Interlace file size question for lordsmurf

[wmfv7]

If a file is recorded at 480x480 interlaced and then re-recorded at 480x480 deinterlaced with the same VBR quality settings should they be the same file size? I tried this with Windows media 9 and the interlaced file was almost twice the size. Should there be a huge file size difference?

Also, should an interlaced file played on a player that automatically de-interlaces look the same or better than if the file had been de-interlaced with the same deinterlacing method in the encoding?

From the windows media 9 testing that I have done, the interlaced captures look smoother on a tv but the added file size makes the deinterlacing a much better option. The NTSC system is such low resolution that I really can't tell much of a difference. Does interlaced vs. de-interlaced really make enough of a difference. I know you can easily see the differences on a computer monitor but I really can't see that much of a difference when I watch it on a standard def TV.

Another question. If you record an MPG2 interlaced file but you want to output it to a TV from your computer. Won't the file player that you are using De-interlace the file and therby defeat the purpose of leaving it interlaced in the first place? What programs support the option of de-interlacing or not de-interlacing? I know windows media player 9 defaults to not de-interlacing but there is an option for de-interlacing WMV9 files. I don't know if it works for MPG2 files though.

[lordsmurf]

If a file is recorded at 480x480 interlaced and then re-recorded at 480x480 deinterlaced with the same VBR quality settings should they be the same file size? I tried this with Windows media 9 and the interlaced file was almost twice the size. Should there be a huge file size difference?

I've never used WMV9 and interlace. All my WMV are v8 and are deinterlaced for streaming content or minimal download or e-mail attachments.

Also, should an interlaced file played on a player that automatically de-interlaces look the same or better than if the file had been de-interlaced with the same deinterlacing method in the encoding?

The software deinterlace is normally adaptive at a minimum, and can use several methods that typical software does not. In general, the playback deinterlace is far superior to the encoding. If you have a lot of time and superior encoding software, then a decent deinterlace is possible, though realize it is still throwing away data to get to that format. AT www.100fps.com you can see examples of what he uses for his DIVX deinterlaces.

From the windows media 9 testing that I have done, the interlaced captures look smoother on a tv but the added file size makes the deinterlacing a much better option.

Realize that's subjective opinion. I'd rather use more discs. They're not expensive, and quality always rules over disc quantity in my book, and many others. But if size is your priority, then the opinion is valid.

The NTSC system is such low resolution that I really can't tell much of a difference. Does interlaced vs. de-interlaced really make enough of a difference. I know you can easily see the differences on a computer monitor but I really can't see that much of a difference when I watch it on a standard def TV.

Absolutely there is a difference. The image on my interlace guide at lordsmurf.com show the outcome of deinterlacing, and such artifacts are most definitely noticeable on tv. In fact, my interlace problems from 2001 are the entire reason I started to learn more about true video, rather than just asking ATI tech support about why my video looked funny on screen.

Another question. If you record an MPG2 interlaced file but you want to output it to a TV from your computer. Won't the file player that you are using De-interlace the file and therby defeat the purpose of leaving it interlaced in the first place?

That depends on several factors, including the playback software and the way your video card interacts with your tv. In this case, make a 1-minute MPEG-2 with high side-to-side movements and test, playing back in a interlaced-viewable player (like WMP) and outputting to the tv set.

I've done this several times from my ATI card. It normally cooperates fine. Sometimes it refuses. I'm sure there's a logical reason for the inconsistancy, but since my output by that method is rare, I honestly haven't cared much to test. And that was in 2001 and 2002, nothing I've done in a long time. I usually burn VCD or DVD-RW rather than hook up cables.

What programs support the option of de-interlacing or not de-interlacing? I know windows media player 9 defaults to not de-interlacing but there is an option for de-interlacing WMV9 files. I don't know if it works for MPG2 files though.

Realize WinDVD and PowerDVD accept mst media files too, and they are equipped with bob and adaptive playback filters.