I’ve seen a lot of the same questions asked around here over and over again, so I’m just going to take a few minutes to answer a few of them.
Q) Will you sub ________________?
A) Most likely, no. We already decided what shows we’re doing next season. We probably have more resources than you, too, so we’ve looked at every possible show. Maybe if you want to talk cash, we can negotiate some sort of deal, but… 
Q) Where is episode __ of _____________?
A) In progress. Keep in mind that we have lives. We’re real people who go to work and school, and some of us even try to have friends and relationships. This is something we do in our free time. Not to mention, it’s insulting to ask people who are doing this for free to hurry up. We do keep track of the projects we’re working on, so it’s unlikely we’ll forget something completely. Chances are the staff for that project are busy or having technical problems or something of that sort.
Q) What is moe?
A) Go watch Lucky Star.
Q) Why is my font size huge (or) why doesn’t my MKV show subtitles?
A) Make sure you’re using a supported codec pack. We suggest CCCP combined with Media Player Classic. The one thing you must never do is use VLC. If you are using anything other than CCCP with Media Player Classic, we will NOT help you with playback. If you are on an OS other than Windows, we recommend Mplayer. Just as long as it’s not VLC.
Q) Why do you sub shows when other groups are already doing them?
A) Look, there are a billion fansub groups and only a limited number of series. We’ll sub what we think looks good regardless of who else is subbing it.
Q) Where’s my xvid?
A) Dunno m8. This has always kind of been an extra service. Starting next season we’re not going to provide xvids on all our shows, though. Instead, certain shows will replace the xvid with a hardsubbed 704×400 MP4. Basically, you still get the compatiblity that xvid lovers cry about, but you get the improved quality of H.264. And if you can’t play SD H.264, especially hardsubbed, I think you need to get a computer that wasn’t built in 1999.
Q) But xvid is smaller than H.264
A) No it’s not. It’s smaller because the resolution is smaller than the HD H.264 files. When you have an xvid and an H.264 video at the same resolution, the H.264 version will either be smaller and the same quality, or the same size and higher quality.
Q) So you’re not doing XviD on any show next season?
A) We never said that. It will be left in the hands of the encoder as to how they wish to encode their series. As of now, we have 1 series that will have an XviD, 1 that won’t, and 1 that is undecided.
Q) What do you guys do in your free time besides fansub?
A) We furiously wank it to Cardcaptor Sakura movies
March 25th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
just out of curiosity .. 0_o…
why not never use VLC ???
i m using Linux and using either Mplayer or VLC . Excet if the windows version has something special about it
March 25th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
oh asking all the question made me forget my bad manners
Of course it’s YOUR free time and we are VERY HAPPY AND GRATEFUL you re doing this for people like us (good or bad – u know what i mean
)
Personally i ll say this
THANK YOU CHIHIRO!!
March 25th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I’ve got another important question!!!!
Can we give you a hug!?
Too bad people still don’t understand etiquette. Love your subs!
March 25th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
So we finally have a FAQ now.
March 25th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Another stupid question: Why won’t the subtitles stay on-screen when I pause? (to read notes and such things), I have only ever noticed it on your subs while other softsubs work just fine.. I should point out that I’m using VLC (because I’m on a mac and there aren’t any good substitutes..)
On a side note: I <3 Chihiro!! Thank you for being awesome.
March 25th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Give me bank acaunt to transfer some money
I have in mind some shows 
March 25th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
@Maniac You shouldn’t use VLC for HD or high quality files…it doesn’t do a good job of reading the file and creates distortion of the video that you see…an example would be, the video would freeze for five seconds and the audio would continue. I think it has to do with VLC not being able to play files of ~250 MB or more because its too much information for VLC to read through.
the two players that come with CCCP, Media player and Zoom player, play them fine. I actually choose not to install Media player because it wasn’t for me. Zoom player is configurable out the wazoo and plays EVERYTHING except DVDs, so i’m fine. I play 1920 by 1200 video files with no problem, and they were 2 GB in size (the naruto movie that DB released)
And Chihirio, most of us here understand you are human beings, so keep up the good work, but first and foremost, live and enjoy your lives.
To me its, an episode gets released when it gets released. No point in complaining.
March 25th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Cardcaptor Sakura remains one of my top 5 animes, and always will. It is beyond good, it’s godly. If you haven’t seen the anime, find it (and AVOID the god awful English dubs)
You guys do a great job, especially for a free service. Keep in mind those who cry about wanting an episode are from that generation below us with contains spoiled wanking twats. Ignore them, or ban them for kicks.
