Encode captured black and white avi to DVD

[winifreid]

I usually just capture directly to mpeg2, but I have been unhappy with the result. So I would like to capture to avi with picvideo and convert to DVD (mpeg2). The capture would be 720x420 with pcm audio. The video is all black and white from cable (TCM). I would like to convert to mpeg2 using CCE (speed) or TmpGenc and compensate for overscan. I haven't used avisynth, but don't mind a little scripting. I assume I need to resize and add borders. Is there any other steps since the source is B&W? I am also looking for something that I don't have to use too many non-automated steps each time I capture a new video. Thanks

[guns1inger]

If you are capturing TV at TV res (720 x 480) then you don't really need to do anything. Adding borders requires a resize, but you won't get any benefit out of, just loose quality for no reason - you won't miss anything you wouldn't have seen anyway.

If you don't need to edit for add etc, then all you really need to do is encode and author.

The one thing I would change is the use of PCM audio. It takes up a lot of space, and restricts you to only an an 60 - 75 of quality video. You would be better off using AC3 2 channel at 192kbs to allow for 90 - 120 minutes of good quality image.

[winifreid]

I am not really happy with my mpeg2 captures, so would like to switch to picvideo, so I would have to encode. I have read more about adding borders and see that there is a disagreement about the improvment. I wanted to try it because I can see that I am missing some of the picture when I zoom out. I also wanted to eliminate some of the color artifacts that appear when I capture B&W to mpeg2 (I don't know if they are there in picvideo). I read that there is a greyscale selection in avisynth that would eliminate this. But after reading about all the code I would have to learn to create an avisynth script, I think I should stick to the simple.
Thanks

[junkmalle]

TMPGEnc can do everything you're asking for.

On the Advanced tab set the Video Arrange Method to Center (Custom Size).

Also on the Advacned tab use a Custom Color Correction filter. Press the Add button, the change the Mode pulldown to Saturation. Move the slider all the way to the left (zero) for pure grayscale.

[winifreid]

Thanks, I tried Tmpgenc and it worked, but is oh so slow. I assume I would have to use avisynth to get similair results with CCE?