Synchronizing audio file to a video

GregK · Post by **GregK** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 3:39 am

Delete this thread please

Post by **Ron P.** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 10:41 am

Since the movie is an avi file

What is the actual format (CODEC) of your avi file? AVI is a container that can hold hundreds of different video compression formats, such as DV, DivX, Xvid, WMV, MPEG-4. The latter ones are highly compressed and are not meant to be edited, and so are very difficult to edit. You're experiencing one of the major problems encountered, OOS (Out Of Sync). DV, is a slightly compressed version of the raw AVI file, however is the most trouble-free to edit.

Also to maintain the highest possible quality, the number of recodes needs to be limited. Each time a video file is recoded, it looses quality. So if the original video file is a DivX file, and you convert it to DV, you just took a hit on quality. To burn it to DVD it must be recoded to MPEG-2, another quality hit. So when you start off you need to know what media type you're wanting to use, either DVD or PC? If DVD then convert your original to that format, (MPEG-2) and then edited it. That way you will not suffer a loss in quality when you're ready to burn your video DVD.

what other program can I use to get this worked out correctly

For converting your video from one format to almost any other, try SUPER. It can convert DivX, Xvid or even MPEG4 files. I suggest this because looking at ConvertX to DVD, it appears that this is more of a DVD authoring program, rather than a specific file conversion program. DVD MF can do the same as ConvertX to DVD. You can add numerous file types, add subtitles, audio, build your menus and then burn a video DVD. With Super you are just converting your video file(s). It seems to do a very good job at file conversion.

Now one of the problems with DVD MF, is that it is primarily a DVD authoring program, that allows minimal editing. Corel has VideoStudio Pro X2, that is a video editing application, that includes a DVD authoring module, that is very much like DVD MF. In fact has become almost identical to DVD MF.

So assuming (I know one shouldn't, but without all the facts it's the best I can do right now), your source video file is one of the highly compressed formats, I would first convert it to DVD compliant MPEG-2 using Super, Then I would use DVD MF inserting that MPEG-2 file, and your WAV. This may work, but I'm still not convinced it will remain in sync.

If you don't have a video editing program, you could download a free trial of VS, and see if you could at least produce a video file, that combines your video and WAV file, that keeps the in sync. If so, then insert that file into DVD MF to build your DVD...

GregK · Post by **GregK** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:18 pm

Delete this thread please

Post by **Ron P.** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:46 pm

First, I'm not pushing Super, just offering as a possible tool to use. Next I tend to stay away from trying to edit highly compressed formats such as DivX or Xivd. They lead to severe headaches.

Tried a google search of "audio video sync" and got some hits, one being this article; How do I fix audio sync in AVI file. It mentions using a small program called Alexander Noe's AVI-Mux. You might try the method pointed out in the How do I fix... article..

What I've read in the past concerning issues like OOS it generally takes third party specialty applications to get things back in sync..

GregK · Post by **GregK** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 4:04 pm

Delete this thread please

Post by **Ron P.** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 4:26 pm

Now come on Greg, in your first post you stated...

Since the movie is an avi file, I put it through ConvertXtoDVD and processed it for high quality (high bitrate).

That's why I produced that last bit of info. You did not state that the output file produced by the ConvertXtoDVD program, was an MPEG-2. Have you thought about using that AVI file with AVI_Mux?

Sorry I'm not able to provide a solution, since like I stated I just plain stay clear of editing these formats. Hopefully someone that does, will have a solution.

GregK · Post by **GregK** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 5:39 pm

Oh sheesh....forget it. Just have someone delete this thread.

DVDDoug · Post by **DVDDoug** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:14 pm

Got the song I needed from CD...

Maybe there's no "defect"... Maybe the two files simply have different timing? Have you checked it with a stopwatch?

You can change the speed/tempo of an audio file with most audio editors. If the sync drift is constant, it can be fixed. You can simply slow-down the playback or use a more advanced FFT option to change the speed without altering pitch. If you don't have an audio editor, Audacity is FREE.

I had a feeling someone would be pushing SUPER once again....

Sometimes, I get the feeling I'm pushing SUPER too much! There have been times where I've recommended it several days in a row! There are things I don't like about it, and I wish I didn't need it. But, it has "saved the day" for me a few times, it handles more formats than the Corel programs, and the CODECS are much more tolerant of format variations and perhaps of corrupted files.

DVDDoug · Post by **DVDDoug** » Fri Sep 04, 2009 6:18 pm

GregK wrote:Oh sheesh....forget it. Just have someone delete this thread.

I won't delete it, but I'll lock it.