(C) 2005 - Jason Millard - jsm174@gmail.com
Release Date: 12/05/05
VERSION HISTORY
12/05/05 - v0.5 - Pre-release 1
[DOWNLOAD DVAPDC 0.5]
ABOUT
DVAPDC is a small windows application that is
intended to be used as the "Post Download Command"
for DVArchive. In conjunction with ffmpeg, and
RTVtools, you can automatically convert your
DVArchive'd ReplayTV shows for use on a portable
media player. (The pre-release is geared towards
an iPod Video)
If you're not familiar with DVArchive, then this program
probably isn't for you. However, if own a ReplayTV, then
you really should check it out at:
http://www.dvarchive.org/
SCREENSHOTS
WHY?
Recently, I bought an iPod video, and I wanted a way to
automatically put my local news on it each morning.
Converting the news everyday would be a pain, so I wanted
to automate the process. I also thought it would be great
to put other shows on as well, so I wanted to write a very
generic program that stayed away from using batch files.
INSTALLATION
DVAPDC is a simple standalone application. It can be
placed and run from anywhere. Download and run setup
program to do this for you.
USAGE
DVAPDC is intended to be run as the "Post Download Command"
for DVArchive. When you run the application without any
command line options, the main dialog is presented. Here you can
add actions and set up the configuration.
CONFIGURATION
You should only have to configure DVAPDC once. From the main
dialog, click the Configuration button.
DVAPDC requires FFMPEG to be installed on your system. I'm
using ffmpeg.exe build 4759 from CVS. (Note: this version of
ffmpeg.exe comes with Videora iPod Converter)
Under the applications box, click the Browse button and
navigate to the ffmpeg executable.
If you would like to automatically strip commercials,
then you will also need RTVTools to be installed.
You can find RTVTools at:
http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=314017
Under the applications box, click the Browse buttons for
EVTDump and RTVEdit and navigate to the corresponding
executables.
If you are stripping commercials, then you will need to
set up a temp directory. Make sure the temp directory has
enough storage to hold the stripped file.
Please enable logging. Since this is a prerelease, there
will be lots of issues. You can use the log file to help
find out what's going on.
Click the OK button to save the configuration.
On the main dialog, copy the Post Download Command to the
clipboard by clicking the Command button.
Finally, go to DVArchive -> Properties -> Downloads -> Post
Download Processing, and paste the command into the
Post Download Command field.
ACTIONS
When you set up a task in DVArchive to automatically transfer
a show, and the post download command is executed, DVAPDC
will launch and look in its list of actions. Once an action
is matched, the conversion process will take place.
To Add an action, click the Add button to bring up the Add
Action dialog.
Name
Name of the action. This is only used as a reference.
Output Directory
Use the browse button to navigate to a directory
where you want the converted file to be saved.
Output filename
This is the name of the converted file. The filename
can be created using DVArchive tokens found in the
drop list.
Audio only
Generate an MP3 file only. Useful for DirecTV/Dish
network audio channels.
Strip commercials
Use EVTDump and RTVEdit to strip commercials using
the markers determined by the ReplayTV.
Use two pass
Use two pass processing. (Takes about double the
time, but creates a smaller file)
DVAFlags
Enable the checkbox next to the fields you want to
match. Use can use * and ? as wildcards.
For example if you want to match the show Lost,
for %title% enter Lost*
If you want to match channels and categories,
enter the appropriate filter. For example:
%rname% = Living Room
You must have one DVAFlag set, otherwise you will not
be allowed to save the Action.
Once the action is saved, you can edit it, copy it,
remove it, and move it using the appropriate buttons.
When your finished managing actions, exit the program.
When the DVArchive task is executed and a show is
downloaded, you will see the DVAPDC icon appear in the
taskbar notification area. A bubble tool tip will appear
showing the action, and the time remaining for the
conversion process.
KNOWN ISSUES
Because this is a pre-release, there will lots is
issues.
HELP
I really need help testing this application. I would also
like as many suggestions as possible (see FUTURE). This
application currently is geared more towards an iPod, but I
would really like it to be generic. I also do not want to use
batch files.
FUTURE
1) More generic (maybe for psp)
Maybe ffmpeg profiles?
2) Should I get rid of filters such
as mpeg?
3) Should I add regular expressions?
4) Importable/Exportable actions
5) Better logging
6) Automatically add file to iTunes?
7) Automatically remove file created
in DVArchive?
8) Read DVArchive url xml to determine
categories, channels, replays, etc.
9) Overhaul this readme file.
10) Change dates and times tokens to
be more friendly.
11) rtvedit doesn't output anything
for me to capture status on while
stripping commercials - (for determining
remaining time?)
12) ffmpeg doesn't output anything
for me to capture status on while
stripping audio - (for determining
remaining time?)
13) Should the output be mp4 or m4v?
14) Can a poster frame be added to the
mp4?
15) Can we add a custom image or frame as
album art for audio mode?
16) Should there be a for wizard for adding
an action?
17) Delete the ffmpeg and xvid log files?
18) Handle errors
SOURCE CODE
When this application is finished, I will release the
source code. The application is done entirely in VC++ 6
and MFC. I like the small footprint, and I want it to be
as compatible as possible.
I LIKE IT
If you like this application and find it useful, drop me
a line at jsm174@gmail.com. It's just cool to hear from
people.
CREDITS
I borrowed source code from several places which I will
document fully when the application is done.
The wildcard compare was based on source code found at:
http://www.codeproject.com/string/wildcmp.asp
DISCLAIMER
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions
are met:
1. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
2. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR AND CONTRIBUTORS ``AS IS'' AND
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
ARE DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR OR CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS
OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION)
HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT
LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY
OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGE.