Tsunami-Mpeg DVD Author Pro Transcoder Question

[RKelly]

I'm making a DVD using Tsunami Mpeg DVD Author Pro, but unfortunately the size of the DVD outputted will be larger than what a standard 4.7 gig DVD-r holds. What I was planning on doing was outputting the file as is, then shrinking it via dvd shrink. However, I noticed I can transcode the file to shrink it down using the Tsunami program itself. Does this feature create better/worse/same results as dvd shrink? Just curious if it does, it would save me a step. Thanks for input!

[yoda313]

It works pretty much the same as dvd shrink. Only difference is it does it before you finish the authoring. I have tda2.0 and have used it on occasion. It does a comparable job to dvd shrink but saves you harddrive space since you don't have to author it oversized and then shrink it down.

However always remember if you shrink a large file down you will get more pixelation regardless of which transcoder you use. It is always better to target your capture or conversion as close to your desired size FIRST to keep from reencoding.

But as I said it is similar in results to dvd shrink. Worth using. Though for your own results you should not delete your original project file until you check the finished project. If your happy with the internal transcoder than go ahead and use it. Though I don't believe there are any percentage controls like shrink. It just offers you the choice of shrinking to a single layer and that's pretty much it.

[RKelly]

Thanks for the input!

[yoda313]

Oh one other thing. Though it may seem obvious - it does add time to your total project. How much depends on how large the file is. I also think there is a limit of how large it can shrink - I don't think it likes files over 9gigs when shrinking to single layer. Though I don't know for sure what the actual wall is for it.

[RKelly]

Yea the output is only slightly over the allotted amount for a dvd. One thing I did notice though, and why I might do the dvd shrink route, is that the Tsunami does not utilize the full space of the dvd. It outputted the transcode to 4.26 gigs, while I know there is not a lot more room on the disc, I know there is some, and its something I want to utilize. Speaking of better results, dvd shrink does the "deep analysis" which hopefully will render a better product as well. It probably doesn't matter much, but I figure any little bit helps.....

[yoda313]

Just a note that undersize feature MAY possibly be for susceptible media. Edge problems are often noted on poor media where it tends to have read errors at the end of discs. I would like to think this may be a secret default in the transcoder to shy away from potential errors on edges of bad discs.

That could just be a guess but you never know.

Certainly though if you want more control dvd shrink is the way to go. Its just that the internal transcoder will save you time and disc space.

[RKelly]

thanks for the advice on cheap media, that's a good point. I am using Verbatim discs and IMG to burn.