Codec for a 52" inch LCD

[GassiusClay]

Hey everyone,

I got a 52 inch LCD 1080p capable and PS3/X360. I wanted to know which codec would be best for good picture quality (maybe 720 esque) and maintaining at least 5.1 audio. Also, a format good for streaming via the systems.

I read about x264 and then people talking different formats, bit rates, blah blah in different containers. So I was wondering what settings should I stick with to get a good quality movie (without the menus, special features, etc.), 5.1 support, and able to fit on a single layer DVD if needed.

[jagabo]

What's your source?

[GassiusClay]

My DVDs (no Blu-ray).

So how should i convert that? What bitrate? fps? blah blah?
Should the audio be AAC or MP3? I don't know.

I just want to convert to something that doesn't really compromise the quality on a large screen, but is within a single layer DVD size. I'm going for a sort of media center in the living room. If I can accomplish it in a smaller size, than that's okay with me too. I feel that just taking the movie part and forgetting the extra stuff still leaves a big dent on the HDD. I would say 4 GB or less per movie is tolerable.

Or am I just better off getting it from "somewhere else" already done for me? But then, can I even trust that?

[poisondeathray]

SD content doesn't look very good on 1080p HDTV

[guns1inger]

Xvid4PSP. Width 720, height - whatever is required based on each video. PS3 preset. Start with the X264 Q21 Ultra and X264 Q18 Ultra presets and see what you think. If you want to keep your multi-channel AC3 audio then use the M2TS container for output, instead of the MP4 output. May not play back on the Xbox, but the PS3 has a better upscaler anyway.