Subler making me crazy

[hipnetic]

Sorry if this comes across as a thread-hijack, but I'm curious to know with those of you using Subler to convert MKV movies to an ATV-compatible format...what is your situation, and what are the must-have features you need? Do you have multiple rooms with ATVs that you want to be able to feed your content to, or just a single/primary room for movie watching? Do you care about 5.1 audio, or is stereo good enough? Does the ATV's lack of 24hz support (for those of you who know what I'm talking about) matter to you? Is one of your goals the ability to "take your movies with you" on an iPad/iPhone?

I ask these questions to compare notes, but also share where I currently stand on this topic. A while back I envisioned converting all of my Blu-ray movies to an Apple-friendly format (m4v). The truth of the matter, though, is that I personally have no need to take movies with me on an iPad or iPhone. I don't travel much, and I prefer to watch movies on a really large screen (FYI, I have a front-projector in my living room). I *do* have multiple rooms in my house, but probably only really care about two of them, as far as movie-watching goes: my living room (where *I* prefer to watch movies), and my bedroom (where my wife and daughter prefer to watch movies).

In my case, I guess I'm spoiled, because I have a full-blown computer in both rooms (my bedroom has a huge tower running Windows 7/Media Center coupled with a SiliconDust HDHomeRun Prime cablecard tuner box), and my living room has a more discrete Acer Revo 1600 ION nettop PC (cost me $200 new back in the day, but I upgraded the Windows XP to Windows 7 and the RAM from 1GB to 2GB).

FWIW, I originally bought that huge tower PC (that's in my bedroom) for the purpose of encoding my Blu-ray MKV rips to m4v files as fast as possible (it has an Intel i7 chip), but then ended up getting WMC up-and-running with that HDHomeRun Prime and it's been dedicated to TV recording and initial MakeMKV ripping ever since.

When I was doing some testing with Handbrake, I found that a typical conversion might take me around "real-time" to do at a high quality, which isn't bad. But it's still an extra step, and time-consuming one at that, compared to *just* doing the initial rip with MakeMKV.

Where am I going with this?

Those of you who want to use Subler and preserve the best possible PQ, have already decided (like me) that disk storage space is cheap enough and PQ is a high enough priority, that you'd rather not use Handbrake. But you're still holding onto the need to use the ATV as your delivery medium. So, back to my initial questions (posed in a different way)...

- Why not get an ION nettop (which can run a slick UI like Plex or XBMC) or a cheaper WDTV Live (with a non-slick UI but only costs $100) that can play your MKV files natively for the main room where you care most about PQ? And note that both of these options support 24hz, whereas the ATV does not.

- For other rooms where super-high PQ (at 24hz) and 5.1 audio isn't a must-have, how about running something like Plex server or Air Video server on a decently-powered PC and then using their companion apps on your iPhone/iPad and then using AirPlay to stream that content to an ATV?

 

[emmgunn]

MP4tools has created audio sync issue for some though (including me), even on files wit no header compression.

In case you missed it, see my post about the new MP4tools beta which seems to be successful in addressing at least some sync issues.

 

[Vice92]

Just figured I'd add on:

I recently tried to convert a .mkv encode of Pan's Labyrinth to m4v using my method I posted on pg. 1 with some interesting results.

The audio was encoded with DTS, so I used Remux to convert the file to AC3 and included the subtitles track that came inside of the .mkv (i.e I had it checked in Remux - not to be converted, but just to be included in the resulting .mkv) and then tried to mux together the audio tracks (surround + stereo) with the subtitle track in Subler. The subtitle track would just not convert correctly and the resulting m4v subtitle track did not function.

I needed to just enter the video and audio track into Remux (to convert from DTS --> AC3) and then add the subtitle track from the original .mkv into Subler.

Just a heads up for anyone encountering any problems.