Keep up the good work, and keep the loli coming! (oh lawl I did say that
)
March 25th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
“Q) What do you guys in your free time besides fansub”
“A) We furiously wank it to Cardcaptor Sakura movies”
….STOP WATCHING ME DAMMIT!!!
March 25th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I suggest Perian if you’re on mac, its an awesome codec pack, you can watch your vids on quicktime, they look great too, no shitty rendering like vlc either
March 25th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
“Q) What do you guys in your free time besides fansub
A) We furiously wank it to Cardcaptor Sakura movies”
lol, we have something in common!
March 25th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I m on Linux Matt so i m either using Mplayer of VLC, Of Kaffeine too :p
No problem for big files here though 0_o
Must be Windows VLC problem
March 25th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
Just for your info, the following version of VLC beta – vlc-1.0.0-git-20090306-2305-win32- plays nearly everything I have perfectly. I’ve come across a couple of incompatable file (Kimagura Orange Road ep 3,5 n 7) which just wouldn’t play – can’t work out why. )
Haven’t tested newer versions, cuz this one is really good (it actually installs and runs on Vista64!)
It plays Angels Egg (ogm + vobis) without any problem. One complaint, still doesn’t like split open/ending files. It just ignores them. but who watches the credits anyway^_^
http://nightlies.videolan.org/
JBV^_^
March 25th, 2009 at 4:24 pm
w000t! thanks for the mp4 low quality! now I can finely watch all shows of you without seeing those little squars
March 25th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
‘A) We furiously wank it to Cardcaptor Sakura movies’
I fekkin knew it :O
March 25th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Here is a question: WHY not making X-vid for the mkv files? I personally like them better bcause the size is much smaller(half at least) and it work better on amy system….10x 4 the hard work. Chihiro,but many people awaits 4 the xvid version of any realease, so why not do it? plssss..
March 25th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Matt: I’m using Vista64 with VLC (as you may notice above.) The solution is to drag the slider back to the beginning and let it start again. Always works on mine, and I have some HD movies that are over 1 gig in size.
BTW, I’m not involved, with VLC, just need to play movies on systems where installation of codecs aren’t allowed (Thank you portableApps.)
PS:I prefer the Cardcaptor Sakura series. (just gonna read the manga again^_^)
March 25th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
You guys rock. One of my favorite subbing groups.
March 25th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Hi guys, thanks a bunch for everything, I also don’t understand ppl who complain, ITS FREE!!!
anyway, just a question about the proposed MP4 releases, will they play on PS3 without having to convert? That is the main reason I download the Xvid versions. Otherwise I may have to figure out how to install VLC on PS3 Linux! (and I REALLY don’t want to do that, but I guess I will regardless, just for those occasional mkvs).
March 25th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
If you are using anything other than CCCP with Media Player Classic, we will NOT help you with playback.
Media Player Classic Home Cinema edition is not supported? Seeing it is the most actively developed and growing in popularity, I find it somewhat odd. Technically speaking, with MPC-HC, you don’t actually need CCCP or other codec packs.
March 25th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
i am using cccp with media player classic but sometimes it wont play a file when it should and sometimes it takes like 10 min before it works, i have the newer ver of mpc but it still uses the older ver can someone help me?
March 25th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
I’m editing in more stuff to counter the arguments presented herein.
March 25th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Specifically:
If you are on an OS other than Windows, we recommend Mplayer. Just as long as it’s not VLC.
and
Q) But xvid is smaller than H.264
A) No it’s not. It’s smaller because the resolution is smaller than the HD H.264 files. When you have an xvid and an H.264 video at the same resolution, the H.264 version will either be smaller and the same quality, or the same size and higher quality.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
3 more questions :p
1. why do you guys wanna drop xvid? the replace ment can it be played on a DVD-player (my opinio keep the Xvid
)
2. why do you guys hate VLC?
3. everyone who’s working for chihiro, are you guys all from japan?
March 25th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
1) Because it’s becoming outdated, the same way DVDs are. Now everyone has a PS2/3 or Xbox 360 which can play H.264, and DVDs are being replaced with blurays. We’re just trying to keep up with the future.
2) Because it has terrible support for softsubs, among other things. Basically, it doesn’t play stuff the way it’s intended to because it uses its own built-in codecs instead of the proper ones from whatever codec pack you (might) have installed, and those codecs like to mess stuff up.
