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TV, Movies, and Videos on Your Cell Phone
You're probably asking yourself right now: how did he get that scene from Sifl & Olly on his VX8300, is that some kind of crazy photoshop trick? "No," I answer, "it's every bit as real as the very robot that Sifl built to do his bidding in Episode 12 of Season 1."
So what if I told you that you can carry any TV show, movie, or home video around in your VX8300, and watch it whenever you please? Sound's too good to be true, right? Well it's true, and it's quite easy. Here are the steps to convert and copy any video of your liking onto your cell phone...
- Find some videos you want to convert. Most .AVIs and .MPG/.MPEGs should work, .MOVs might not.
- Download and install this 3GP converter program.
- Open Setup.exe in the program's directory. Choose 3GPP+AAC General Setting and the language of your preference. Press Apply.
- Open the main program, 3GP_Converter.exe. Under "Output Directory" click Browse, and choose the my_flix directory of your memory card, using a card reader, or another directory if you'd rather copy the files to your phone later.
- Choose one of the QCIF Normal Quality conversion settings, mono or stereo sound, whichever you prefer. (Mono sound should slightly reduce the file size.)
- Drag and drop your video files into the white box. Now sit back and relax, the conversion process takes a while, but you're done! You'll be watching videos on your VX8300 in no time flat. Access them through My Flix on your Pix and Flix menu.
Oh, and if you want to play the video fullscreen (or nearly fullscreen), and sideways, as seen in the picture, press the Up button while it's playing.
posted by Andy Moskowitz at 2:50 AM
62 Comments:
And if you have a Mac, you can just save anything that Quicktime can open as the correct format and transfer it to the phone, very easy.
Good tip. I'm not sure whether or not this will decrease the resolution so as to reduce file size, though.
For WMAs that you put on yourself (i.e., WMAs that are NOT downloaded from Verizon's VCast service), do you know of any way that you can get cover art to show? When I sync to the card in the phone (via Windows Media Player), my cover art files don't even get copied over. I thought I read somewhere that this phone showed cover art, but I can't seem to discovery how.
That's a really good question, one that I haven't spent much time trying to figure out yet. I think it would help to see the filesystem on the microsd card of someone who has downloaded VCAST music in order to compare, but I don't have VCAST. I'll keep looking into this.
Thanks so much everyone (and especially andy). These instructions are awesome and the video works great.
I just converted a 44min episode of lost to the correct format and put it onto my phone. Looks great, but the fastforward feature seems broken.
Anyone else have the same problem?
Fast forward on the video player is definitely crap. Even when it is working, it only moves forward 2 seconds at a time, so it's pretty much useless. You're not missing out on much. Hopefully they'll fix this in a firmware update.
where can i get tv shows and movies from?
I went to convert a mpg and it gave me an error when it was done. so i decided to convert that same mpg to a avi and tried again but i got the same error...?
I converted three different videos to 3gp using the linked program and then tried transferring them to the video section of bitpim with my phone attached via bluetooth. I got an error for all three files from bitpim that they were not valid image files. Is this possible without a card reader?
Can you put the videos directly onto the phone? I have no memory acrd yet. I've got BitPim but I can't get vedios to upload into the program. Thanks, Hank
I think you should be able to put videos directly into your phone with BitPim and Bluetooth or a cable, but remember that the phone only has 28mb of memory, max.
You might consider this off-topic, but perhaps someone here knows the answer...
I followed the concept here and decided to make my MythTV able to auto-create 3gp files for use on my phone.
I followed the instructions here:
http://www.torrentocracy.com/blog/archives/2006/05/streaming_mytht.shtml
and now I can process MythTV recordings directly into 3gp files.
These work great with the phone if I put them directly on my MicroSD card.
The next logical step was to setup a streaming server. I did this too, and can now stream the 3gp files out, but I can't figure how to make the phone point to my server to look for content.
It doesn't like URL's formatted with rtsp:// which on some phones will connect to port 554 (I guess) and stream. It only wants to go to Verizon's Vcast server.
Anyone had any experience with this?
I am having the same problem as Christopher. Every file conversion ends in Error-2048.
I tried this out and it works great, but I did notice that on some of the videos I was watching, the video would lag behind the audio a bit. I was wondering if there was anything I could do to fix that?
Andy, which works best, General Setting 3GP2+AAC shown in the figure or 3GPP+AAC listed on step #3. I do not have the 8300 yet so I cannot try this out for myself. Thanx
Error 2048. Update Quicktime to latest version or if you don't have it at all (as in my case) simply install it. Good luck.
Thanks for the troubleshooting, Butch. As to your question, I haven't done extensive testing between the two encodings, but 3GPP has worked fine for me. Let us know if you find any advantages to the other once you get your phone.
Thanx Andy.
