Help to write a batch file to convert recorded TV to DVR-MS

[aanda6]

As Windows 7 build 7048 and above now include a built in convertor to convert .wtv to .dvr-ms I want to run a batch file that scans my recorded tv folder and automatically runs this file then deletes the original so I can then use life extender to remove commercials.

My questions are:
Is this scenario possible?
is it too difficult to bother?
Can anyone offer advice on how to do this?

[dgaust]

Try this



Haven't tested it myself because I don't have WTV Converter on my machine, but it should work (if not it'll create a log file in the directory it's installed in).

Just start it, it'll start minimised in the tray - double click to open, select the recorded tv folder and do a test. It should wait for a recording to finish and then attempt to convert.

I wouldn't use the delete function on anything important just yet.

[Biffa001]

does this work on VMC? Looks just like what I need!

[Astrotoy7]

Originally Posted by Biffa001

does this work on VMC? Looks just like what I need!

Try it and find out! I dont have any wtv recordings on my Fiji rig to try it on atm

Astro

[dgaust]

No it won't. It is just a small file watcher application that triggers the WTVCovnverter.exe file that's included in the later builds of Win7.

If you don't have that exe, it won't do anything.

[RandiR]

As Windows 7 build 7048 and above now include a built in convertor to convert .wtv to .dvr-ms I want to run a batch file that scams my recorded tv folder and automatically runs this file then deletes the original so I can then use life extender to remove commercials.

My questions are:
Is this scenario possible?
is it too difficult to bother?
Can anyone offer advice on how to do this?

It is quite possible and easy if you have a command line conversion utility. I have seen some reference to todvrms on this website. So, I will use that utility in this example.

Here is what you do.

1. Copy and paste the following script to file C:\scripts\Convert.txt .

# CONVERSION SCRIPT
# Change directory to "recorded tv folder" (ENTER THE CORRECT FOLDER PATH BELOW.)
ccd "recorded tv folder"
# Collect a list of recorded tv files
var str filelist ; lf -rn "*.wtv" > $filelist
# Convert one file at a time
while ($filelist <> "")
do
    var str file ; lex "1" $filelist > $file
    var str converted_file ; stex -c -p "]^.wtv^l" $file > $converted_file
    set $converted_file = $converted_file + ".dvr-ms"
    # The name of the output file is now in $converted_file.
    # It is the same name as input file, except .wtv is replaced wtih .dvr-ms.
    # Convert file
    system "todvrms.exe" ("\""+$file+"\"") ("\""+$converted_file+"\"")
    # Delete original file
    system del ("\""+$file+"\"")
done

2. (If you don't already have biterscripting) Install biterscripting free. Follow instructions at http://www.biterscripting.com/install.html .

3. Start biterscripting and enter the following command.

script "/Scripts/Convert.txt"

4. That would do it.

Randi

[Astrotoy7]

It would be nice if MS/Someone could import that inbuilt wtv converter to vista

Astro

[jrwalte]

Thanks for that script, RandiR.

I was able to use it to convert my 50+ WTV files because I want to go back to non- TV Pack (stopped using QAM).

Suggestions to others:

1) ccd "recorded tv folder"

If your recorded tv folder is on another hard drive, use this syntax:
ccd "f:/recorded tv"

the ccd function requires a "/" instead of the usual "\".

Also be sure the todvrms.exe is in your recorded tv folder.

2) I would suggest removing the line that deletes the original .WTV file. todvrms is not a 'solid' program and it will fail often on a conversion and then you'll have lost the original WTV file. You're better off manually deleting the .WTV files.

or if you create a while statement that will only delete the WTV file if the file size of the dvr-ms is greater than 1MB, that would work. If the conversion fails, the dvr-ms file has always been under 1 MB for me.

3) To add meta data and make the conversion more stable, change the todvrms syntax line:

system "todvrms.exe" ("\""+$file+"\"") ("\""+$converted_file+"\"") "-m -v"

[RandiR]

jrwalte:

You are welcome. Thanks for the suggestions. All are excellent.

If the conversion fails, the dvr-ms file has always been under 1 MB for me.

One can use the af command to check the size of the converted file. The delete portion of the script can be changed as follows. Perhaps, instead of a fixed 1MB number, a number based on the size of the original file can be used ?

# Delete original file, but only if the converted file has at least 1MB bytes.
# Below 1 MB would indicate that the conversion failed.
af $converted_file
if ($fsize < 1000000)
    echo "Conversion failed for file " $file
else
    system del ("\""+$file+"\"")
endif

Please do post your better script - I think you have made several other changes. I think that a lot of readers can benefit.

Randi

[Astrotoy7]

Just a FYI. The latest videoredo beta apparent allows you to quickstream fix WTV to dvrms. I havent used it yet, so cant comment on its effectiveness ...

Re- WTV Conversion Conclusions:
After a few days of searching, fiddling and contemplation - I have tried everything, dvrmstb, mce buddy, videoredo beta... sure it can 'sorta work' ....but all CLUNKY and or cumbersome with oft dubious results. I hate that. I hate scripts even more

I have found this the most easy WTV>DVRMS conversion option from within an XP or vista pc >>> Im sure there might be a few who find this useful
1. Run a virtual W7 from your xp/vista whetaver desktop. (Im using MS virtual PC, VMware is nice but too bloated for such a simple use IMO)
2. Make sure the location where WTVs are stored are networked so you can access them from your virtual rig
3. Use W7s inbuilt dvrms converter(accesible from R click menu) >> Thats it!!

Now I have all those accumulating WTVs ready to accumulate as DVRMS until I can be arsed trimming and encoding them

Works as fast as your CPU/Allocated RAM to the virtual rig allows. Ive got 1.5GB to my virtual W7 and converting took same time as it did in a native win7 install environment. Good ole virtualistion eh I'll be happy to abandon this method once video redo etc are smooth an steady with WTVs

Astro

[aceman]

Excuse my ignorance but I have a growing list of .wtv files from W7 Media Center and I cannot seem to find the built-in dvrms converter to be able to convert them in VideoReDo. When I right-click on the wtv file there is no option to convert to dvr-ms.

Can anyone help?

[dgaust]

Right click on the file and there should be the option "Convert to DVR-MS". Apparently it will only appear if the wtv files are associated to open in Windows Media Centre.