3) No, most of us are from Europe or America, actually.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
soichiro are u from shinsen- subs? XD
March 25th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
my f*cking dvd player is to retarded for mp4 or mkv so some more xvid plz ^^
March 25th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
About time you guys work towards dropping XviD.
March 25th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
@ JackbassV “Matt: I’m using Vista64 with VLC (as you may notice above.) The solution is to drag the slider back to the beginning and let it start again. Always works on mine, and I have some HD movies that are over 1 gig in size.”
So, if the video becomes distorted, the person is to go back to the beginning again? Wouldn’t that just be a waste of time and encounter the distortion again?
I haven’t used VLC in a long time, i use Zoom player which is 100x better. I just use VLC for taking snapshots of the video.
March 25th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Alright, I’m going to be nice for once and answer some questions WITHOUT insulting the one who asked. At least I’m going to try.
1. Why do you want to drop xvid?
Because then encoder does not want to do it anymore. And we see no reason why he should do something he does not want. Note that the encoder for series X might not want to do xvid, so he won’t, but the encoder for series Y might not mind, so he will do it. I don’t want to see “But show Y has xvid, why not show X?”. Because they have different encoders.
2. But xvid is smaller then h264.
No it’s not. Read the post.
3. But a lot of people are waiting for the xvid.
What is your point?
4. Will the mp4 play on a PS3?
I have no clue. Honestly.
5. Why do you hate VLC?
Because it has horrible softsub and HD support.
March 25th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
mp4 should play on PS3, yes. I don’t have a gaming system, just a PC, so I can’t say for sure.
March 25th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
If mp4 plays on both the PSP and PS3.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
If any of you so desperately want an Xvid version, go get AlltoAVI and convert it yourselves.You may have to convert it twice if the original is a h264, but that shouldn’t be a problem unless you download a thousand shows a day.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
thanks for the hard work chihiro, on a side not there is one decent substitute for media player classic and thats gom player. now i’m off to leech some cardcaptor movies from somewhere.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Zoom Player + CCCP actually works just fine for everything, never had a single issue with it and any video file.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Since no one has ask this then allow me to be the first idiot to ask : what is your subbing price?
March 25th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Chihiro already has my eternal gratitude for doing MariMite 4th. So whatever they do or do not do, I don’t dare nor want to criticize.
Thanks for everything. \o/
March 25th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Jay for .mp4 release =D
March 25th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
I really like your fansub so keep on it the way you like ! You are the best fansub for me !
:D:D
I found this fansub with Ef a Tale of melodies , And I’m really thankfull with that series you did! thanks a lot and i am waiting for the next eps that u r doing in Blue Ray Discs so take your time enjoy your life and make people like us have some fun watching good anime that you’ve worked subbing in ! Thanks a lot for everything !
Arigatou Gozaimasu! hahaha .
March 25th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
From experience, if you’re using a Mac, and it’s an Intel based one, use Perian and the QuickTime player, all of Chihiro’s subs to date will play back fine. If you’re PPC and/or sub 1GHz, try VLC or stick with AVI if available. VLC is not nearly as horrible on the Mac as is it on Windows, and is actually a great fallback for older, more obscure codecs (on a Mac anyway.) Mplayer is also a good fallback on the Mac, but not maintained as well (IMO).
March 25th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Oh yea, and be sure to use the latest version of VLC on the Mac (older ones have sub styling and mkv handling issues) and Perian is at perian.org
March 25th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
# lmg Says:
March 25th, 2009 at 9:16 pm edit
Since no one has ask this then allow me to be the first idiot to ask : what is your subbing price?
LOL, I don’t know. Something you probably can’t afford?
Let’s see… Each DVD costs $60-$80, there’s 6-8 per series so that’s $360-$480 for buying the DVDs, plus a $30 subbing fee for each episode, so somewhere between $720 and $960?
Since we obviously sub for fun and not for money, we will charge overly expensive prices so that nobody would be tempted to.
March 25th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
$60-$80 per DVD?!?!?!??! That’s MAD expensive!! You guys need to find another supplier
Dattebayo subs do subbing for cash, there rates are crazy though, it would be cheaper to take a japanese class and learn the language.
So thanks for all your hard work (and I’ll keep my fingers crossed for PS3 compatibility, or else I’ll have to use All to Avi)
(one thing i find strange is that all the Xvids you do work no problem on my PS3, only the Asu No Yoichi has to be run through All to Avi, just curious if you have any idea why that is, not a big deal, it takes 5 mins to convert, just curious)
March 25th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Wow Kristen, with that money we might as well go license the shows, lol.
