Converting MP4 Videos to AVI with MP42 Codec for Visual Factory - DVJ (Background and Texture Videos)

To use MP4 videos in Visual Factory - DVJ, you need to convert them into the AVI format with the MP42 codec. Depending on the type of video (background or texture), the resolution will change. Below are the specific commands for each type:

1. For Background Videos (640x480 resolution):

To convert your MP4 video to an AVI file suitable for background use in Visual Factory - DVJ, with a resolution of 640x480, use the following command:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v msmpeg4v2 -vtag MP42 -b:v 5000k -q:v 2 -vf scale=640:480 -an output.avi 

This command does the following:

• Converts the video to the msmpeg4v2 codec, ensuring compatibility with the MP42 codec required by Visual Factory - DVJ.

• Sets a video bitrate of 5000 kbps for high-quality output.

• Resizes the video to the standard resolution of 640x480 pixels, which is optimal for background videos.

• Removes audio with the -an option, as Visual Factory - DVJ typically doesn't require audio for background videos.

2. For Texture Videos (256x256 resolution):

For texture videos, which need to be smaller (256x256 resolution), use this command to ensure the video works well with Visual Factory - DVJ:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -c:v msmpeg4v2 -vtag MP42 -b:v 5000k -q:v 2 -vf scale=256:256 -an output.avi 

This command:

• Uses the msmpeg4v2 codec for MP42 compatibility.

• Sets a 5000 kbps bitrate for clear and sharp video.

• Resizes the video to 256x256 pixels, which is ideal for texture use in your software.

• Removes audio from the video using -an, as textures generally don't require sound.

Adjusting Video Quality:

• The -q:v 2 option ensures high visual quality, with the value of 1 providing the best quality and 31 being the lowest. You can tweak this value to balance quality and file size based on your needs.

• The -b:v option controls the bitrate. Increasing it results in better quality but also a larger file size.

How to Download and Install FFmpeg on Windows

To use these conversion commands, you'll need to have FFmpeg installed on your Windows system. Here's how to download and install it:

1. Download FFmpeg for Windows:

1. Visit the official FFmpeg download page.

2. Under Windows, click on the link Windows builds by BtbN (or another trusted source).

3. Select the Static build for your system. Choose the version that fits your Windows architecture (e.g., ffmpeg-release-i686-static.zip for 32-bit or ffmpeg-release-x64-static.zip for 64-bit).

4. Download the .zip file.

2. Extract the ZIP File:

• After downloading the .zip file, extract it to a folder of your choice (e.g., C:\ffmpeg).

3. Add FFmpeg to the System Path (so you can run it from anywhere in Command Prompt):

1. Open the Start Menu, search for Environment Variables, and click on Edit the system environment variables.

2. In the System Properties window, click the Environment Variables button.

3. Under the System variables section, scroll down and select Path, then click Edit.

4. In the Edit Environment Variable window, click New and add the path to the bin folder inside the extracted FFmpeg folder. For example, if you extracted FFmpeg to C:\ffmpeg, you would add C:\ffmpeg\bin.

5. Click OK to save the changes.

4. Verify FFmpeg Installation:

1. Open the Command Prompt (press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter).

2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   ffmpeg -version 
   

   • If FFmpeg is installed correctly, you should see information about the FFmpeg version.