An earlier poster has encountered a problem with audio / video synch. Here is what I have discovered. If you are starting with a TV show recorded in MCE2005, you will need to process the DVR-MS file through DVRMStoMPEGGUI (a free program ) to convert to straight MPEG2 and remove commercials if you so desire. This creates a clean MPEG2. This is a MUST for the next step. Now process the MPEG2 thru Vidomi (also a free program) that converts MPEG2 to DIVX or XVID. I would suggest XVID as it is open source and also free. Once that conversion is made( I use 1 pass CBR with a bitrate of 1200 ) I process thru the converter with no problems at all. In summary, it seems to me that MPEG2 has synch issues with this converter, XVID does not. I hope this helps and good luck.
So, if anyone gets past the conversion part, all you have to do in bitpim to get the .3g2 file on you're phone is place it via the file system menu.
Put it under BREW¬1645(might be phone specific ¬mf.
Butch,
Good advice. I updated my Quicktime and the "Error 2048" problems are gone. Thanks.
what about flash swf files i found some for get it now (in the file system under flash/ui) but cant find where they are used. I think this could be hacked to play flash games/movies... ?
scratch that... its the silver spin theme but this could be modified to use your own custom menus
Hey... Wanted to say that this is one of the best sites I've been to. I've done most of the mods offered through here and the only one I've encountered problems with is the video function.
I managed to successfully convert two different movie files -- and avi and a wmv -- into .3g2 and .3gp formats (corresponding to 3GP2 and 3GPP encode modes). Unfortunately I was not able to transfer them to my phone by any means. I do not have a USB card reader, so I tried sending the files through Bitpim under "Media / Video (sd)". Once I tried to send them it said "Failed to understand the image" (btw, it was asking for an image file and I had to *.* in order to select the file). I also tried doing what another poster mentioned, going into Filesystem and manually adding the file. The larger of the two files would copy very VERY slowly (i left it for five minutes, it was about 5% done on a 20 mb file) and the smaller one copied but did not show up in my playlist.
Long story short, how do you guys transfer the files if not through a card reader? I'd love to be able to do video but am dumfounded why it's not working. I've looked over the directions multiple times and have no clue why it's not working.
BTW I've tried both files with both modes (.3g2 and .3gp) just in case one didn't work.
Thanks a lot,
Mr. Medicine
Hey... Wanted to say that this is one of the best sites I've been to. I've done most of the mods offered through here and the only one I've encountered problems with is the video function.
I managed to successfully convert two different movie files -- and avi and a wmv -- into .3g2 and .3gp formats (corresponding to 3GP2 and 3GPP encode modes). Unfortunately I was not able to transfer them to my phone by any means. I do not have a USB card reader, so I tried sending the files through Bitpim under "Media / Video (sd)". Once I tried to send them it said "Failed to understand the image" (btw, it was asking for an image file and I had to *.* in order to select the file). I also tried doing what another poster mentioned, going into Filesystem and manually adding the file. The larger of the two files would copy very VERY slowly (i left it for five minutes, it was about 5% done on a 20 mb file) and the smaller one copied but did not show up in my playlist.
Long story short, how do you guys transfer the files if not through a card reader? I'd love to be able to do video but am dumfounded why it's not working. I've looked over the directions multiple times and have no clue why it's not working.
BTW I've tried both files with both modes (.3g2 and .3gp) just in case one didn't work.
Thanks a lot,
Mr. Medicine
Mr. Medicine... and Mr. Medicine,
I forgot to mention that any changes made to the file system would only be visible until after the phone is powered down and turned back on. The smaller file you sucessfully copied will then show up in the MY FLIX menue. you might also try down-resing the larger file to fit the small, 176 x 220 px. screen. I used after-effects for all my videos, mostly 15 sec snowboarding clips that I set as my background, but someone else might have an alternative method. Good luck.
Hahaha, I was wondering why you answered my post "Mr. Medicine... and Mr. Medicine." When I made the original post the blog had some sort of error and it truncated my entire post (or so I thought). I do the usual copy/paste to a Notepad every time I write something long and arduous, and I did the same with my previous post. So when I thought the post was gone I naturally re-posted it.
Sorry for that!
Anyway, I will try the tricks you mentioned sometime tomorrow and tell you what happened!
Thanks a lot,
Mr. Medicine Mr. Medicine :)
I did everything you said and it worked, however the video file is VERY choppy and not even watchable. The sound was okay but the volume seemed very low. I coverted an AVI file. Anyone?
oh yeah, and I don't want to have to covert the file 3 different times to get the problem to clear up. Thanx anyway Butch.
i converted apocalypse now to 3g2 but the phone doesn't seem to take kindly to me trying to play a 3 hour 20 minute movie... anyone else having time limit problems like this?