And $60 is the average price of an R2 DVD with 2-3 episodes. Anime DVDs are ridiculously expensive in Japan, and the american DVDs have crappy reencoded video and either horrible dubs or horrible subs.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:04 pm
$60 to $80 a DVD? you’re getting ripped off. Hell, i’ve paid HALF of that for original subbed content for an ENTIRE series. You need to find another supplier.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
you guys wrote it, so i thought i might as well ask.
just out of curiosity kirsten, what contry are you from, since you understand japanese?
either way i look forward to your releases.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
For those using Linux you may like to consider SMplayer, which is a front end for Mplayer, but is contained in a single window with some extra buttons aside from the play/pause/stop/etc. It can also remember the place in files that you’re at as well as volume/etc.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Thanks Chihiro for your effort so far. I’ve been watching your series since ef- a tale of memories. And I must say: “You’re one of the few fansub groups whoim subs are basically standard “.
Hope you can go on like this forever, even though the facts remain that are far less anime fans in the 30-40’s than the mid 20’s
March 25th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
BTW, I use SMplayer as well, It’s indeed highly recommandable.
March 26th, 2009 at 12:09 am
A thousand bucks for a show? That sounds reasonable. If you figure how much it costs most companies to do it, that’s a steal. Hmmmm, I have a couple of shows in mind.
@Analytical chemist: I started watching anime in my early teens and am now in my thirties, still love it. The reason you don’t see a lot of people in their thirties and forties watching anime is because it was not as widely available when they were younger and that is when most people get addicted to this stuff.
Thanks Chihiro for doing what you do. Dropping AVI is a good thing, I made the switch to MKV a while ago and with no regrets. Thanks for keeping up with the times. You guys (and girls) rock!
March 26th, 2009 at 12:17 am
Was hoping for some Penguin Musume Heart DVDs…
March 26th, 2009 at 12:40 am
“$60 to $80 a DVD? you’re getting ripped off. Hell, i’ve paid HALF of that for original subbed content for an ENTIRE series. You need to find another supplier.”
You must remember that there are no alternatives for chihiro unless they want to wait 1-2 years for the series to be released in america. In japan, DVD prices are extremely high. This is because the Japanese anime studios rely on the DVD sales as a main source of income, which allows them to continue working. Also, the Japanese do not often release complete boxsets.
What has already been said, the Japanese DVDs video and audio quality is much higher than that of the american counterparts.
Shipping also has to be put into this equation, its not cheap to ship stuff over from america, which also adds to the cost.
March 26th, 2009 at 4:28 am
XviD!!!
oh mr encoder of XviD, if your going to drop making XviD.. atleast teach me how to encode it myself..
thanks
March 26th, 2009 at 6:22 am
chihiro = rocks
you guys are awesome!!!! seriously! <33333
March 26th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Soichiro Says:
March 25th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
1) Because it’s becoming outdated, the same way DVDs are. Now everyone has a PS2/3 or Xbox 360 which can play H.264, and DVDs are being replaced with blurays. We’re just trying to keep up with the future.
2) Because it has terrible support for softsubs, among other things. Basically, it doesn’t play stuff the way it’s intended to because it uses its own built-in codecs instead of the proper ones from whatever codec pack you (might) have installed, and those codecs like to mess stuff up.
3) No, most of us are from Europe or America, actually.
———————————————————————————————————————————–
1.it didnt know that my ps3 could play h264! Ill try it out, the replacement for xvid is it compatible with dvd player and ps3?
2. ok
3.rly? how do guys translate then? no actually where did you learn it from? I also want to learn Japanese
March 26th, 2009 at 7:27 am
I’m still grateful & thankful to the many series subbed by Chihiro. I like you guy’s work. Thank you very much.
March 26th, 2009 at 8:56 am
I know we’re not supposed to ask about upcoming projects and such, but I was just wondering if one of your secret projects was going to be the Sekirei OVA that just came out?
March 26th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Playstation 3 HD-trailers usualy come with
video codec: AVC 9.1
Audio coded: AAC 125kbps
Ps3:s online manual has some sort of list that may help the encoders.
http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/filetypes.html
Probably most standalone mp4 cabeable players support similar files.
As for Psp, I highly doubt chihiro encoders will provide the files as they need quite a bit tweaking and the system cant really handle any high resolution media (not to mention HD quality would be pretty much a waste when considering the actual resolution of the screen where even low quality mp4:s can look pretty good. Check out the Psp video 9 program for windows, as its very easy to use decoder. Other option is to use the Psp – Ps3 streaming which is really nice if your in area with wlan.
