEG files, it is probably not the fault of the files. Try reducing the number of applications running in the background. If that is not successful, play the files directly from the XingMPEG Player which is included with the XingMPEG Encoder program. If you are still experiencing the same problem, check the source file in your capture software.

After I create MPEG files from StreamWorks Stream Profiles, I can't play them back within the Encoder. The Play button is not enabled.

Playback of StreamWorks .mpx and .lbr files require Xing's StreamWorks Player and Server.

When I use a Stereo audio source with a Mono Stream Profile, the resulting audio sounds bad.

Stereo to Mono conversion works with most existing files. However, certain Stereo files cannot be converted properly. In these cases, supply a Stream Profile that matches the source (such as Match Source) or convert the source to Mono.

I type a specific video bit rate into one of the Stream Profiles, and the Encoder keeps changing it to something else.

Video bit rates are required to be in multiples of 400 bits. When you enter a video bit rate that does not fit this requirement, the Encoder automatically converts it for you.

I used a pre-defined Stream Profile with 16000 Hz audio, but my MPEG got encoded at 22050 Hz. Why?

The XingMPEG Encoder performs MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 Sample Rate conversions by multiplying or dividing the source audio by 2. If your audio is 44100 Hz, the XingMPEG Encoder can only convert it to 22050 Hz (44100/2=22050). If the Stream Profile you select has the Sample Rate set to something that is incompatible with the Sample Rate of your source audio, then the Encoder will round to the nearest compatible setting. For example, if your Sample Rate was set to 16000 Hz, but your source audio was 44100 Hz, then the XingMPEG Encoder would encode at 22050 Hz.

I changed the audio volume using the Volume Controls in Windows, but each time I play the new file in the XingMPEG Encoder, the audio volume gets reset and I lose my previous audio volume setting.

If the XingMPEG Player is installed, you can use the volume setting of the XingMPEG Player to control the XingMPEG Encoder's audio playback. Run the XingMPEG Player and move the audio playback volume slider to a desired audio volume setting. When you unselect and then reselect the job, the new settings will take effect in the XingMPEG Encoder.

Tip

You can find more frequently asked questions and answers by using Xing's SmartFAQ system located in the Support section of Xing Technology's Web site. You can connect directly to Xing Technology's Home page or Technical Support page. From the XingMPEG main menu, select Support from Xing on the Web.


How Do I Create a Custom Stream Profile?

  See Also

Custom Stream Profiles are created by customizing an existing Stream Profile or by using the Stream Profile wizard. You can create a new (custom) Stream Profile by:

•	Using the Stream Profile Wizard to Create a New (Custom) Stream Profile.

•	Extracting a Stream Profile from an MPEG Source File.

•	Editing a Stream Profile (Advanced Users).


Copying a Stream Profile

  See Also

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	In the Manage Stream Profiles window, select a Stream Profile and click the right mouse button.

4	In the pop-up menu, select Copy.

5	Click the right mouse button.

6	In the pop-up menu, select Paste. A copy of the Stream Profile is placed at the bottom of the Stream Profile directory tree and is highlighted.

Tip

You can also use the standard Windows keyboard shortcuts - CTRL+C to copy and CTRL+V to paste.


Keyboard Shortcuts

You can use the following keyboard shortcuts to navigate within the Encoder.

•	To move a job to the top of the job queue, press Ctrl+T.

•	To move a job down one position in the job queue, press Ctrl+D.

•	To move a job up one position in the job queue, press Ctrl+U.

•	To move a job to the bottom of the job queue, press Ctrl+B.

•	To open a job's Properties window, press Alt+Enter.

•	To copy a job, press Ctrl+C.

•	To paste a job, press Ctrl+V.

•	To open the Manage Stream Profiles window, press Ctrl+M.

•	To copy a Stream Profile, press Ctrl+C.

•	To paste a Stream Profile, press Ctrl+V.


Creating a New Stream Profile Based on an Existing Stream Profile (Advanced Users)

  See Also

When you create a new Stream Profile based on an existing Stream Profile, you select a Stream Profile and edit it.

Editing a Stream Profile is recommended only for advanced users. Editing in the Edit Stream Profile Properties window requires an in-depth understanding of the Stream Profile fields and how they relate to one another.

When you open a pre-defined Stream Profile in the Editing a Stream Profile window, you create a (new) custom Stream Profile.

