Recent Posts

6051

General Software Discussion / Re: FavesSoft programs page on Softpedia

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 23, 2010, 11:57 AM »

Yeah, the PAD file thing, it's like once you make one then you feel like you have to maintain it for some reason.  I've always had a good rapport with Softpedia. I like how they don't try to hit me up for $$$ to list my stuff.  I can't afford to pay to give stuff away.

6052

General Software Discussion / Re: Quick AVI Creator

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 22, 2010, 11:15 PM »

btw there's also a Doom10 now. Let me know if Doom11 rolls out next week.

-sajman99 (May 22, 2010, 06:41 PM)

What did that guy keep saying on The Sopranos?  "I thought I was out... but they pulled me back in."  Buy divx player and WD player.. thought I'm nearly done with conversions.  Now this stuff that takes 5 times longer to process.  Oh dear, oh me, oh my.

6053

General Software Discussion / Re: Quick AVI Creator

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 22, 2010, 11:12 PM »

Every now and then you run across a fun thing.  Like this program.  From what I gather from the home page, the front end is totally done using an installer scripting tool.  It's similar to writing a GUI front end with Inno Setup Pascal.. although in this case I guess he used NSIS.

An interesting approach.

http://download.vide...com/QuickAVICreator/

6054

General Software Discussion / Re: updating Firefox plugins sucks!

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 22, 2010, 10:56 PM »

I am usually using SRWare Iron and Opera myself  - speed is no luxury  .
Just wanted to mention that there is now an Iron alternative in the Comodo Dragon Browser, which claims to have similar benefits as Iron.  I have not tried it myself.

-Lutz_ (April 14, 2010, 07:07 PM)

btw if you go to the Chrome Forum:
http://www.chromeplugins.org/google/

there's a small program mentioned that claims to strip off the unique ID from your Chrome install.  That way you can use the original Chrome instead of an off-shoot.

6055

General Software Discussion / Re: Quick AVI Creator

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 22, 2010, 05:57 PM »

I tried substituting the new x264 encoder and got an error msg.  But I didn't try very hard.
I haven't gone down the road with the x264 encoding because, as an example, I took an .mkv that was about 16 GB and produced an .mkv of about 5 GB in size.  The quality of the output for this particular one was indistinguishable form the input, but that may have been because the colors were so striking in the source.  The color almost had a candied quality to it, it was so saturated.  That was using Handbrake 1 pass on my quad core.  The run time for the compression was at least 4 1/2 hours.

I'm trying to get away from conversions rather than doing longer more involved ones.  That's why I got a WD set top box.  Get a video file onto HD and play it, delete when done.

I'm using Quick AVI Creator because sometimes I want a decent quality SD .avi file I can play on the SDTV. If you are interested in this area one place to start may be with the BD Rebuilder.  You should be able to pick up insights:
http://forum.doom9.o...7353f879e8e&f=75

Also MakeMKV is still in beta.  You can use it free as long as it is in beta status.  You can pick up some tidbits on that forum also:

http://www.makemkv.c...074e6dae06d1ccd43204


I'm not into all the bframe iframe pulldown mumbo jumbo. I just try to learn enough to get what I want done without messing it up so badly I can't salvage any of the intermediate files.

Lately I've been experimenting with just using HCGui with a simple .avs file and DvdAutorGUI to produce very simple DVDs with no menu.  HC does seem to produce high quality results for DVD both when upsizing and downsizing the frame size.  If I should hit the lottery or for some other reason be all of a sudden owning a flat screen HDTV that's 5 feet wide then maybe I'll have to investigate maximum video quality.  But for the stuff I have to play on now, the tools I'm using seem good enough.

edit: btw the author of Quick AVI Creator seems to hang quite a bit on Videohelp.com. He uses the handle Red Wine there.  Here's the user comment section for his app:
http://www.videohelp...Creator#usercomments

You could try sending a PM on videohelp.com to get some more info.  The thing that struck me strange about x264.exe is the file size.  All of a sudden it's over 6 MB when the ones distributed with programs I've seen are less than a Meg and a half.  I wonder why?  At first I thought they messed up and compiled with debug mode left on. But there was a 2nd release over 6 MB.  Weird.

