Video quality? - MiniDV to DVD

[camster39]

I seem to be loosing a good amount of video quality when creating DVD's from my MiniDV camcorder. Here are the steps that I've taken:

1 - Capture using WinDV or Pinnacle Studio v8 (Firewire).

2 - Encode using either TmpgEnc, Pinnacle Studio v8.

3 - Render & Burn using either TmpgEnc Author, Pinnacle Studio or Nero.

I've tried different combinations of the above and the result is always a lesser quality somewhat grainy video. I've messed around with compressions and options within these softwares and I always seem to come up with a very mediocre quality DVD.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can try? My current camcorder is the Sony DCR-PC1000 Mini DV. Plugging the camcorder directly into the TV produces better video than the finalized DVD. Same thing was happening with my old JVC-GRDVL805U MiniDV camcorder.

Thank you.

[gadgetguy]

The part that has the most to do with the drop in quality will be the encoding step. The tools you're using should produce acceptable results if used properly as many on this board swear by them, (although I personally don't use either of them). If you could provide screen shots of before and after, I'm sure someone here could spot where you're making you error. Alternatively post all of the steps and settings for each step that you used.

[edDV]

And please give us as much informtion as you can on your encoder settings. TMPGENC Mpeg2 should give the best results of those you list. I suggest you try 8Mb/s CBR.

[lenti_75]

it's the encoding the problem. you don't see any difference if done right

don't encode lower than 5000kbs.

[jimmalenko]

For the best quality in TMPGEnc, try using CQ mode set at somewhere between 90 and 100. It may also be that you need to do some noise removal - convolution3D via AVISynth would be my recommendation here.

[daamon]

Hi ,

This old post of mine may well be of use. Thre's a few edits in there based on experience gained and lessons learnt, so read it closely.

www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=725433#725433

Feel free to post back with questions. Good luck...