1	From the XingMPEG Encoder main menu, select the File menu.

2	In the File menu, select Stream Profiles.

3	From the Manage Stream Profiles window, select a Stream Profile by double-clicking on a Stream Profile folder.

4	In the Stream Profile folder, select a Stream Profile and click the Edit button. Note: If you selected a pre-defined Stream Profile, a message box appears. Select Yes to confirm you want to make a copy of the pre-defined Stream Profile.

5	In the Edit Stream Profile Properties window, edit the Stream Profile Properties. Note: Click the Advanced button to enable advanced fields to be edited. These fields should be changed only by advanced users requiring special profile settings.

6	Click the Save button. Your new Stream Profile is placed at the bottom of the Stream Profiles directory.


Thinning

Thinning is the process through which a StreamWorks Server reduces the video frame rate and audio data rate of a file prior to stream transmission. This thinning process allows a stream to be played by end-users with various connection speeds without affecting the original file.


What's New in the XingMPEG Encoder?

MPEG Layer 3 pre-defined Stream Profiles

Create .mp3 streams using pre-defined Stream Profiles. The Encoder includes three new folders containing layer 3 Stream Profiles: Audio Only Layer 3, StreamWorks Audio Only Layer 3, and StreamWorks Audio/Video Layer 3.

The Audio Only Layer 3 folder contains Stream Profiles for making a variety of high quality MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 layer 3 audio only files.

StreamWorks Audio Only Layer 3 folder contains Stream Profiles for making layer 3 audio only files for use with Xing's StreamWorks products.

StreamWorks Audio/Video Layer 3 folder contains Stream Profiles for making MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 system streams (audio and video) with layer 3 audio for use with Xing's StreamWorks products.

Click here [image] for specifications on the new layer 3 Stream Profiles.

Some of new features introduced in 2.20:

MPEG-2 layer 3 audio

Create MPEG-2 layer 3 files for the best audio quality at low bit rates (less than 112kbps).

MPEG-1 layer 3 audio

Create MPEG-1 layer 3 files for the best audio quality data at moderate to high bit rates (112-320kbps).

Support for Apple's QuickTime .mov files

Create MPEG files from Apple's QuickTime .mov files.

Full system MPEG re-encoding

Re-encode MPEG files: .mpa/.mp3, (audio), .mpv (video), and .mpg (system) files.

Batch processing

Encode the same file types in an entire directory using the Make Batch button. A wildcard is added preceding the file's extension, and the similar file types are encoded as a batch job.


Changing the Playback Volume

  See Also

To change the playback volume, use your Window's volume controls or audio adapter's mixer controls.

Tip

If the XingMPEG Player is installed, you can use the volume setting of the XingMPEG Player to control the XingMPEG Encoder's audio playback. Run the XingMPEG Player and move the audio playback volume slider to a desired audio volume setting. When you close the XingMPEG Player, the new settings will take effect in the XingMPEG Encoder.


"I" Frames, "P" Frames, and "B" Frames

In a movie, each frame is a complete picture like a photograph. In MPEG video streams, there are 3 types of frames: "I" - Intra, "B"- Bi-directional, "P" - Predicted. "I" frames are complete pictures and can be likened to JPEG still images. "I" frames are reference frames because the information contained in an "I" can be referenced by "P" and "B" frames. "P" frames are not complete pictures and refer to a previous "I" or "P" reference frame. "P" frames are also reference frames. "B" frames refer to both a previous and future "I" or "P" reference frames. "B" frames contain the least amount of data.


Attributions

1	Portions of the XingMPEG (TM) Encoder were created using LEADTOOLS copyright (C) 1991-1996 LEAD Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. The XingMPEG (TM) Encoder includes certain LEAD Redistributable Code from LEAD Technologies, Inc. The LEAD Redistributable Code is the property of LEAD Technologies, Inc. and is protected by copyright law and international treaty provisions. You are authorized to make and use copies of the LEAD Redistributable Code only as part of the XingMPEG (TM) Encoder application. You may not reproduce or distribute the LEAD Redistributable Code on a standalone basis. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the LEAD Redistributable Code.

2	The XingMPEG (TM) Encoder includes certain Redistributable Code from Microsoft Corporation. The Redistributable Code is the property of Microsoft Corporation and its suppliers and is protected by copyright law and international treaty provisions. You are authorized to make and use copies of the Redistributable Code only as part of the application in which you received the Redistributable Code. You are not authorized to reproduce and distribute the Redistributable Code on a standalone basis. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the Redistributable Code, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressed permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation. THE REDISTRIBUTABLE CODE IS PROVIDED TO YOU "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND/OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. YOU ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE ACCURACY AND THE USE OF THE REDISTRIBUTABLE CODE. MICROSOFT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE REDISTRIBUTABLE CODE, EVEN IF MICROSOFT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.