First off, I think your problem lies simply in that, you're nutz enough to try shoving Apocalypse Now on on a dinky little phone?
You're trying to be funny right. You don't really plan on watching a two and a half (3h.33 redux) hour movie on your phone? thats just silly. Get an Archos or an i-pod for that, your battery wouldn't even last a month. Abort mission!
and Mr. Meds, I don't know what to tell you. You might try converting from a different format to see if that is the problem. Or try playing the 3g2 in quick time, to check if its a conversion problem. The problem is probably in the computer, or it could be the operator... (thats you). Good Luck Mister
Not to sound like I'm agreeing with Mr. Sass above me, but I would say that putting such a long movie on your phone isn't a very worthwhile endeavor, simply because the fast forward doesn't really work that well. You'd have to watch the movie in one sitting. Unless they fixed the FF in V03...
OK, I think I already know the answer to this but I need to pick everyone's brain here. An incoming call will interupt a video as it does music, however there seems to be no way to resume the video at the point of interuption. Anyone figured this out yet or do I wait for a future firmware upgrade? Thanx.
No, I doubt there's a way. The V03 firmware is out, but I haven't tried it yet. Yeah, I know, pretty negligent for the person who runs the VX8300 website.
Negligent? I doubt it Andy. Question. On my phone under SW Version it says the following:
T83VZV01
Is this version 01 of the firmware? If so how do I get version 03? I understand that version 3 permits 2 GB flashcards and better bluetooth functionality with stereo headphones, two things I am interested in. Thanx
Yeah, that's version 1. Call your local Verizon store and ask if they'll upgrade you to V03, I think they're probably doing this. Can I ask what headphones you've been getting such good sound quality out of? And how loud they go?
Andy,
I am using the Verizon version of the Jabra C120S. Very good sound quality and loud enough for me and i am somewhat hard of hearing. It has the 3 band 2.5MM jack.
The Jabra C120S version comes with an adapter to convert to 2 band 3.5MM jack to play in other devices. The Verizon version does NOT come with this adapter. In my area (Vermont) the Verizon version was 5 bucks cheaper so I opted for these. However, the adapter is certainly worth 5 bucks so either way is a good deal I suppose.
I would suggest to anyone to check these out, however the ear gels may not be for everyone. They give you 3 sizes and the small size is the best fitting for me. One more thing the verizon version also offers ear pads in case the ear gels arn't for you.
BTW these will set you back 30 bucks or so. Should be cheaper if you google. Good luck Andy.
BTW is there any type of changlog on the 8300 firmware changes so one could tell if it is worth it to upgrade. I read somewhere that on V03 we no longer have the equalizir on the screen. Is this true?
Yeah, no equalizer in V03 as the mp3 player is done away with and mp3 support is wrapped up in the previous "Manage Music" player.
I don't know of a changelog, but try searching Howardforums for changes.
I got the 3GP converter program. How can I crop a video to a certain length. Lets say the original was 60 min and I want to cut something out to shorten it?
I just got my 8300 today. Great site thanks for the tips!
My phone is at V01, should I firmware it to V03 or am I going to loose MP3 support?
But I suppose if I want to get a 2gig card I probably have to.
Glad you like the site. V03 has mp3 support built in by default.
I have a problem with using bitpim for transferring files to my phone. The speed at which it transfers is so incredibly slow, is there a way to transfer faster, is the problem because of bitpim, the cable, or the phone?
Hey, just want to say thanks for the great info on this site. I have been a smartphone man in the past and this site along with the inherent abilities of the phone made me switch ( getting the phone free helped too) Anyways, my phone is installed with vo1 and I read elsewhere that vo3 will not allow mp3 playback and screws with the ability to move these files onto the phone. They do this to force DL from Vcast.
On this site I think I am understanding that you are saying that v03 puts the mp3 titles into the nice manage music menu that on v01 only supported wma. I was just wondering if anyone has actually put their hands on a phone and used v03 and what they have found. I am thinking about trying to upgrade but I don't want to let Verizon screw me and lock up the cooler functions of my phone. Thanks and sorry for the book I just wrote.
-lineman
This site is so full of great tips, thanks!
I have the converter you suggested for movie conversions, and the log window states "cannot load avisynth.dll". Does this cause a poblem as well finalizing the conversion? At the end of the conversion process I get an error message, I think was the 2048, so updated Quicktime.
Thanks for help.
I used the advice to trnsfer video clips from my pc to the Brew folder 16452/mf and it transfered great! But it did not transfer the entire file. Though I have a 1gig card in the phone it did not put it there. Is there a way for me to use bitpm then to force it to put the file onto the card rather than the phone memory?
