Video Capture or Transcode

[drstew]

From what I've read, 3 hour mode on many DVD recorders (JVC, Liteon) is pretty good (half-D1, 352x480). If I am interested in reducing file size/putting more video on a disc, would I be better off recording a DVD in 3 hour mode on one of these machines, or ripping and transcoding? How would I transcode to achieve half-D1 at 352x480? Are there guides that can walk me though this?

[mats.hogberg]

If possible, you're always better off encoding @ the right bitrate to start with, than to use a too high bitrate, then shrink/transcode it down in size.
Also, transcoding can never change properties like frame size - it only reduces bitrate. If you want to capture at full D1, then shrink and make it 1/2 D1, you have to reencode, but I doubt the result will be better than capturing at a lower bitrate/half D1 to start with.

/Mats

[SingSing]

I used TMPGENC transcode a few DVD down to CVD/Half-D1 before, just because my Pioneer can play them. They look really good. You need to modify/edit the TMPGENC template to do half-D1.