progressive versus interlaced

[Bozo]

I convert divx to (s)vcd. I wonder when I should use interlace and when I should use progressive scan.
Wich one is better for TV-playback?

[hitechjunkie]

for playback on an analog TV, most would agree that an interlaced video is best. for the newer HDTVs, progressive...

[homerpez]

I think, unfortunately, the real answer is it depends on the source.

This means if your DivX is not progressive frames (if it has any lines in it), you should encode in "Interlace" mode for SVCD.

If your DivX was done correctly (progressive), then keep it progressive, no matter what you're viewing unit is (TV or computer). There's no harm in doing progressive video on an interlace viewer... you'll only notice when it's the other way around.

[Bozo]

Ok! By "any lines" in the video you mean that coloured horizontal line in the bottom of the screen?

Also, should I use any filters in virtualdub when converting divx>(s)vcd?
Accept from resize.

Thanks

[homerpez]

No, I think what you mean by that, is OVERSCAN. That's when if you capture off of TV (or tape) and you see black, with a line or two in the top or bottom, or sides. That is the space that isn't visible on most TV's, but still contains information "just in case". It's usually outside the viewing area.

No, what I mean by "any lines" looks more like a comb put in front of the whole screen. Interlace is basicaly taking two "fields" (think comb again), and alternating them to make one "frame". 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2...

When you get a DivX that isn't pure progressive, you might see this "comb" every now and again. If you treat the video as interlaced, then these lines tend to blend in when you re-encode. 1) Don't quote me on this, it's just my experience, 2) Sorry if this wasn't the question you had in mind for me to answer...

To make a long story short, if your source is Progressive, encode Progressive (it can't hurt). If your source shows signs of being Interlaced, even a little, I would simply encode it as Interlaced rather than try de-interlacing (Since SVCD supports leaving it interlaced).

V-Dub filters, etc. are your call, the most important part is resize. Like I said, if it apppears interlaced at all, then don't worry about de-interlace filters in V-Dub if you're going to SVCD. Just encode it as Interlaced input and output format. Progressive is easier, you just leave it alone.

[Bozo]

Thanks alot, that helped.
I've been away for a while. :D

[LavaJockey]

I'm not so sure about that advice. I've been encoding 480x480 interlaced video and if I select interlaced output in TMPGEnc, which is the default, then playback to my TV screen, and computer screen, sucks during high motion scenes: I get lots of horizontal lines (wider then the interlace-effect lines).

If I select progressive output, then the playback looks fine. Same is true with the CCE MPEG encoder.

Anyone know why that is?