Thank you
I used the advice to trnsfer video clips from my pc to the Brew folder 16452/mf and it transfered great! But it did not transfer the entire file. Though I have a 1gig card in the phone it did not put it there. Is there a way for me to use bitpm then to force it to put the file onto the card rather than the phone memory?
Thank you
I found the fix to get the video directly onto the card through Bitpim. In the filesystem folders goto brew/mmc1/my_flix and viola! There it be! I can drag and the converted file (I used Plato 3gp converter which is free and so much faster) to a 3g2 file and it works great.
Thanks for all the input here.
All, here's another video converter. Not only will it convert to 3G2 it will also convert from 3G2 to MPG or just about any other format.
The program is "Super C"
http://www.erightsoft.net/S6Kg1.html
Their web page is somewhat confusing - to cut through the crap, just go all the down to the bottom of the page to where it says "Download"
Great info, thank you and keep up the great work.
Retro Rocket
I definitely second the Super C video converter recommendation - so far, I have yet to find a program that outputs the video to a higher quality. And it is free!
Does anyone have the answer to Madman's question on choppy video? I'm experience that too.
I am trying hard to find a way to view streaming media on the net that is not supplied by Vcast. I am definitely not a multimedia expert, but it seems to me that if the phone can handle Vcast 3gp streaming then it must be able to handle other internet 3gp streaming. I have been messing with some setting in the Services menu and have found a few things that I hope someone with some more know-how might have a look at.
Under >Service Menu>Get it now settings>Get it now>Media Player>Settings (yes, i know this is pretty deep)
I came across a Bandwith setting, an RSTP Stream recording setting and a "KIDDI HTTP EXTENSION" setting. The bandwith setting I understand, but the other two are set to OFF and I don't know why or what they do for that matter. I tried turning these on and still could not get videos to stream, but again I don't exactly know what I am doing. So, to make a long story longer, I was hoping that someone who knows a good amount about this phone, or streaming content, or both could take a look at this and let me know if this might be a way to "turn on" streaming content in my browser. I currently use the Hopke proxy server, not Verizon's and have been converting my own movies for a little while now, but like many other I want more and not from Verizon and I dont really want to pay for it either. Thanks and sorry this turned into a novella.
thanks,
mknollman
Hello again,
No response to my first post yet, but I have some fresh questions. I use orb as a slingbox for my home media. After some kaniving I was able to get my phone to log into it and view picture, but obviously no video or audio. What I think needs to be done with the unsupported content error is to somehow point the browser to the multimedia player in the phone. this must be done somehow by Vcast. Anyone know of a hack that might accomplish this for the Wap browser. I configured orb to stream in 3gp so I think I might be halfway there. Either way everyone should check out orb.com it is free and friggin sweet. Thanks again
Hey All..
I found a real god program to convert movies for your LG 8300 or other types of cell phones? go here
http://www.download.com/Plato-Video-To-3GP-Converter/3000-2641_4-10598175.html?tag=lst-0-3
it's free with no errors...well..that I know of..lol
i was able to convert a whole movie and watch it..
And If I had a Mac, I would touch myself and rub my dick raw while looking at animal porn!
great blog, done a bunch of stuff u said w/ no problems. Postin b/c the video quality becomes much worse when i go into full screen. Is there any way to fix this or does this always happen?
That's pretty much it. These videos are very highly compressed.
if you are thinking about getting the v03 DONT!!!!! They dont let you play mp3s and the cool equalizer doesnt come up when you play songs. also you cant scroll down to pic songs in your list, you have to go through all the songs to get to the one you want, the old software is much better
Great informative site, thanks guys!
I got a movie clip in my microsd card and in my phone but how or where do you go to watch it. can someone tell me the steps please? thanks!
Firt of all, love the site. Second, I have a possible answer to the choppy video problem. I was getting the same problem until I realized that I was using QVGA format instead of the QCIF which Andy recommended when using his 3GP program. Video now plays perfectly. Thanks again for the great site!
Still wonderingh about streaming media. (SEE ABOVE MESSAGE) Hey Andy, anything in the works on streaming?
Hi mknollman,
Sorry for overlooking your questions. Those topics are really outside of my area of expertise, so I can't really help you. I have a gut feeling, though, that streaming media isn't possible outside of VCAST.
I converted a movie file and saved it to the my_flix folder but it won't play. I tried recording something else and tried playing that won't play either. When I try to play my movie it either just sits there looking pretty or the phone freezes up. Is it because the file is too big? (A whopping 210 mbs!) Or is there something wrong with the card? Just wanted to know if it's something I did or if it's the cards problem. Thanks for anyones time!
I've enjoyed responding to your hundreds of comments, but I've finally decided to disable comment posting now that I've created a better alternative. Please use the VX8300 forums for any further questions, where they'll me answered by me, or any number of other helpful VX8300 users.
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