Convert for Optimal Playback without BB

[dkingsf]

One of the things that I have been unable to determine is why I could play AVI format on Verizon with the 517 Saskatel official OS, but on 607 that container will not play the video portion, only audio.

[phantomsphan]

Since the original Curve and Pearl aren't rolling out still, I don't know how useful this guide is any more. I have a Curve 8530 now and I've found I need to encode videos as xvid to get them to play anyway. There's also been an update to AVIDemux as well, so it's a bit outdated. If anyone still finds it useful though let me know, I'll update it with new screenshots using the current app and add some notes about newer devices.

[renstyle]

phantomsphan, you are a life saver!

I recently picked up FOUR 8130 BB pearls from an estate sale, $10.00, just needed new batteries. All are Verizon branded. Since I already have a wireless handset, just wanted to use these for playing videos/music, no phone capabilities at all.

Since these are all verizon handsets I was having a bear of a time getting the correct settings that the pearl AND the verizon software would accept. I followed your instructions (still clear even though they are out of date), had to alter the screen resolution to 240x144 (16:9 aspect), and adjusted the FPS down from 25.00 to 15.00 (prolly not necessary, but it helped with choppiness on these older handsets) but otherwise the video and audio codec you have listed worked with no issues.

The cropping instructions are a big help for such a small screen, if you really want to fill up the entire screen.

The best part is that I only needed to install the BB desktop software on my XP machine. Now I can charge my "basically free" handsets via a standard USB cable. Can even drag/drop files onto the microSD card while it is in the handset! No messing with the Roxio software at all!

Love the fact you are using Doctor Who shots to illustrate your encoding. My testing was done with the 7min children in need special where Christopher Eccelson regenerates into David Tennant.

I've even had luck with the "rotate" filter option to allow a larger image of the 16:9 video to display on the pearls screen.

For a total n00b to a BB like me, your post was the one that did the trick. I've found FFMPEG command lines which will also create a playable file, but nothing as slick as AVIdemux.

Your post should IMHO be elevated to a sticky. Uses free software, easy to follow, and it really does work, even on the 8130 pearl.

Sorry if I sound so excited, but my kids LOVE THESE! A great way to recycle cast off handsets as well as in-service units.

[phantomsphan]

Glad it was helpful to you Renstyle. That's a pretty cool idea to make them into little video/music players for the kids. I will go ahead and update with new links and screenshots when I get some time. I also just got a new Bold 9650, so I'm testing some things out on it as far as converting and will probably add that as well. Funny to see that even over 2 years later, someone still finds it useful.