“1) Because it’s becoming outdated, the same way DVDs are. Now everyone has a PS2/3 or Xbox 360 which can play H.264, and DVDs are being replaced with blurays. We’re just trying to keep up with the future.”
Sorry to say but this is pretty poor excuse, as avi and Xvid work well with many devices (probably even some portable devices/computers ) and older computers. Its basicly format that works well with pretty much anything. However if decoder doesnt want to waste his time doing the conversion you cant really blame him/her.
Oddly there are no or not many fansub decoder groups I doubt that most of the fansubbers would really mind, or are in any position to complain somebody else decoding their files to hardsubbed avi files. This is very odd as its way more easier to decode something than fansub+decode something o.O you only need a decent computer and internet connection to upload the torrent and then group of seeders.
March 26th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Glad I am not the only one to furiously wank it to Cardcaptor Sakura movies
Thank you for all you do
March 26th, 2009 at 10:16 am
@Viper7 & Soichiro
“1) Because it’s becoming outdated, the same way DVDs are. Now everyone has a PS2/3 or Xbox 360 which can play H.264, and DVDs are being replaced with blurays. We’re just trying to keep up with the future.”
I agree with you Viper7, it is a weak argument but I only agree with you on that. I do agree with Soichiro that DVDs are becoming outdated; however, all physical entertainment media is beginning to reach its limits. Because physical entertainment media includes a higher packaging price that if you provided a digital version with limited product packaging, businesses will begin to see a higher profit. Next generation formats will most likely not include physical media or it will be a hybrid which we see now with several hardware. Also, since broadband connections are increasing in speed and availability while digital TV will begin to crowd the airwaves, hard drive capacity is increasing steadily and becoming affordable, and televisions like LCD, LEDs, and OLEDs will pave way to higher definition standards. While software has to be developed to incoporate all this technology, it will soon lead to a smart TV system or a service that will be provided by current satellite and cable companies.
“Avi and Xvid work well with many devices (probably even some portable devices/computers ) and older computers. Its basicly format that works well with pretty much anything.”
Avi and Xvid will be a technology that will end up in the dark cold hollows of some servers in Siberia; It’s a technology that will end up being weak with next gen video resolutions. Computer systems don’t last forever and some day you will need to upgrade or be forced to upgrade. I do agree with you that it plays well with old computers since I do play avi, mkv, mp4, and ogg on my 4 year old laptop. I recently purchased a new laptop and video playback is sooo beautiful that my eyes began to cry.
@ *everyone* who complains
Don’t stress on the little details and do what you can to make your video experience personal.
March 26th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
LOL! yea, a lot of people should learn patience unless ofcourse you’re donating a TON of cash…
And it IS funny how some people cry about there being a Xvid release if you don’t like it then don’t get it, besides the H.264 release comes first anyway…….. (that way of thinking is so NAZI) XDD And the encoder always has the final word on that.
(must……….. stay……….. on………. topic……….) XDDD
March 26th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
> that way of thinking is so NAZI
Or maybe because it’s faster to release the H.264 first, since all you have to do is mux the script when it’s finished? I do love softsubs, you know.
March 26th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
A) In progress. Keep in mind that we have lives. <=fuckfail, it’s lifes. Get yourself a decent editor please.
March 26th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Main Entry:
1life
Pronunciation:
\?l?f\
Function:
noun
Inflected Form(s):
plural lives
Etymology:
Middle English lif, from Old English l?f; akin to Old English libban to live — more at live
Date:
before 12th century
Please, fuckfail, stop embarrassing yourself. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life
March 26th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Please not drop very xvid. I’m student so I don’t have any money to upgrade my old computer.
March 26th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
“Avi and Xvid will be a technology that will end up in the dark cold hollows of some servers in Siberia; It’s a technology that will end up being weak with next gen video resolutions. Computer systems don’t last forever and some day you will need to upgrade or be forced to upgrade. I do agree with you that it plays well with old computers since I do play avi, mkv, mp4, and ogg on my 4 year old laptop. I recently purchased a new laptop and video playback is sooo beautiful that my eyes began to cry.
@ *everyone* who complains
Don’t stress on the little details and do what you can to make your video experience personal.”
Not just old computers, Xvid and Avi are supported by vide ammount of differend dvd players. The image quality of avi/xvid isnt the best but they are enough for most of the ppl.
