How to eliminate "Ghosting" effect

[homeport]

I would like to use Video Enhancer to eliminate "ghosting" effects on my .AVI videos. That is the multiple images that appear like shadows behind the object or person as they move. I have tried various configurations with Video Enhancer with no success. If I reduce the resolution, quality suffers. I have also tried using "Ghost Remover" with VirtualDub, but the newly created video is too large in size. Could someone suggest precisely what configuration to use in Video Enhancer which might give me a chance to solve this issue. I use WinXP, SP3.

[Dee Mon]

Hi Herschel,
did you get my answer?

There's no need to change resolution in your case.

With lossy codecs like XviD file size depends completely on chosen bitrate. You can decide for yourself how big you want the file to be and then just calculate the bitrate (it's usually in kilobits per second, just count how many bits you want and how many seconds you've got).

[homeport]

Hi Dee Mon,
I did not get your answer previously. I am new to this site. Is there a way to receive an email when I get a reply?

Thanks for your response. I don't quite understand how to do what you suggest. I would like to keep the size of the file approximately as it is. However, I would change it if it would help the problem of "ghosting". For example, I see that one of my videos that shows the ghosting effect has a Data rate of 4323kbps with a Duration of 6 seconds. On what basis would I decide the number of kilobits per second that I want? I would'nt care if the duration doubled. What amount of change would eliminate the "ghosting"?

Thanks

[Dee Mon]

Before you posted here I've got your email and answered it, but it seems to be lost. That's one of the reasons we prefer using forum.

Ghosting effect and recompression bitrate are completely unrelated. Sometimes strong compression can cause ghosting, but once you have it, you can't remove it by just recompressing. If you found "ghost remover" filter and it works, then apply it and compress your video to any size you find suitable. If you had a video with bitrate 4000 kbps and you think it's ok, then you can set this bitrate in the codec you use for compression (like XviD). Just open codec settings in compression dialog and set the bitrate.

[homeport]

I'll need your help to guide me through this.
I went to the Properties of the original video and saw the video Data rate was 4323kbps, sample size 24 bit, and compression XVID.

I then opened Video enhancer and browsed to this video file which I loaded into the "Input video file". Then, I loaded in the "Ghost Remover" in the Filters Sequence window. Next, I chose "Svid MPEG-4 Codec for the Compression. I open "Configure"/Target quantizer and under Targe size (kbytes), I put in 4323 (as seen in the originial properties). I, then, clicked on "Start". A window opened with 2 screens, but nothing else happened.
What did I do wrong? AND what do I click on to make sure the resolution is 640x480?

One last question: In order to get the Ghost Remover filter, each time I have to go back to the directory and file that I downloaded. Is there a way to keep it in the VE listing permanently?

Thanks for your help.

[Dee Mon]

In XviD settings a button switches between "target quantizer" and "target bitrate". Switch to "target bitrate" and enter your 4300, that's probably what you did already. Next, in the same xvid settings go to "Other Options..." and in "Encoder" tab make sure that "Display encoding status" is NOT checked.

As for resolution just make sure VE shows that original file is 640x480 and you don't add any SR.

When you add a filter VE should remember where you get it, but if it doesn't, just copy the .vdf file to \Program Files\Video Enhancer\plugins folder.

[homeport]

I don't seem to be able to eliminate the "ghosting". I have tried all of the settings suggested. Here is the current configuration I used based on your latest recommendations:
I have tried both XviD and DivX
Target Bitrate: 6398 (same as on original file)
Quantization type: MPEG
680 x 480
No SR
AVI_OpenDML
30 fps
Display Encoding Status unchecked
Filter: Ghost Remover

I have even turned off the Hardware Accelerator in Display/Settings/Advanced/Troubleshoot

The strange thing is that on 2 of very small videos  (about 6 mb), the ghosting seem to be eliminated. But, it is hit and miss and I cannot duplicate the results using identical setting on the next video I try. Do you have any other suggestions or settings that I could try?

Also, concerning the .vdf files, when I click on the filters, I always get "can't load library" even though I have placed the .vdf file in Program files/Video enhancer/plugins. Is there a way to set the path within VE?
Thanks for your help.

[Dee Mon]

"can't load library" error is often shown if a .vdf filter depends on some .dll which is usually distributed with it. If it's the case, dll file should be placed to Video Enhancer folder. Just copy all dll files from plugin folders to VE folder.

There's no general solution to the ghosting effect which would work on all videos. It's always trial and error.

[homeport]

Thanks for you help. Can you tell me what should I concentrate on for the trial and error attempts? Is it codec, bit rate, resolution, or a combination of 2 or more settings? At least that will give me a head start.

[Dee Mon]

None of them. If "ghost remover" has any settings, concentrate on them.