 

[chenks]

In case you missed it, see my post about the new MP4tools beta which seems to be successful in addressing at least some sync issues.

unless i'm missing something obvious, this beta is not creating a 6 channel AC3 audio track even when it is told to.
using these settings shown (which are the same as i used in the non-beta), it creates a 2 channel stereo and a 2 channel AC3 track.

this is what was created

it's also not setting the stereo as the first audio track, whereas the non-beta version does.

it has fixed the audio sync issue, but it has created 2 other issues which kinda are show stoppers.

 

[sfxguy]

unless i'm missing something obvious, this beta is not creating a 6 channel AC3 audio track even when it is told to.
using these settings shown (which are the same as i used in the non-beta), it creates a 2 channel stereo and a 2 channel AC3 track.

Image

this is what was created

Image

it's also not setting the stereo as the first audio track, whereas the non-beta version does.

it has fixed the audio sync issue, but it has created 2 other issues which kinda are show stoppers.

I have noticed this as well, I have been using passthrough on audio and adding a 2-channel track to everything, then taking that into subler to tag anyway and re-ordering there.

That just happened to be the workflow of what I was doing so I and it works, but as you said if I didn't use passthrough everything was 2-channel.

 

[chenks]

I have noticed this as well, I have been using passthrough on audio and adding a 2-channel track to everything, then taking that into subler to tag anyway and re-ordering there.

That just happened to be the workflow of what I was doing so I and it works, but as you said if I didn't use passthrough everything was 2-channel.

have reported it to the dev and he advises that it is a bug and he will look into it.

on another note, Subler (latest beta) doesn't seem to work in Mountain Lion ( GM build).

i tried to save a file and got the following error.

 

[ac3320]

have reported it to the dev and he advises that it is a bug and he will look into it.

on another note, Subler (latest beta) doesn't seem to work in Mountain Lion ( GM build).

i tried to save a file and got the following error.

Image

Check out this link to some Subler forum help site. It had another link to an updated (post-Perian retardation) codec that should replace one in your ~/Library folder, which allows 0.15b3 to work fine with 10.8

 

[mic j]

Check out this link to some Subler forum help site. It had another link to an updated (post-Perian retardation) codec that should replace one in your ~/Library folder, which allows 0.15b3 to work fine with 10.8

Thanks a lot for that link. Haven't upgraded to ML (yet), but it's good to know there is a fix for when I do.

 

[jbrittmartin]

LOL. Well, I think I'll stick to the process we found out here that seems to work pretty OK.

1. Open MKV in MKVToolnix and remove header compression if any.
2. Open MKV in "remux" to convert AC3 tracks to AAC (this app lets you do it with all 6 channels enabled) and save just the audio.
3. Open MKV in Subler, set the audio to pass thru and add the AAC tracks manually.
4. Put into iTunes.

Seems to be working pretty fine and I haven't had any more delay issues. The only problem is all these steps take a bit longer than the usual single Subler step.

I have used this method for a few movies.

I have then put the movies on my iPhone 4S and tried to play them on my 50inch tv via the Apple A/V component cable the video is noticeably choppy (as if it's skipping frames) and the audio is bad....

is this a hardware issue with the iPhone and these large files? am I right to assume that if I just bought an Apple TV and played the same movie from my Macbook to Apple TV the video and audio would be fine on my TV?

Is there a way to convert an mkv to m4v or mp4 for playback on an iPhone 4S to a TV via the cable without losing quality?

 

[dasx]

I have used this method for a few movies.

I have then put the movies on my iPhone 4S and tried to play them on my 50inch tv via the Apple A/V component cable the video is noticeably choppy (as if it's skipping frames) and the audio is bad....

is this a hardware issue with the iPhone and these large files? am I right to assume that if I just bought an Apple TV and played the same movie from my Macbook to Apple TV the video and audio would be fine on my TV?

Is there a way to convert an mkv to m4v or mp4 for playback on an iPhone 4S to a TV via the cable without losing quality?

Sorry for the delay! I've been on holiday.

I haven't tried putting a movie into the iPhone and then to the Apple TV... What I do is directly play them in the Apple TV through iTunes' Shared Library option, and it does perfectly fine. Good audio, no "choppiness"...

