Download and install the DivX codec. Next time you render you should be able to choose .avi for the file type, click the [Custom] button, and DivX should be listed in the codec list. Stick with version 4 for now; there have been many problems and incompatabilities mentioned with version 5.

Oops, I mispoke. You can render to but not open Divx in Vegas. At least I can't open either Divx 4 or 5 have you been able to open such files in Vegas, Chienworks?

Billyboy, i haven't tried anything with version 5 yet, but i've been able to open most version 4 files, and all files i've rendered in Vegas will open.

Version 4 used to work better, they changed something in version 5 and it doesn't work as well (if at all). We're talking to them right now (even though DiVX is not officially supported in VV3) to try and get it fixed.
///d@

Thanks a lot guys! What should I do to get the best quality possible when rendering to Divx? Any especially good setup?

I did some testing once, using DivX 4 and also a bunch of other codecs.
In the end DivX gave me a *small* output, but the quality was not up to the quality of the default codec (MediaConcept). Shadows were muddy and highlights were washed out.
End of testing. I don't mind a bigger file, but I don't trade for quality.
Maybe in DivX v5 ...

But what configuration should I use in the DivX config setup to get the best picture quality?

ThankYou. It all depends on what you have your Divx setting at. I hope everyone realizes that DIVX was not optimized for a 720x480 video frame size. Now I'm not saying that it can't handle it, because it can; and it can handle it well, but be reasonable, Divx is a Godsend, not a miracle worker.

To get the same quality appearance with a 720x480 picture as you would with a 352x240, the bitrate must be increased; just do the math.
352x240=84480
720x480=345,600 and 345,600/84,480= 4 times the bitrate.

I hope this better explains why people are complaining about poor quality results with divx encoder when they don't downsize the framesize, and neglect to adequatley compensate with a higer bitrate.

Jeffy82@aol.com

Sorry, I forgot to answer your question about Best Quality settings for divx. I'm using Divx 5.02pro, but similar results can be attained with the Regular 5.02 bundle. The main difference is some of the convenient features are not available with the Standard.

Keep in mind, this is optimized for Quality, not file size.

I choose "1-pass quality-based" and then move the slider all the way to the right. I think the max is 2. The only other change I make is setting a maxium keyframe interval to "30" frames. This will cause the filesize to grow somewhat, but, it also makes gives the video a quicker reaction time when scanning ahead or behind. Also since edits in virual dub need to be made on keyframes (or you WILL get out of audio sync) the more keyframes, the better your ability to place edits exactly whre you want. (Divx also adds a keyframes at all scenechanges automatically.) I just like to play it safe.

If you are using the Pro version of 5.02 I would also check the two lower boxes in the center of the first configuration screen: "USE GMC" and "Use Bidirectional Encoding". If you need to deinterlace, Crop, or resize the Pro version has those features built in on the second page.

Jeffy82@aol.com

I only get error messages. It seems to have something to do with something called "Progman". Any of you got a clue?