Converting Video Files and DVDs for iRiver U10
Creating video files that are compatible with your iRiver U10 Ultra Portable Player is a simple, and relatively quick process. While the U10 is capable of playing standard MPEG-4 encoded files, the players small storage capacity and relatively slower CPU (when compared to modern PCs) requires existing video files to be transcoded in reduce the amount of information they contain. For the tech-savvy out there, the specifics of the U10's video capability is as follows:
-MPEG-4 Simple Profile Video
-Video Bitrate of 384 kilobits per second or less
-Audio Bitrate of 128 kilobits in MPEG Layer 3 format
-Resolution of 320x240 pixels
-Frame Rate of 15 Frames Per Second
To more easily facilitate the transcoding of files into a suitable format, the tool “iRiverter” was created. Iriverter is a simple and easy to use front end to the popular open-source video encoder, “Mencoder.”
This document will outline the details of obtaining, installing and using iRiverter to prepared your own videos for on-the-go viewing on your U10. This guide is largely based on excellent
iRiverter guides by
Astec on the
MisticRiver.net forums. Please note that this guide is based on my own experiences, and is not guaranteed to be the ultimate manual for carrying out such tasks (i.e. Your mileage may vary).
Firstly, you must obtain a copy of the iRiverter software. This software is freely available at no cost for personal use. Visit the
iRiverter web site to download the newest version:
From the main page of the iRiverter site, click on the “Download” button along the right-hand side of the page.
One this next page, you are given the option of packages to download. This is entirely up to you, however, this guide assumes that you will be using Windows, and as such, suggests to use of the “Installer” version. Click on the “Installer” link and you'll be referred to the list or mirrors containing the file. Simple click the download link next to the location you'd like to download from. Choosing a location that is physically near you will usually yield a faster download.
Once you've clicked on the download link of your choice, you're browser should give you the option of saving or downloading the file. Choose to save it, and if possible, make note of the location that the file is being saved to. By default, Firefox will save new downloads to your Desktop.
Now that you've downloaded the iRiverter file, lets download Mencoder. Mencoder is the utility that iRiverter uses to re encode the video files. Although Mencoder is included with the iRiverter Installer file, it is not always the most recent version. Mencoder is distributed as part of the “Mplayer” video player software package.
Go to the
MPlayer website.
Click on the “Download” link along the left side of the page. You will then be presented with a list of available files. You want to the most recent “Windows Binary.” Under the grid marked “Source and Binaries” click on a link to the right of the entry “Windows Releases.” Any of the various links (i.e. HU, HU2, US, CH) will work fine. After clicking the link of your choice, you'll be presented with a screen similar to the following:
You want to click on the ZIP file. It will generally always be the largest file, with the longest name. And is always a ZIP file. Again, when prompted by your web-browser, you should save the file.
Now we are done obtaining our files. You should close any web-browsers still open so that you have an uncluttered screen to work with. Now, go to the location where you saved the two files. double-click on the iRiverter file to begin it's installation.
When the installer appears, simply click the “Next” button at the bottom to proceed.
You'll then be given an opportunity to review the GNU License under which the software is released. After reviewing the document to your satisfaction, simply press the “I Agree” button to continue.