DVD to h.264

[joeyg2391]

Hi,
I want to convert my dvd's to h.264 to reduce the file size and create a dvd library. But I still want to maintain the same dvd quality as the original. I need to know what settings to put to maintain dvd quality using h.264. Also, by any chance does anyone know by how much an average movie would get reduced by. i will be using sorenson squeeze.

[celtic_druid]

Only way to get 100% DVD quality would be to encode lossless. Doubt that Sorenson (wouldn't recommend it anyway) supports HP features like lossless though, plus expect the filesize to increase.

So since lossless isn't an option, it comes down to what you think looks good. One thing you might want to consider is using mkv as a container so you can keep the DVD audio.

[edDV]

Rule of thumb is MPeg4 AVC h.264 is good for about half the bitrate of MPeg2 so experiment with 2.5-4Mb/s. The cost will be considerable encode times without hardware assist.

If you can't tolerate reduced quality, you may just want to invest in a larger hard drive.

[redwudz]

You might check out the Aud-X modified version of VirtualDub Mod. It can encode in H264 and encode the 5.1 audio using Aud-x, preserving the surround sound. https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=Aud-X And I hope you have a fast computer, H264 takes a while to encode. At least the version I used.

[celtic_druid]

Probably make more sense to go with 5.1 aac than Aud-X.

[joeyg2391]

My system specs are
X2 4400+
2 GIG Dual channel DDR
RAID 0 (2 250GB Drives)
X1900XT
NEC 3500 DVD Burner

I was thinking of cutting the bitrate in half as well but was just wondering if i would still maintain dvd quality. Or do you guys suggest Windows Media Files instead of H.264? Also, I found DVDFab Decrypter which works great to convert to H.264. Question does this retain my 5.1 sound quality that the dvd contains?

[edDV]

My system specs are
X2 4400+
2 GIG Dual channel DDR
RAID 0 (2 250GB Drives)
X1900XT
NEC 3500 DVD Burner

I was thinking of cutting the bitrate in half as well but was just wondering if i would still maintain dvd quality. Or do you guys suggest Windows Media Files instead of H.264? Also, I found DVDFab Decrypter which works great to convert to H.264. Question does this retain my 5.1 sound quality that the dvd contains?

Experiment with VC-1 (SMPTE-421M) as well. This standard is being driven by broadcasters who need optimal legacy compatibility with interlace NTSC/PAL and 480i/1080i as well as progressive. H.264 is being driven by telecom and computer industry needs. See this thread for more links and free software encoders. Keep in mind it is all at beta level.
https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=310927&highlight=

[djagt3]

Check out http://www.mandeldev.co.uk/EN/downloads.html the application Movie Library ++ will do conversion to h.264 and quality wise i like to keep the highest quality possible as my monitor is set to 1680x1080 resolution which means if the quality isn't as near to DVD as possible it looks ugly...I find that h.264 is by far the best codec while keeping decent compression, if you encode at the original width (DVD = 720x...) and use a bitrate of 1200-1500kbps depending on movie type (fast action, dark, high bitrate required) you'll get away with having a 1.3GB video for a 2h movie and extremely good quality. Also as you say you want to keep your videos as a library on your computer, this program is actually originally a library and will enable you to sort filter... your videos like the iTunes explorer...

[SatStorm]

I use VCD-like bitrates myself. The picture ain't perfect at 720x576, but very good.

[evol4pm]

I use Nero Recode to convert my videos to H.264, which they call it Nero Digital AVC.
it works pretty well for me so far, but it does not convert DVDs with copy protection though. =(

[djagt3]

Use something like DVDDecrypter to copy the DVD content to hard disk and then convert that, even Nero Recode will be ok with converting it as copy protection is not carried along.