I got a mini so there's no problem leaving it on for like always, but I guess you don't use this method because of the macbook you own, right? If that is the case I'd then turn it on just when you wanna watch something.

 

[ac3320]

Just figured I'd add on:

I recently tried to convert a .mkv encode of Pan's Labyrinth to m4v using my method I posted on pg. 1 with some interesting results.

The audio was encoded with DTS, so I used Remux to convert the file to AC3 and included the subtitles track that came inside of the .mkv (i.e I had it checked in Remux - not to be converted, but just to be included in the resulting .mkv) and then tried to mux together the audio tracks (surround + stereo) with the subtitle track in Subler. The subtitle track would just not convert correctly and the resulting m4v subtitle track did not function.

I needed to just enter the video and audio track into Remux (to convert from DTS --> AC3) and then add the subtitle track from the original .mkv into Subler.

Just a heads up for anyone encountering any problems.

Do you know if Subler 0.17 still has DTS --> AC-3/AAC audio/video syncing issues? I have been following your advice about using remux to do all the DTS --> AC-3, and have been having great results! It would be nice to just use ONE program, though (Subler), but I have not tested if 0.17 resolves those audio/video sync issues when converting the parent DTS track to either 6-channel AC-3 (or 2-channel AAC).

 

[Vice92]

Do you know if Subler 0.17 still has DTS --> AC-3/AAC audio/video syncing issues? I have been following your advice about using remux to do all the DTS --> AC-3, and have been having great results! It would be nice to just use ONE program, though (Subler), but I have not tested if 0.17 resolves those audio/video sync issues when converting the parent DTS track to either 6-channel AC-3 (or 2-channel AAC).

I'm glad my instructions proved helpful!

However, at least according to the Subler 0.17 release notes, this issue has still not been fixed, and thus you still need to do the workaround.

I have not tried Subler 0.17 myself (as I'm out of hard drive space ) but I will update when I do / if this info changes.

 

[ac3320]

I'm glad my instructions proved helpful!

However, at least according to the Subler 0.17 release notes, this issue has still not been fixed, and thus you still need to do the workaround.

I have not tried Subler 0.17 myself (as I'm out of hard drive space ) but I will update when I do / if this info changes.

[Stupid question:] SO if the release notes don't say anything about any issues being solved, they haven't been? I noticed that 0.16 has "muxing support for DTS and ALAC," so I was hopeful

 

[mic j]

[Stupid question:] SO if the release notes don't say anything about any issues being solved, they haven't been? I noticed that 0.16 has "muxing support for DTS and ALAC," so I was hopeful

Release notes don't necessarily capture all program adjustments. I have found the new release (0.17) to be really good and rock solid (no crashes). I would suggest you give it a try and let us know the status of the issue.

 

[JEREZANO]

648k or 640k

Sure.
Thank you Vice92 for the info the remux it works fine for me ...I just have something to say about the audios you recommend use 448k ac3 : and Dts is like 1500k or more I made a 640k and my yamaha receiver and sony receiver plays really good with 640k after that go to subler and just passthrut the audio and done ...


Download Remux from here :http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/35968/remux/

Then, drag and drop the original mkv into the program.

Under the "Reencode" column in the same row as the audio, it should default to "no". Click the scroll down menu and change to AC3 448k.

Set an alternate save location (or rename the file) or else your original file will be overwritten and the conversion will fail.

After Remux does its thing, you will now have an mkv with a AC3 audio track rather than DTS.

Now, drag and drop this new file into Subler. Passthru both the audio and video track. Rename this audio track "Surround Sound" or something like that.

Then, drag and drop the same file into Subler again, this time only keep the audio track checked and use the drop down menu to select "AAC - Stereo". This will convert the AC3 track to Stereo audio for playability on an iPhone/iPad. Rename this track "Stereo" or something similar.

If you want to save the original DTS track as well, just repeat the step above using the original, unconverted mkv, only check audio, passthru, and rename to "DTS" or something similar.

