How to Convert Videos Fast with XviD4PSP — Step-by-Step Guide

How to Convert Videos Fast with XviD4PSP — Step-by-Step GuideXviD4PSP is a lightweight, Windows-focused video conversion tool that wraps popular codecs and filtering options in a simple GUI. Although it’s older software, it can still be useful for quick batch conversions to common formats (especially AVI/XviD and MP4), simple filtering, and fast exports on modest hardware. This guide walks through preparing your source files, configuring speed-focused settings, batch-processing, and avoiding common slowdowns so you get the fastest possible conversions without sacrificing necessary quality.

Quick overview: when to use XviD4PSP

• Use XviD4PSP when you need fast, low-complexity conversions on older Windows machines.
• Avoid it for complex modern formats (HEVC/H.265 mainstream use) or advanced color/grain preservation work.
• Keep XviD4PSP for fast AVI/XviD, MPEG-4 ASP and simple MP4/H.264 jobs where speed and simplicity matter more than cutting-edge compression efficiency.

Requirements and installation

1. System: Windows 7/8/10 (works on newer Windows too; run in compatibility mode if needed).
2. Download: get the official XviD4PSP installer from a trusted archive or software repository. Verify checksums if available.
3. Install bundled codecs if prompted (XviD, MP4Box/GPAC, AviSynth support). Optionally install Avisynth (or Avisynth+) for advanced filtering scripts — XviD4PSP can call Avisynth scripts for preprocessing.

Tip: Run XviD4PSP once after install and let it detect codecs and create profiles.

Preparing your source files

• Place all source videos in a single folder for batch jobs.
• If they have different resolutions or aspect ratios and you want uniform output, decide a target resolution (e.g., 1280×720) before batch encoding.
• For DVDs/ISOs, rip with a reliable tool (HandBrake, MakeMKV) to produce straightforward input files (MP4/MKV/AVI). XviD4PSP can read many container types but simpler inputs reduce unexpected errors.

Project setup: basic UI walkthrough

• Launch XviD4PSP. The main window has an input list, a preview pane, encoding profile selector, and output options.
• Click “Add” or drag-and-drop files into the input list.
• Select a file and choose a target profile from the “Profile” drop-down (Common options: Xvid AVI, MP4 H.264, MPEG-4). Profiles handle container, codec, and common settings.

Speed-first encoding settings

To prioritize speed, adjust these areas:

1. Codec/profile choice
   • Choose Xvid (MPEG-4 ASP) or CPU-optimized H.264 profiles with faster preset. Xvid is generally faster on older CPUs; modern x264 offers very fast presets (like ultrafast, superfast) but with lower compression efficiency.
2. Encoder presets
   • For x264 targets, pick the fastest preset available (ultrafast/superfast). This increases bitrate needs, so raise bitrate or target quality accordingly.
3. Bitrate vs. quality
   • Use CBR (constant bitrate) or a relatively high target bitrate to avoid encoder spending CPU on rate control. Example: for 720p target, 2500–4000 kbps for good-looking fast output.
4. Resolution & frame rate
   • Downscale if acceptable (e.g., 1080p → 720p) and keep the same frame rate. Reducing resolution has the largest speed benefit.
5. Threads/CPU affinity
   • Ensure XviD4PSP is allowed to use all CPU cores (it normally uses multi-threaded encoders). Avoid setting thread limits unless necessary.
6. Disable expensive filters
   • Turn off deinterlacing, denoising, sharpening, and advanced resize filters. If resizing is needed, use a fast scaler (Bilinear) instead of Lanczos.
7. File I/O
   • Use fast local drives (SSD preferred). Avoid network or slow USB drives which can bottleneck encoding.

Step-by-step fast conversion (example: convert multiple MKVs to fast MP4 H.264)

1. Open XviD4PSP and add your MKV files (drag-and-drop or “Add” button).
2. In Profile, select a fast H.264/MP4 profile (or create one):
   • Container: MP4
   • Codec: x264 (select preset “ultrafast” or “superfast”)
   • Mode: CBR or ABR with high bitrate (e.g., 3000–5000 kbps for 720p)
   • Threads: Auto
3. Output resolution: set to target (e.g., 1280×720). Choose Bilinear scaling for speed.
4. Audio: choose AAC with 128–192 kbps (stereo). AAC encoding is fast and widely compatible.
5. Filters: disable or remove any filters. If remuxing only, choose “copy” for audio/video where possible.
6. Destination folder: set to a fast local drive.
7. Click “Start” (or “Encode”) to run the batch. Monitor CPU and disk usage; if CPU is at 100% and you’re happy with speed, leave it. If the system becomes unresponsive, lower thread usage or choose a slightly slower preset.

Using Avisynth for preprocessing (optional)

• If you need simple cuts, crops, or batch cropping, create an Avisynth script (.avs) and add it as the input. Avisynth scripts run before encoding and can save time if you need identical preprocessing across many files.
• Keep Avisynth scripts minimal for speed (avoid heavy denoise, complex temporal filters).

Example minimal Avisynth script for resize:

AviSource("input.avi") BilinearResize(1280,720) 

Then add the .avs as the input in XviD4PSP.

Batch processing tips

• Test one file with your speed settings and review visual quality and audio sync.
• Once satisfied, apply the same profile to all files and start batch encode.
• Split very large batches into smaller groups (10–20 files) to reduce impact if a single file errors out.

Troubleshooting common slowdowns

• High CPU usage with low disk activity: encoder preset too slow — choose faster preset.
• High disk activity and low CPU: disk I/O bottleneck — move sources/outputs to SSD.
• Unexpected re-encoding audio: set audio to “copy” if already in desired format.
• Crashes or errors with certain files: remux that file to a simpler container (MKV → MP4) using a remux tool, then re-add.

When not to chase speed

• If you need archival quality or maximum compression efficiency, use slower presets (medium/slow) or modern encoders like x265/AV1 with proper tuning — they’re slower but deliver much better file-size-to-quality ratios.
• For heavily noisy or interlaced footage, preprocessing is necessary and will cost time; don’t disable it if quality matters.

Quick checklist for fastest practical conversions

• Use Xvid or x264 with ultrafast/superfast preset.
• Increase bitrate rather than complex rate-control.
• Downscale resolution rather than complex filters.
• Disable heavy filters and use Bilinear resize.
• Run from and write to an SSD.
• Test one file, then batch.

XviD4PSP remains a pragmatic choice for quick, simple conversions—especially on older systems. By choosing fast encoder presets, minimizing filtering, and using efficient I/O, you can convert large sets of videos quickly while keeping acceptable quality.