Blu-ray is gaining popularity, but dvd is still widely the most popular format, the sitsuation is pretty similar to the xvid/avi vs mp4/mkv format war.
But I dont really blame if a decoder doesnt want to support more than format. It takes time to re-encode stuff and share 3 differend formats. This time could be used to other things.
I too like higher resolution anime and other films but I prefer Mp4 format for that. Simply because I can watch it trough my Ps3 wich will most likely upscale it nicely to Hd-ready resolution. The PC that I have currently connected to my HD-tv is a bit too old for hd mkv or mp4 files. Newer pc is in completely differend room so I usualy prefer Mp4 or xvid.
)
But gotta admit, after seeing my first blu-ray film on my 32″ hd-ready tv, my jaw literaly hit the floor o.o (they look even better than most of the Mkv:s claiming to be hd
March 26th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
Drop Xvid support all together and I’ll mail you guys a cake.
Screw the losers holding back technology.
March 26th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
“Drop Xvid support all together and I’ll mail you guys a cake.
Screw the losers holding back technology.”
Pretty childish comment considering that supporting even mkv is holding back technology as its only a non-standard competitor for the mp4 format. Both are good but in the end we would only need one.
really poor and selfish argument considering having more options is always a plus except for maybe the encoder himself.
March 26th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
> Pretty childish comment considering that supporting even mkv is holding back technology as its only a non-standard competitor for the mp4 format. Both are good but in the end we would only need one.
Oh, in that case I’ll make HD and SD MKVs, since we only need one format. MKV is infinitely better because it has much better softsub support, ordered chapter support, supports more audio and subtitle tracks, etc. Just because it’s “non-standard” doesn’t make it worse. It’s the industry’s fault if they don’t want to make the advanced features of MKV standard. The people developing MP4 are the ones holding back technology.
And then you go on to say “more options is always a plus”. Isn’t this kind of hypocritical? You say we only need one format, but then say we should have more than one. Make up your mind.
March 26th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
Omg??? You wank it to Cardcaptor Sakura movies too??
March 26th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Did I say we only need a one format? I said it would be best for the technological advancement to use one format that every1 supports. By the 1 format argument I only countered the “we are holding back technology.
Neather did I say its any worse than mp4, it might even be better if it gets the support. However now its very uncombatible wich is definetly a downside.
As for myself I have really had no problems with Mp4:s subs, 1080p video and surround audio.
Dunno what blu-ray movies use(mpeg4-AVC?) but the chapter selecting is not a broblem there eather. These upsides for mkv:s seem to be more focused on fansubbers themselves?
Mkv is open source isnt it? ofcourse ppl can tweak and improve it the ways they want, but as for mp4 if it gets altered too much it could cause incombatability with older players that cant use these more advance features.
but this whole “holding back technology” argument is pretty lame to begin with, developers (open source or not) will always be developing new more efficent ways to show audio and media. Developers and ppl just choose which they will support.
March 26th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
Soichiro is right, just because MKV is not a standard doesn’t make it bad. The difference between MKV and MP4 is that MKV’s source code is licensed under the GNU L-GPL meaning that it can use various other audio formats. MP4 is a standard that is set and formed by the ISO so it is dependent by other audio formats that the ISO develops or standardizes. If MKV becomes standardized by the ISO then it will have limited development.
March 26th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
VLCPlayer 0.9.x works fine with your mkv’s now…
March 26th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
“Both are good but in the end we would only need one.”
hmm guess my sentece here wasnt detailed/clear enough.
but my oppinnion about decoding is pretty clear.
Mkv is a great format/container for many modern day computers, but it doesnt hurt to have alternatives for standalone players and older computers.
More the options = more the ppl who can enjoy your fansubs
but to be realistic here, theres no time, money, server space or interest to support every freaking format out there so lets just let the encoders decode the files to the formats they want to support. Its not a big problem to re-encode mkv or mp4 to avi even with older computers.
users who re-encode the fansubs to other formats should also try to share their re-encodes instead of whining for fansubbers or their encoders to do it. Or help others to share the re-encode.
March 26th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if someone did Chihiro-XviD releases like whoever does the gg-XviD ones. I personally don’t feel like supporting an outdated codec, but if other people feel strongly enough to keep supporting it, then that’s fine with me. Just make it clear that it’s not an official release (which is as simple as changing the tag from [Chihiro] to [Chihiro-XviD]) and you can do whatever you want.