6056

General Software Discussion / Re: FavesSoft programs page on Softpedia

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 22, 2010, 05:43 PM »

Thanks for the kind words.  It's nice to come up with a utility now and then that other people like to use. 

6057

General Software Discussion / Re: Quick AVI Creator

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 22, 2010, 11:45 AM »

The same programmer who did DVD-RB has had this beta out for awhile:
http://www.videohelp...m/tools/BD_Rebuilder

You can reencode a BluRay rip to fit on a DVD9 or make it smaller to burn to a BluRay if you have a BluRay burner etc..

The thing with shrinking BluRay down is it takes lots of horse power and time. At the moment I'm using MakeMKV because it just rips and remuxes the selected tracks.  Then I use tsMuxer to convert to .m2ts so it will play more smoothly on my WD set top box.  Can't afford $300 for a BluRay DVD player yet.

edit: I don't have a BluRay DVD player but from what I've heard, they don't all support playing a BluRay structure off a standard dvd blank, like a DVD9. If you are thinking of buying a player I'd use this list as one resource:

http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers

It has user comments about what the player will and won't do in real life.  Plus some valuable info like remote hacks to set them region free etc..

6058

Finished Programs / Re: IDEA: Shell extension to show total play time of media clips

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 22, 2010, 11:37 AM »

Geez!! I didn't realize Explorer will show the total time of selected media files if you have Details Pane selected in Layout(or at least it does on both my Vista PCs but I have MediaInfo installed on each so I'm not sure who is doing what.)

-MilesAhead (March 24, 2009, 06:23 PM)

-oh, how I have been struggling to figure out how to replicate this. I have fumbled for several hours with Vista Explorer, MediaInfo, and QTTabbar, but so far Vista will still only tell me "last modified date (period)". No 'Total Playtime' info!

What do you say, Miles; any idea how you've managed to have Explorer tell you the total playtime?
Anyone?  


------
only MP3 files selected:
 (see attachment in previous post)

-Curt (May 22, 2010, 08:06 AM)

I can't find where the setting is hidden but you need to enable Preview for the Explorer folder.  That should give you a pane at the bottom and when media files are selected you get info including playtimes.  I have MediaInfo installed with explorer extension enabled.

Edit: or just use skwire's PlayTime.  I believe it's not in memory all the time. Just launched when you run it via shell extension or manually.  And the shell extension works in both 32 and 64 bit.  I have it on both Vista64 and W7 32 bit.  It's more versatile than Explorer method because you can select some files, do Add To Playtime, then select more files in another folder and add them.

edit: ok, see from other posts you are already working with skwire.

Also I've tried several file types like .mkv and .m2ts and it doesn't seem to work with those afa display of total time or run times generally.  It's likely .avi and a few other types.  Best to go with PlayTime as Explorer looks like it will be imcomplete afa media file type support.

6059

General Software Discussion / Re: Quick AVI Creator

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 21, 2010, 11:37 PM »

It is interesting because I recently went to divx.com because I couldn't get anything to play in my software divx player.  Figured I'd download a new version.  All the new players and codecs they are pushing, calling it "Divx Plus," is .mkv format!!  I probably made a mistake using AviAddXSubs to add subs to a lot of my .avi videos, tossing away the sub sources.  I don't think the new format is going to give a damn about embedded XSubs.  I hope I can find .srt to download when I need 'em.

Here's hoping my divx stand-alones keep on keepin' on for a few more years.

6060

General Software Discussion / Re: What is your preferred font?

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 21, 2010, 10:26 PM »

... There are no Reviews for 'Celeb Faces' yet.

-famouswhy.com

It may be interesting for very short period of time only. Let's say, in ten years from now, only a minority will know who characters like X-Zibit, Kim Kardashian,  Halle Bery, Paris Hilton, Usher, ever were.

-Curt (May 21, 2010, 06:36 PM)

... maybe things like this font keeps their fame forever even after 10-20 years from now. 

-adi_barb (May 21, 2010, 06:54 PM)

Speaking of fame, one of the strangest jazz sessions I ever attended was Nat Adderley.  Before the music started they had these Post Office guys and a jazz DJ make this speech about these other jazz musicians whose images were being used for new postage stamps.  Like, the guy who was about to play was just as famous.  He just wasn't dead yet!!!  Weird.