You should now have a video track and a couple of audio tracks in the Subler window. You must order them as follows:

Video Track
Stereo
Surround
(DTS)

Or else the resulting mp4 will not play audio in iTunes.

Now use the magnifying glass in the top right corner of Subler to add metadata, etc.

Then, click the video track and a few options should become available to you. Make sure the video profile is set to main@3.1 (I've heard the aTV can support other versions, but its not officially listed on the Apple site, so main@3.1 is what I use).

Then, when none of the tracks (video, audio, etc) are highlighted, an "Other Settings" menu becomes available. Use this to set the file as 720p, 1080p, etc.

Finally, when you are ready to go and start the process, if your file will be >4GB, you must check the "64 bits chunk offset" option in the "Save As" menu.

Hope this helps.

 

[paulrbeers]

Why did you resurrect an old thread just to put a smiley face on it? You provided no additional information or asked any pertinent questions... Please learn proper forum rules and ettiquette.

"You, sir, are awarded no points and may god have mercy on your soul...."

 

[westrock2000]

Why did you resurrect an old thread just to put a smiley face on it? You provided no additional information or asked any pertinent questions... Please learn proper forum rules and ettiquette.

"You, sir, are awarded no points and may god have mercy on your soul...."

Well, the title of his posts references 648kbps Vs 640kbps.

640kbps is the maximum (so far) for Dolby Digital and the AppleTV supports that. What significance that has, your guess is as good as mine

 

[Maury]

those of you using Subler to convert MKV movies to an ATV-compatible format...what is your situation, and what are the must-have features you need? Do you have multiple rooms with ATVs that you want to be able to feed your content to, or just a single/primary room for movie watching? Do you care about 5.1 audio, or is stereo good enough? Does the ATV's lack of 24hz support (for those of you who know what I'm talking about) matter to you? Is one of your goals the ability to "take your movies with you" on an iPad/iPhone?

I use it solely to convert DVD and BR rips from MKV to iTunes format so I can stream to my ATV in the basement. When it works, of course, which it doesn't since the recent upgrades.

The "problem" with Subler is not technical but UI. What people really want to do is quickly convert one or more files from MKV to m4v, and do a little bit of media management in the process. For this, Subler's document-like interface is not appropriate, what we really want is a window with two lists, input and output, and an area in the middle where it tells you want it's going to do and you can change that if you want.

So for instance, if I drag three MKVs onto it, it should list three files in the left window. Then it should roll down each one and say "this has an appropriate video that I can simply copy to the output, so turn on the video light in green. The audio format is fine too. But I don't have metadata, so make that yellow."

Chances are that this would work 90% of the time. For the other 10%, double click to get the current interface for fine control.

 

[webs1]

I use it solely to convert DVD and BR rips from MKV to iTunes format so I can stream to my ATV in the basement. When it works, of course, which it doesn't since the recent upgrades.

The "problem" with Subler is not technical but UI. What people really want to do is quickly convert one or more files from MKV to m4v, and do a little bit of media management in the process. For this, Subler's document-like interface is not appropriate, what we really want is a window with two lists, input and output, and an area in the middle where it tells you want it's going to do and you can change that if you want.

So for instance, if I drag three MKVs onto it, it should list three files in the left window. Then it should roll down each one and say "this has an appropriate video that I can simply copy to the output, so turn on the video light in green. The audio format is fine too. But I don't have metadata, so make that yellow."

Chances are that this would work 90% of the time. For the other 10%, double click to get the current interface for fine control.

Have you tried mp4tools? That is my favorite option for converting mkv to ATV3 friendly format - the conversion options are great.

 

[lazlo666]

how do I maintain the tv show name the same as what I use in the Finder? Subler rips out the S01E01 (season # episode #) used in the naming conventions used for 99% of the shows.

 

[bumbo]

how do I maintain the tv show name the same as what I use in the Finder?

Uhh what? Do you mean the filename after it's been remuxed?