[klinux]

I have encoded DivX files from the VOB files on my PC. The size is approx 1.1-1.2GB (2x650MB). Codec used is DivX 5.05 and audio is 160kbps MP3. When I play back on my iBook, the framerate is usually hovers around 15 (played back via QT). Is there anything that can be done to increase the quality?

Sacrifice quality for porability (encode to MPEG1 or MPEG2 ((S)VCD) quality? Split the file into 2 650MB chunks? Is the bitrate too high? Or do I just have a slow computer (700mhz iBook)?

[Uncle Skeleton]

3ivx is the fastest mpeg-4 codec. Try installing it and see if you don't get better framerates. Otherwise, your system bus may be the bottleneck; I know it was on older iBooks. Try lowering the resolution and/or bitrate of your encodes. Also, if you can get your hands on a G4 upgrade, do it. I've heard figures that altivec optimization gains 3ivx about 1600% in speed. the G3 chip just wasn't designed for video

[klinux]

The encoding is done on the PC where DivX and MP3 are the most common standards - if you will - and also PCs encodes faster due to its higher clockspeed and more people developing for it.

I am just surprised that G3 is not so good at decoding DivX... I guess the high bitrate does not help either.

[Uncle Skeleton]

perhaps you missed the point; 3ivx decodes divx content, and faster than the divx decoder (incidentally, 3ivx encodes faster than divx on both platforms as well). try installing 3ivx to play back your divx files (leave divx installed too, as it will parse the avi-like file instead of quicktime, which doesn't buy in to the mp3-in-avi hack)