6061

General Software Discussion / Re: FavesSoft programs page on Softpedia

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 21, 2010, 10:20 PM »

The best way is to manually create and edit your pad file for your software using an existing one, because you will know how and what to modify it when some websites won't accept the format a generator will export.
All you need is notepad or any other simple text editors and it will take few minutes to edit everything.

If you're still interested in this subject, I can send you one of my examples anytime.

-adi_barb (May 21, 2010, 06:50 PM)

Thanks for your reply. Now I pretty much just see to it that Softpedia has updates and the rest of the sites seem to pick up on them.  Of course if I could sell this stuff I'd be more aggressive.  But I'm just having fun coming up with new apps now and then.

6062

General Software Discussion / Re: What is your preferred font?

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 21, 2010, 06:46 PM »

Unless they have Ed Grimley I don't even want to look don't you know!

6063

General Software Discussion / Re: Does this exist?

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 21, 2010, 12:27 PM »

If you haven't already, take a look on this forum:

http://www.techsuppo...eeware-program-that/

If someone knows of something close they'll tend to post it even if it's not freeware.  Worth a try.

6064

General Software Discussion / Re: FolderCache 4.4

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 21, 2010, 12:24 PM »

Thanks for the heads up.

6065

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Sharkoon USB 3.0 QuickPort Dock

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 20, 2010, 06:36 PM »

Sure thing.

6066

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Sharkoon USB 3.0 QuickPort Dock

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 20, 2010, 05:00 PM »

I have the dock sitting about 2 inches from the edge of my mouse pad. I can hear it but it's not annoying at all.  It seems like a low RPM deal.  The card and this dock are the only SIIG components I've purchased.  So far I'm impressed.  Seems like high quality components that perform.

I left the system up overnight.  The drive in the Sharkoon dock was quite hot. The drive in the SIIG was just a tad past blood warm.  I wouldn't shell out another $57 just because it looks cool.  It has to be cool! Literally.

edit: the only other consideration is vibration. If you have it right on the desk like I do you may want to put a bit of padding under it.  I cut 2 strips from an old mouse pad.  The dock itself is kind of arch shaped esp. on the bottom... probably  to leave another airway for the fan. But sitting on the mouse pad strips I can't feel any vibe while my hand is on the mouse at all. Of the designs I've seen for USB 3.0 docks this looks like the best.

6067

General Software Discussion / Re: Quick AVI Creator

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 20, 2010, 02:40 PM »

Since my first post I've converted a few more .wmv HD to standard .avi using xvid codec without an issue.  A handy tool if you don't mind doing the files one at a time.  afaik there's no provision for batch mode.  But the nice thing is it fills in the stuff you absolutely need in the .avs script such as color space conversion, and leaves it to you to add filters. It seems to have at least built in .srt subtitle support but I haven't tried any subs with it yet.

6068

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: Sharkoon USB 3.0 QuickPort Dock

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 20, 2010, 02:28 PM »

btw if anyone is considering these USB 3.0 docks, the longer I use them the more I wish I got the SIIG USB 3.0 station with fan right off.  The Sharkoon method of cooling is allowing the drive to spin down from idle time out.  The SIIG just seems better quality.  The power switch feels like a much more positive action.  The HD in the dock is blood warm but not hot to the touch.

If you leave a performance drive like WD Caviar Black spun up in the Sharkoon docks they get quite hot.  Ok maybe for watching TV for a few hours but to leave spun up all the time on your PC is not such a great idea.

I ordered another SIIG.  Granted the power consumption is a bit greater but it just seems like a better design.  No moving parts other than the fan and power switch(no eject button etc..)

I can leave the HD running overnight and it's not hot, whereas the Sharkoon the drive is hot to the touch and I get a bit of that electronics smell that tells me the operating temperature is not ideal.

Live and learn.

edit: btw I don't know if it's hype but they are hinting at buy.com that stocks are running low.  Currently you can get an SIIG USB 3.0 superspeed dock with fan for about $57 with 2 day shipping.  That's the best price I've found. Plus with the 2 day shipping you get Saturday delivery rather than it sitting on the truck if the weekend happens to intervene.

