[Tutorial] Encoding in X264 | HD

[Update - 7/16/2010]
GUI can be pronounced as "gooey" or G-U-I (Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/GUI), despite what many people think. Any further comments about the pronunciation of this term will result in comments being deleted. Again, I would like to urge all viewers to think carefully before posting any comment and to limit their comments to constructive ones that add to the conversation and to the tutorial. I heavily moderate this video and its associated comments.

[Update - 1/08/2010]
If you need to grab a 64-bit version of the Lagarith Lossless Video Codec, an alternative to Huffy, you can get it here: http://lags.leetcode.net/codec.html

[Update - 12/19/2009]
It seems that you can't get MeGUI through x264.nl anymore. You'll need to pick it up directly from sourceforge: http://sourceforge.net/projects/megui/

Commenting:
Feel free to post questions and suggestions in a friendly manner. Failing to do so will get your comment removed.

First and Foremost:
My apologies for the black bars on the side of the video. My native screen resolution is 1680x1050 16:10 and youtube displays videos at 16:9. I didn't want to change the aspect ratio as I feel that would make the video look a bit unnatural - hence the black bars.

This is just a quick tutorial, for starters, on how to encode in X264 using MeGUI. This tutorial isn't meant for those who already know what they're doing, but you are all welcome to leave comments and criticisms regarding my video. I certainly hope this video comes in handy for those who are completely lost and just want to get started. Below, I've listed some important information regarding the process of encoding in X264 that I also go over in the video.

Tutorial Encoding x264:

Software:
1. Sony Vegas
2. MeGUI
3. AviSynth

Links:
1. X264 Exe: http://x264.nl
2. Doom9 Forum: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=101813
3. AviSynth Wiki: http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/Main_Page
4. Huffy Codec: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/HuffYUV.htm
5. MeGUI Wiki: http://mewiki.project357.com/wiki/Main_Page
6. Lagarith Lossless Video Codec: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Lagarith_Lossless_Video_Codec.htm
Steps:
1. Install MeGUI, AviSynth
2. Install MeGUI Profiles. Also updates itself
3. Render video in Sony Vegas (Video Only - AVI\Huffy)
4. Render audio in Sony Vegas (Audio Only)
5. Create Synth script (*.avs). Two Ways:
1) Write your own script according to Crest: Write: "Directshowsource("FILE NAME.avi") ConvertToYV12()
2) Use the script creator in MeGUI

Note: AviSource vs. DirectShowSource: Wiki says to use AviSource before using DirectShowSource. Usually, only use DirectshowSource when you're using files AviSource can't read such as DirectShow-only Codecs

6. Multiplex your Audio and Video

Notes:
1. Try not to change the resolution of your principle footage.
2. If you must change the resolution, try not to change the aspect ratio of your footage

Vimeo Version:
http://www.vimeo.com/4494235
- Vimeo has a download link to the source as well

[Sidenote]
You MUST render the audio and video separately. Rendering straight to MP4 will NOT multiplex your audio for you - regardless of what others say.

[Troubleshooting]
If you are having any problems and would like to ask me for help, please send me your log. Please follow these steps:
1. The moment you have an error rendering your video, go to the "Log" tab in MeGUI
2. Right click anywhere in that window. Select Save, Log
3. Find your log file and copy all the text in it
4. Send it to me via youtube message, with a brief description of the problem, including any error messages that pop up.
5. I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible with an explanation of the issue and a possible solution

Remember, I can only help you as much as you let me. The more information I get, the better. Don't simply tell me "it doesn't work."

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• X264
• Encoding
• Tutorial
• HD
• MeGui

[grandslamjmh]

i installed huffy and Lagarith. i dont see ither of them in Sony Vegas..

[helios2k6]

@grandslamjmh Did you install them as Administrator? Installing codecs requires that you have Administrator privileges because modifications to the registry and Windows system files are required.

[Dispersityy]

When he's showing the rendering settings, I can't find the Huffy Video Template. I downloaded the link in the description box, but it still isn't showing in the options box. Help please.

[helios2k6]

@Dispersityy You have to install the codec. I would recommend against Huffy and move towards Lagarith instead.

[offthahook08]

@EssentalFx That shyt will slow your CPU to a crawl, if your trying to covert a video file....

[EssentalFx]

I dont have any of x264 stuff in encoder settings. How can I get them there?

[HurricaneGaming2011]

can you use windows movie maker to render

[grandslamjmh]

@helios2k6 How do you fix the Direct Show Error "Unable to render the file. you probably don't have the corret filters installed"

I know they are installed. why doesnt it want to work.

[grandslamjmh]

@helios2k6 I Fixed my problem.. even after System Restoring 3-4 times. LOL. Plus i had two different Xvid codecs installed that was messing up my rendering.

[Dispersityy]

@helios2k6 Oh, Lagarith worked. Thanks man.