Corey, maybe you can explain....

[rhosk]

I've been doing some major testing using the Techsmith codec vs. wmv. Quick and dirty, here's the scenario:

I captured a screen demo using Camtasia and created the avi output - nice. Then I proceeded to convert the file to wmv (for whatever reason, don't know). The quality improved!! How is that possible? Granted, the file size increased, but this defies all logic (crap in - crap out). The wmv file is far superior than the original avi. What gives? I'm guessing that wmv merely decompressed the information (just guessing, no expert here) and re-allocated it during conversion?, blah blah...

I was convinced that I would create my help file using Techsmith, then this...

I'm lost. I've been messing with video (quality) for years and I really don't understand how this came about. Can anyone explain it? It's an amazing difference.

My motivation was to create the avi's for distribution without relying on a certain OS/MediaPlayer version to install and hamper the end user. But now, I'm crossed again. Any thoughts?

It's a simple tutor for my sister to convet a file to Video CD using Nero.

Original AVI (http://rphmedia.net/Capture.avi)

wmv File - converted from the AVI (http://rphmedia.net/videoCD.wmv)

I'm at a loss :wow

[Corey]

On my end the AVI looks a tiny bit better than the .wmv, mainly because in the .wmv there's a slight red halo around the text. They're both fine, but I would use the AVI personally. I can't explain the discrepancy between what you're seeing on your end and how it looks on my end. Although it could have something to do with halloween I suppose. Maybe you're haunted now, something to look at anyhow... :eek:

[TJ_Tigger]

Ron,

I have to agree with corey, the AVI looks better on my end then the wmv does. The wmv has blue or red artifacting around some of the text.

Tigg

[rhosk]

Hm, I don't see the artifacting at all (maybe my system settings?). What's your resolution (both of ya'). Maybe I should fixate it to what the capture was (800x600)? Tell ya' what, I'll do a print screen and save as an uncompressed jpeg. This should tell the story from my end, eh?

Shoot, tried to do a print screen, but it won't catch the video still. I swear the wmv is 50% better quality here. On to more testing. What settings on my end could cause such a desparity? Pppffftt. This stuff gives me a headache.

[eric_darling]

Yes - the WMV definitely suffers some quality loss. There are slight moire patterns around the text in the form of rainbow colors, and everything is just generally softer than the AVI original.

This is what I'd expect from this sort of conversion, FWIW.

I'm not sure why it looks better on your system. Do you have access on another computer to give it a look? I'd be willing to bet there's a problem with your Techsmith codec (either it's old or something got corrupted). I'd try to start with that - a reinstall of the codec.

[rhosk]

Well, I've figured out that it's a combination of a few things. One is the "Graphics Acceleration" setting for my video card (setting it to none :huh ) and the other is, believe it or not, opening the avi with WMP 6.4 - flawless. Not that I'm rest assured, but at least I'm making ground. I can't believe that there's so many variables. Makes one wonder now what the video really looks like "out there".

Anyway, done for now :o Gonna read up on the Camtasia Player tomorrow - sounds as if this might be the way to distribute the captures/techsmith codec.

[kpsmith]

From my limited experience I found that when playing Camtasia files in Windows player... It doesn't always use the techsmith codec to decompress the file and it looks like crap. Seems like newer versions of Wmplayer can decompress the files with the standard media codecs and the techsmith codec does not get priority. The best way to guarantee the quality is to use the techsmith player.

[Intrigued]

From my limited experience I found that when playing Camtasia files in Windows player... It doesn't always use the techsmith codec to decompress the file and it looks like crap. Seems like newer versions of Wmplayer can decompress the files with the standard media codecs and the techsmith codec does not get priority. The best way to guarantee the quality is to use the techsmith player.

Which then leads to one of my posts:

http://www.indigorose.com/forums/showpost.php?p=38446&postcount=2

Sha'ga'woot!

[Corey]

Thanks for the tip kpsmith, that clears up a few things. Anyhow I think that's correct because I've heard people complain about the quality of Techsmith AVIs before which were very good quality, so that must have been what happened to them... :yes

I wonder if reinstalling the codec in those instances fixes it?

[rhosk]

Yes, thanks everyone!