6069

General Software Discussion / Re: Selector 2.2

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 19, 2010, 02:11 PM »

Selector 2.2

Fixed bug: change hotkey commands didn't clear the old hotkeys during reset.

6070

General Software Discussion / Re: ReOpen 4.4

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 19, 2010, 02:10 PM »

ReOpen 4.4

Fixed bug: change hotkey commands didn't clear the old hotkeys during reset.

6071

General Software Discussion / Re: FolderCache 4.4

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 19, 2010, 02:10 PM »

FolderCache 4.4

Fixed bug: change hotkey commands didn't clear the old hotkeys during reset.

6072

Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Shell extension to open the folder of a running application

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 19, 2010, 02:08 PM »

HomeFolder 1.5 is available for download on my hotkeys page:

http://www.favessoft.com/hotkeys.html

============================================
edit: make sure the build is at least 1.5.0.3
I just fixed the About dialog and .ini file handling of the hotkeys.
Should be working correctly now I hope.
The latest has been uploaded.
============================================

Note that it's a small app so I hard wired the Set Hotkey dialog routine to use Sky Blue background color if you have Glass enabled. On XP it just uses the standard theme colors.

btw thanks nogojoe for bringing this up.  Turns out I had a bug common to several other hotkey apps where changing the hotkey didn't clear the old one.

Those are fixed now also. I'll post updates under each title.

6073

Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Shell extension to open the folder of a running application

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 19, 2010, 12:19 PM »

Would you try this version?  I commented out the section of the loop where it detects if the FavesSA program is running.  That's likely to be the CPU expensive section.

edit: the reason the file is large is I disabled UPX compression.

edit2: I phased out the FavesSA support as it's a lot of resources for limited functionality.
Also I added some calls after completed functions to reduce memory footprint.  The new
version 1.4 is available on my hotkeys page:

http://www.favessoft.com/hotkeys.html

(If it still runs up the CPU let me know. But I suspect the call to ProcessExists() to check if FavesSA is running, in the loop was the resource eater.)

-MilesAhead (May 18, 2010, 11:43 AM)

Hi Milesahead  Great little program only trouble I have with it is Control numpad minus is also the hotkey for decreasing the font size in Chrome.   Control numpad plus being for enlarging the font size.
Any chance of a choice of another hotkey being assigned to your program to cover the problem.
nogojoe

-nogojoe (May 19, 2010, 04:56 AM)

Thanks, I didn't know about that hotkey. Just started using Chrome myself. I'll fix you up with something soon.

6074

Post New Requests Here / Re: IDEA: Shell extension to open the folder of a running application

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 18, 2010, 11:43 AM »

Would you try this version?  I commented out the section of the loop where it detects if the FavesSA program is running.  That's likely to be the CPU expensive section.

edit: the reason the file is large is I disabled UPX compression.

edit2: I phased out the FavesSA support as it's a lot of resources for limited functionality.
Also I added some calls after completed functions to reduce memory footprint.  The new
version 1.4 is available on my hotkeys page:

http://www.favessoft.com/hotkeys.html

(If it still runs up the CPU let me know. But I suspect the call to ProcessExists() to check if FavesSA is running, in the loop was the resource eater.)

6075

General Software Discussion / Quick AVI Creator

« Last post by MilesAhead on May 17, 2010, 07:00 PM »

I just started messing around with this little freeware, Quick AVI Creator.

http://www.videohelp...ls/Quick_AVI_Creator

I haven't really explored the x264 side of it yet.  But for downsizing HD content to play on a stand-alone divx DVD player using xvid, it seems ideal.


After experimenting with the settings file, xvid.presets, I found I could add a One Pass Mode just by adding a section in brackets like an .ini file.  I copied the 2nd line from the 2 pass mode and just took out the stuff about stats and passes.  I've only tried one .wmv file but it processed it in both 2 pass and 1 pass mode without choking.

Even with resizing down to 720x480 it processed the video in One Pass Mode faster than real time on my quad core.  Looks like a nice little program.  It uses AvsP and generates an AviSynth script with the basic stuff for you to modify.