NTSC 23.98 to NTSC 29.97 DVD standard

[jsmiddleton4]

I have looked in several of the how to's, searched several threads, found bits and pieces, but I am at a loss as how to convert an NTSC 23.98 to NTSC 29.97 and address audio synch issues.

I have an original file that is 960x544 23.98 and I am trying to burn a DVD. It is a recorded TV program, I am not pirating a DVD. Just want to be able to watch it via my DVD player instead of hooking laptop via its video/audio out jacks to the TV.

I have read so much that I am getting confused. But mostly I can't seem to convert it and keep audio in synch. My DVD burning attemtps, TMPG, Studio, etc., don't like the 23.98 FPS.

I found several FPS conversion how to's but didn't see any that keep it in NTSC.

Help......

Jim

[doggyofone]

Try the tools section and look for DG Pulldown. This is an excellent program for changing different frame rates. Has worked perfectly for me. You should change the framerate on the finished mpv, after encoding.
Some all in one programs do this automatically, but this can lead to a somewhat jumpy video, as frames are copied to fill in the gaps. VSO DIVXtoDVD works pretty well if you want an all in one.

[jsmiddleton4]

Thanks. I'm confused about the mpv file? Typo?

I'm trying Total Video Convertor as I type this. Its the only one so far that at least the preview is in synch.

Jim

[jsmiddleton4]

Sorry, got ahead of myself. So you use this after you convert from avi? Convert with fps in place, then use this to change the converted file?

[doggyofone]

You use the encoded avi (mpv, m2v, mpg, mpeg) and run this file in DGpulldown. Very easy to use and there's probably a short guide on this site. Do a search on DG and read a couple guides. All in one's tend to create a somewhat jumpy finished product.
If you are new at this read up on using programs that you can work elementary streams with (separated video and audio). Also, have a look at AVI2DVD or The FIlm Factory. These are all in ones that do pulldowns to fix a jumpy frame issue. Either take a long time to encode, but the end products are much better in quality.
Read a few of the guides on avi to dvd conversions and learn about working with elementary streams - warning this can be a frustrating hobby, but with learning comes better results.

[jsmiddleton4]

warning this can be a frustrating hobby...

Now THAT'S an understatement!

There are a couple of threads on this issue. I'm obviously not the only one trying to do this kind of conversion. Looks to be cheaper and easier to go and buy the TV Show on DVD at Blockbuster!

It gets very confusing after reading just a few posts and while I appreciate folks who put together software packages for this kind of thing, the ones I looked at early require a high skill level.

Jim

[doggyofone]

Jim, try AVI2DVD - does an excellent job and is easy to use. Here's a guide:

http://www.divx-digest.com/articles/article_avi2dvd_page1.html

Seems tough now, but it gets easier as you read, try stuff and improve results.


By the way, there's a sticky on the top of this forum dealing with framerates.

[jsmiddleton4]

Thanks. I did hit the sticky before I posted. They had lots of ntsc to pal, pal to ntsc, etc., stuff. but I didn't see anything for the stay in ntsc and go from 23.98 to 29.97 process.

Will look at that program now.

[jsmiddleton4]

avi2dvd still with major synch problems.

[jsmiddleton4]

Only program that worked without audio synch issues is svcd2dvd.

Jim

[jsmiddleton4]

Super works just fine. Only audio option that works is MP2. If I use AC3 the sound gets goofed.

And its free.

Jim

[doggyofone]

Depends on the source for sound. You may need the right codec for ac-3 for a proper conversion.
As I mentioned, with elementary streams you can encode audio and video seperately and join the with an author.
You can demux the source avi with lots of programs - I use Virtualdubmod - guides are available for this and all programs I've listed - check tools section.
BeSweet is great for audio encoding
DVDLab is great for authoring. DVDautor is aeebee I haven't tried.
TMPGenc or CCE are best for avi encoding.
Also, try The Film Machine - does it all for you and with great results - its free and comes with choices for encoders.
Good luck.

[jsmiddleton4]

Super gets it done without too much fooling around. I'm sure there are more advance things I could do if I seperated sound/video but for a TV program saved to TIVO, and putting it to DVD, Super got it done good enough. If I wanted to make it the best possible, the entire season of the TV shows on DVD is about 20 bucks.

Thanks for your help. I will continue to look at these tools. I spend most of my day yesterday trying them, checking synch, etc. The guides are very helpful as well.

Jim

[jsmiddleton4]

Fixed the AC3 problem. Had several AC3 codecs installed due to trying several packages and needing this one or that one..... that adds to the confusion by the way. Uninstalled all but the AC3 I had originally installed that goes with my video editting software and now AC3 is fine.

Jim