How to get HQ DVD screenshots?

[yesfan]

What is the best software/programs to use to get high quality dvd screenshot with? Or what methods are best? Thx

[sjohans1]

I've been doing this for about a year and found the best software to get screen shots from a DVD is CyberLink's PowerDVD 5.0. Just navigate to a scene you want to capture from, then step to the actual frame, press one button and the still is saved in a designated folder (which you set) as a .bmp, I believe. I think you may be able to specify other formats as well.

[bugster]

I would go with sjohans1 solution but remember, the resolution of DVD is 720*576/480 (PAL/NTSC) so when displayed on a monitor or printed, DVD screen shots do not look great, especially when enlarged, the res jusn't isn't good enough for that.

[yesfan]

I am using powerdvd 5 atm as you can set the capture to a max of 2000 x 2000. Although this does give fairly good quality stills, I was wondering if it was possible to get it any better? I am using them for my own dvd cover designs and the stills are ok if reduced in size but if they are enlarged some are not that good when printed.

Thx for the quick replies anyway

[mats.hogberg]

As the source is 720x576 at the very best (PAL), that's as good as it gets. Doesn't matter if you capture to 100.000x100.000 - you'll just get enlarged pixels, not higher quality.

/Mats

[thecoalman]

If you have a decent image editor you can try this. Triple the size of image. Then find the tool that will blur or soften the image. You will lose sharpness and clarity by doing this but will remove pixelaztion (blockiness). A better solution would be to take a few screenshots and make a collage with reduced images.....

[BJ_M]

the BEST way for the highest res (and we have tried everything) - is to use virtualdubMOD , and use the lanczos resize filter in 15-20% jumps (multiple resize filters stacked) ...

we have gone up to 4k from dvd this way , and 6k+ from Hd source..

hit "Control + 2" to snapshot the output frame ...

compared to photoshop ... much higher quality ..

you better have LOTS of memory though -- or use smaller numbers of resize filters and save interm. results ..

[yesfan]

Thx for the replies.....will try your method BJ_M and hope the memory will cope