March 26th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I think I, and many along with me, want the xvid, not because our computers can’t play them but rather because they can be played (as is) on certain standalone dvd players. (Which, considering that I work about 10 hours a day in front of a computer and would rather watch my anime on my TV is pretty nice.)
But I think those of us who are sensible understand that this is a service you’re providing out of the kindness of your hearts (and because you’re trying to corrupt us with the loli, you bastards! ^_~), so we can’t really make demands.
So we thank you for your hard work instead.
Oh, and we just knew you guys were wanking to CCS. Tell us something we don’t know. ^_^ Heh.
March 26th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Though I DO MIND VERY MUCH when someone makes an XviD of a show we’re already doing an XviD on.
March 27th, 2009 at 12:08 am
>Though I DO MIND VERY MUCH when someone makes an XviD of a show we’re already doing an XviD on.
I assume you mean re-encoding yours to an XviD when you released an official XviD? Wow, what a waste of time and processor power on their end…
-=JUST MY OPINION HERE=-
Even though I can play .ogm and .mkv, I still go for the XviD when it’s available. My reasons are thus:
1) Compatibility with my main PC. I work with a lot of audio on there and have codecs installed for that and (unfortunately) when I tried CCCP, it messed those up. Plus, watching anime on there is kind of risky since the rest of my family likes to make fun of it; so this reason is pretty much null anyway.
2) file size. Yeah, lower quality, but I don’t really care because, let’s be honest: Is your memory Hi-Def.? I doubt it. What you remember about the series is probably more along the lines of what the story was about and the characters’ personalities. It’s not like I’m going to be re-drawing the entire thing frame by frame in the future. And if I do share it with someone, I doubt they’re going to complain since it’s right there and ready for them- they don’t have to go to the trouble of finding it, wait for it to download, and then find out they wasted their bandwidth if they don’t like it. They’d probably just say it wasn’t interesting to the and return the DVD.
There’s some other things I’d like to say, but I don’t have time right now, so i’ll just post more later.
March 27th, 2009 at 1:58 am
>I assume you mean re-encoding yours to an XviD when you released an official XviD? Wow, what a waste of time and processor power on their end…
Yes, because people are too retarded and impatient to wait 30 minutes for us to release our own Xvid. Stuff like that doesn’t make us happy. -_-;
And as far as your argument goes, first of all tell your family to fuck off. And I’ve already countered the file size argument. XVID isn’t smaller filesize. LOWER RESOLUTION is lower filesize. At the same resolution, MKV will be SMALLER than XVID. I don’t know why it’s impossible for anyone to understand this no matter how many times I say it. And some series do benefit from high def. Casshern Sins, for example, was very artistic, and watching in SD probably wouldn’t give you the full experience. Not to mention, people have an easier time watching when they can focus on a clear image rather than a blurry one.
March 27th, 2009 at 2:28 am
I am not really contributing to the “smaller file size” or “compatibility” arguments because 1: I have 2 TB of hard drive space in my PC and a 2 TB backup external drive, so I will probably never run out of room, and 2: my PC kicks ass in the hardware department so I can run full HD files and codec packs and have no issues.
Here’s where my input comes in: I have a 26″ widescreen 1080p screen for my PC (and PS3) and to me XviD encoded files just don’t look right when blown up that big. (now I have not tried moving them to my PS3 and watching them upscaled yet because I don’t see the point when I have both the PC and the PS3 hooked up to the same screen, plus I can get the h264 releases first anyway)
I would rather have my anime nice and smooth textured, detailed the way the artists meant it to be, without losing any of the beauty. To me watching a fuzzy less-detailed anime is like watching a LucasFilm THX movie cropped to 4:3 with iPod headphones on. Its just missing something.
March 27th, 2009 at 4:27 am
“fuckfail Says:
March 26th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
A) In progress. Keep in mind that we have lives. I think you need to get a computer that wasn’t built in 1999.
HEY! That’s my seedbox you’re talking about! It may slow up a tad when multitasking, but it’s never let me down yet. And it’s quiet as a mouse! (Which enables me to seed 24/7)
Myself, I didn’t even realize anyone was actually using .mp4 for distribution, I’d only seen it used by people with iPods.
I suppose, for those who demand it, I could do a little research and learn how to convert the .mkv’s to XviD and post them here. (Although, it would depend on whether or not I intend to *watch* the show, since I insist on seeding at least 1:1 for everything I download, and you release a lot of stuff pretty quickly, whereas I have a fairly limited outgoing bandwidth.[I think our ISP is messing with us- speed tests say we have something like 2-3mbps outgoing, but with torrents the max I can do is 40kbps which all-but halts web browsing])
ANYway, I’m pretty far off topic so I’ll just say this and then shut up:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK! Especially for sticking with Maraia-sama 4th!