Warranty

Xing Technology Corporation

Limited Warranty

Xing Technology Corporation ("Xing") warrants the accompanying or enclosed hardware (if any), software, and accessory materials, if any (collectively, the "Product") for a period of one year from the date of receipt as follows: 1) the software will perform substantially in accordance with its accompanying written or electronic documentation and materials; 2) the hardware and accessory materials, if any, will be substantially free from defects. Any implied warranties allowed by local law are limited to ninety (90) days from the date of receipt.

Xing's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be:

A) If the Product was purchased for a fee or included in a bundle or package purchased for a fee, at Xing's option either 1) refund of the price paid for the Product if purchased alone or the fair market value of the Product if purchased as part of a bundle or package, or 2) repair or replacement of the Product or part thereof, if the Product is returned to Xing with a copy of your receipt or other proof of payment; or

B) If the Product was distributed for free, replacement with a similar free Product, but ONLY if Xing is then distributing similar Products for free at the time the warranty claim is made, and if you pay the costs of making such replacement.

Any replacement Product will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period or ninety (90) days, whichever is longer.

THE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED WITHOUT, AND XING DISCLAIMS, ANY OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS. YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH VARY FROM STATE/JURISDICTION TO STATE/JURISDICTION.

XING SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

(A) INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF ANY SORT WHATSOEVER, WHETHER ARISING IN TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, REVENUES, OR INFORMATION, OR FOR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PRODUCT OR YOUR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, EVEN IF XING HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES; OR

(B) ANY CLAIM BY ANY PARTY OTHER THAN YOU.

IN NO EVENT SHALL XING'S LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU ORIGINALLY PAID FOR THE PRODUCT. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH LIMITATION. SOME STATES AND JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.


End User License Agreement

Xing Technology Corporation

End-User License Agreement

This License Agreement (this "Agreement") is a legal agreement between you and Xing Technology Corporation, a California corporation ("Xing") for the accompanying software, associated media, printed materials, audiovisual content, and "online" or electronic documentation (collectively, the "Product"). By installing or using the Product, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree to all of the terms of this agreement, de-install all copies of the Product from your computer and return all Product materials to your distributor or Xing for a refund of any license fees paid.

LICENSE

1. The Product is licensed, not sold. The Product is protected by copyright law and international copyright treaty provisions, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. You must not allow copies of the Product or any part of it to be made or distributed to anyone else. You may make backup copies of the software for archival purposes only.

2. Xing grants to you a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable license to use the Product for your own use only.

3. The Product is licensed for use on a single session of a single computer. If your computer is capable of running more than one simultaneous session, you may not use the Product on more than one session at a time. You may delete the Product from one computer and reinstall it on another, but you may not install the Product on more than one computer at any given time. If you wish to install the Product on more than one computer or use the Product for more than one session on a particular computer, you must purchase separate copies of the Product for each such computer or session.

4. The Product may not be rented, leased, or in any other manner commercially exploited without prior written permission of Xing. However, you may transfer this license to use the Product to another party (the "Transferee") on a permanent basis by transferring all parts of the Product to the Transferee. Such transfer of possession terminates your license from Xing. The Transferee will be licensed under the terms of this Agreement upon the Transferee's acceptance of this Agreement by its initial use of the Product. Upon notification to Xing of the transfer, the Transferee will receive customer support on the same terms you did at the time of the transfer, and the Transferee will receive no support if for any reason you were ineligible for support. If you transfer the Product, you must remove all parts of it, along with any installation devices, from your computer, and you may not retain any parts or copies for your own use.

5. The Product in source code form is confidential and Xing's protected trade secret, and you may not attempt to reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or otherwise decipher any portion of the Product. Reproduction and/or redistribution of any portion of the Product is specifically prohibited in the absence of a separate written agreement with Xing.

6. If audio/visual content contained in or bundled with the Product (the "Content") contains its own license agreement, that agreement controls use of the Content. Otherwise, use of the Content is controlled by this Agreement. You may not modify, copy, or distribute the Content except to the extent this Agreement allows modification, copying, or distribution of the Product. You may not use the Content except in conjunction with personal testing or demonstration of the Product. The Content must at all times remain with the Product in its original form.

