Quality MPEG2 settings

[Hoagie]

What programs, if any, are available that will tell me the bitrate and other important information concerning a MPEG2 video clip?

I am wanting to "brand" a portion of a video (like the credits or a splash screen) with a logo, so I am needing to re-encode the video with that watermark over it. I want to lose as little quality as possible, so am wondering if there is an application that will tell me what settings would be best to encode the branded clip with.

(this will all end up on a DVD)

Many thanks.

[Visoblast]

Why don't you try calculating the average bit rate? Take the file size in bits and divide it by the runtime. In case you don't know (I don't know what you know), 8 bits are in a byte. This will give you something to try, but you should be ready to experiment with various settings.

Also, put an I frame in at least every 15 frames to make DVD players happy.

[Hoagie]

Would this calculation need to be altered if the MPEG was ripped from a DVD (with SmartRipper)? Does it not matter?

Thanks for the suggestion... I'll get my calculator out.