P.S.: Soichiro, don’t get me wrong, I understand the quality is less; thus causing the reduction in file size. I’m just not as picky about image quality as I am about translation quality. Since I’m getting everything for free anyway, I’ll watch anything with at least 640×480 res. and English subs. I also consider storage size on DVDs. If I can fit the whole series/season on one disc with the XviD encode, but the HD would take two, I prefer to just use one. However, if it’d take 2 discs either way, I’ll go with the higher quality.
Damn. I’m rambling again…ok-
I PROMISE,
~THE END~
March 27th, 2009 at 4:32 am
“fuckfail Says:
March 26th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
A) In progress. Keep in mind that we have lives. <=fuckfail, it’s lifes. Get yourself a decent editor please.”
L O L !
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h274/gothmuscirocks/SayonaraZetsubouSensei-04_0007.png
I only WISH I could believe you were trolling, but alas, I fear you are being utterly serious!
Cut off goddamnit!
Good Night!
March 27th, 2009 at 8:57 am
The reason I download xvids is for the smaller filesize. If another codec allows you to provide even smaller filesizes without losing quality (or even if you do lose some quality… I want small files!) then that’s great.
I find it incomprehensible why some fansub groups will release 500MB+ episodes at some ridiculous resolution. If people wanted that kind of res, they should buy the BD or something. Legal-grey-area internet downloads should be small and sweet.
March 27th, 2009 at 9:24 am
@bob: no they shouldn’t, they should be as HQ as possible.
March 27th, 2009 at 11:49 am
“I find it incomprehensible why some fansub groups will release 500MB+ episodes at some ridiculous resolution. If people wanted that kind of res, they should buy the BD or something. Legal-grey-area internet downloads should be small and sweet. ”
There are plenty of unlicensed Anime without blu-ray release. Most fansub groups only fan sub series that are unlicensed. Of course you can order blu-ray anime releases from japan but
1. They lack English subtitles (why do you think fan subs exists in the first place
2. Not every1 has a blu-ray player
3. Blu-rays are region locked.
March 27th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Back on our previous subject Viper, I have a widescreen monitor, but the 1280×960 resolution featured in HD files comes in really, REALLY choppy on my computer. It’s not that it lags or anything, but it just doesn’t come in like the standard definition files do.
March 28th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Its not really so uncommon that computer might not be fast enough to run high quality hd files.
Just thinking about 720p (1280×720 at 25fps or so) trailers on my Ps3 that take up to 300mb for only few minutes of video. Thinking about similar quality for anime episode its no wonder that older computers might have troubles. But a full-hd episode and even some of the newerones will be troubled.
Dunno how easy its to convert mkv to mp4, but I doubt its any harder as its pretty similar container than mkv. I have converted many avi:s to Mp4:s for my psp which have all played well so doing that opertaion backwards probably wont cause any more problems than mkv and if its hardsubbed you dont even need to extract the subtitles from the file.
If you can play xvid with resolution 704×400 then Mp4/Mkv 704×400 should play pretty well too (if not better).
March 28th, 2009 at 12:05 am
wheres the edit button when you need one
I meant mp4 to avi/xvid not mkv to mp4
March 28th, 2009 at 5:18 am
“wheres the edit button”
lol, I know! could’ve saved me from triple posting up there! On average, it take me 3 times to get my post to look and sound the way I want it to. :/ (I have this problem of forgetting/skipping over a word at the worst times and it totally changes my meaning!)
March 28th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Chihiro encoders that are thinking about Mp4 encoding might take a look at this guide too.
It has some things that might help making the files Ps3 and X360 compatible.
http://forums.animesuki.com/showthread.php?t=51728
March 28th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
LOL look lucky star
maybe you could display statistic of noob questions
thanks for maria-sama
March 28th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
“Turns out, they are, ALMOST. The only issue is that by default x264 sets the level of the AVC encode to 5.1, even if the settings don’t need it to be that high, and the PS3 only plays things that are 4.1 or lower.”
Newer versions of x264 (note that this post is from 2007) autodetect the AVC level, which usually ends up as 3.1 for SD and 4.1 for HD, so there shouldn’t be a problem.
March 28th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
yeah and its bossible that post 1.90 firmware updates (they are already talking about firmware 2.70) have added support for higher AVC level among other things.