7. All video, audio, and other content accessed through the Product is the property of the applicable content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright law. This Agreement gives you no rights to such content.

8. If you use the Product to create or distribute audio, video, or other content, Xing is not responsible for such content, and you are solely responsible, for the property rights, legality, and regulation of all such content, including but not limited to issues of copyright ownership and obscenity regulation worldwide.

9. Xing retains all ownership and intellectual property rights in and to the Product. You agree to abide by the copyright law and all other applicable laws of the United States, including those relating to United States export controls. You agree not to ship or re-export any portion of the Product to any destination to which it could not lawfully have been exported originally under those export controls.

10. Xing may terminate this Agreement at any time by delivering notice to you, and you may terminate this Agreement at any time by removing all copies of the Product from your computer and destroying all Product materials. However, Sections 4 through 12 of this Agreement shall indefinitely survive its termination. This Agreement is personal to you and you agree not to assign your rights under it. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California and by U.S. federal law relating to intellectual property in general, and to copyrights, patents, and trademarks in particular. You agree to submit all disputes to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts or tribunals located within the territorial boundaries of the U.S.

11. The Product is covered solely by the accompanying Xing Limited Warranty. THE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED WITHOUT ANY OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

12. XING SHALL NOT BE LIABLE: (A) FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR INDIRECT DAMAGES OF ANY SORT WHATSOEVER, WHETHER ARISING IN TORT, CONTRACT, OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, REVENUES, OR INFORMATION, OR FOR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PRODUCT OR YOUR INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT, EVEN IF XING HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES; OR (B) FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY PARTY OTHER THAN YOU. IN NO EVENT SHALL XING'S LIABILITY TO YOU EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU ORIGINALLY PAID FOR THE PRODUCT. THIS LIMITATION OF LIABILITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO LIABILITY FOR DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE LAW PROHIBITS SUCH LIMITATION. SOME STATES AND JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION AND EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

13. The Product is provided with Restricted Rights. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government or any of its agencies or instrumentalities is subject to the restrictions set forth in subdivision (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013, or in subdivision (c)(1) and (c)(2) of the Commercial Computer Software -- Restricted Rights clause at 48 CFR 52.227-19, as applicable. Manufacturer/contractor is Xing Technology Corporation, 810 Fiero Lane, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

"Xing" and "StreamWorks" are registered trademarks, "SmartFAQ" is a service mark, and "XingMPEG," "MPEGLive!," and all logo and graphic designs are trademarks of Xing Technology Corporation.

Other product and company names appearing in Xing Technology Corporation products and materials are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Registered and unregistered trademarks used in any Xing Technology Corporation products and materials are the exclusive property of their respective owners.

Copyright (c) 1994-98 Xing Technology Corporation. All rights reserved.


Troubleshooting Jobs Using MPEG Files as the Source (Re-encoding)

  See Also

When a job includes an audio (.mpa/.mp3), video (.mpv), or system (.mpg) source file, the Encoder may need to re-encode the source files to create your target MPEG file.

Re-encoding involves several steps:

•	When a system file (.mpg) is used as the source, the audio and video must be separated before encoding. This is called Demuxing.

•	As each file is being encoded, a temporary file named "~Xtemp" is created in the Encoder directory on your hard drive.

•	Each file is encoded and then combined to create your target MPEG file. This is called Muxing.

When using an MPEG file as a source file for a job:

•	Before encoding a job that includes an MPEG file as the source, make certain you have ample amount of hard disk space to store the temporary file. (The Encoder automatically deletes the temporary file when the job is completed.)

•	When you encode a job that includes a system file (.mpg) the Demuxing must be completed before the encoding begins. During Demuxing, the percent completed number remains at zero (0) and the Encoder status bar indicates Demuxing followed by "++++++++++" at the bottom of the Encoder's main window. Note: The number of pluses increments as the MPEG file demuxes.

•	Only the Video portion of an .mpx file can be re-encoded. The audio portion is .lbr which is not a valid source file type for re-encoding. When using an .mpx file as the source, make sure you do not indicate the file name in the audio filename field.


Setting up a Batch Job

  See Also

The Make Batch button allows you to encode the same file types in an entire directory. A wildcard is added preceding the file's extension, and the similar file types are encoded as a batch job. The job will display as a Batch Job in the Job Queue.

1	Select a Video or Audio Filename using the Browse button.

2	Click the Make Batch button.

Note: If you browse the Video Filename and Audio Filenames independently, you will receive a Warning message.