<chapter id="mpegencoder">
<chapterinfo>

<title>MPEG Encoder</title>

<authorgroup>
    <author>
        <firstname>Gilles</firstname><surname>Caulier</surname>
        <affiliation><address><email>caulier dot gilles at gmail dot com</email></address></affiliation>
    </author>
    
    <author>
        <firstname>Gerhard</firstname><surname>Kulzer</surname>
        <affiliation><address><email>gerhard at kulzer.net</email></address></affiliation>
    </author>        
</authorgroup>

<abstract>
<para>
The Kipi MPEG Encoder plugin is a tool for converting a series of images into a diashow-style MPEG file.
</para>
</abstract>

<keywordset>
<keyword>KDE</keyword>
<keyword>Kipi</keyword>
</keywordset>
</chapterinfo>

<title>Introduction</title>

<para>
The MPEG Encoder plugin can be used to convert the selected images into a MPEG sequence with a defined duration and merge all images in an single MPEG file. This plugin applies the "MjpegTools" and "ImageMagick" packages. Between the images, you can insert a basic transition. You can also add an audio track to the images sequence using MP2 or WAV files.
</para>

<para>
All images will be automatically scaled to the correct size of the selected video format. A background color can be selected. You can use this plugin to build some DVD/XVCD/SVCD/VCD image portfolios for your home DVD player. Use the K3b program to create this media.
</para>

<sect1 id="using-plugin-mpeg_encode">
<title>Using the plugin</title>

<para>
First you have to select the images to be packed into MPEG from the host application browser. Then call from <menuchoice><guimenu>Tools</guimenu><guimenuitem>Create MPEG Slideshow</guimenuitem></menuchoice> menu from the host application window.
</para>

<para>
The images you have selected earlier appear in the <guilabel>Image Files in Portfolio</guilabel> list box. Use this box to order your files or to modify the content of the list.
</para>

<para>
When you are happy with the content, go on with the other settings. The video format can be chosen from four (DVD/XVCD/SVCD/VCD) different formats. If the MPEG file shall be played over a TV set, select the TV standard from PAL, SECAM and NTSC. PAL is the default value and the probable choice in central Europe.
</para>

<para>
Then you can choose the display duration per image, it scales in seconds. The list box below allows to select the transition behavior between the images. A low value goes with an rather sudden change whereas a higher value creates a smooth transition.
</para>

<para>
The next selector lets you free choose the preferred background color. In doubt leave it black.
The <guilabel>MPEG Output Filename</guilabel> box specifies the output filename and its path (location). Leave the mpg ending but change the path and filename as you wish.
</para>

<para>
If you point in the <guilabel>Audio Input Filename</guilabel> to an audio file, it will be integrated into the MPEG file. So if you're done with the setting, click on the <guilabel>Encode</guilabel> button to launch the conversion. Depending on your computer speed go and drink a short or long coffee and enjoy the slideshow when its finished.
</para>

<note>
<para>
If the plugin complains about encoders or tools missing you can set the path to the programs "MjpegTools" and "ImageMagick" at the lower right <guilabel>Settings</guilabel> button.
</para>
</note>

<figure id="mpegencoder-encoder-dialog">
    <title>The MPEG Encoder Dialog Preview</title>
    <mediaobject><imageobject>
      <imagedata srccredit="The MPEG Encoder Dialog Preview" fileref="mpeg_encode_dialog.png"/>
    </imageobject></mediaobject>
</figure>

<para>
You can see some sample builts with this plugin here:
<ulink url="http://digikamplugins.free.fr/MPEGEncodeSamples/">url</ulink>.
</para>

</sect1>
</chapter>

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