Quality and File Size for TV Show Ripping

[Johnbil]

I have been trying for some time to create the same high quality DVD rips of TV shows that many people post for downloading. They all seem to get better results than I do when they create a 175/183 meg AVI file with the XVID codec.

I have tried a number of different ripping programs and used bitrate calculators. While I get the proper size file, there are quality problems. The picture sometimes has a lack of sharpness and ‘noise’ (pixels) around the images.

Many of the rippers suggest a higher bitrate, which results in a file size of 225 meg. This usually fixes the image problems. But I just gotta know, what am I missing? Are there other settings that I’m neglecting, which achieve better picture quality at the 175 meg mark/lower bitrate mark?

Regards…John B

[Baldrick]

Tried lower video size/resolution? Lower audio bitrate?

What software have you tried? With megui and using a high quality preset 2 pass encoding profile you might be able to get a bit better quality.

[redwudz]

You have to start with a high quality video. If there is any noise present, bitrate is wasted there and detracts from your encode quality. Filtering may also help with removing noise, though it may soften the picture.

You might take a look at one of those encodes you like with something like MediaInfo and check what bitrate and other parameters they use. They may lower the audio quality to reserve more bitrate for the video. Also check framesize. A smaller framesize can give you a some more bitrate. A two pass encode may also improve the quality when using low bitrate encodes.

If you are using the Xvid codec, doesn't much matter which conversion program you use if they all use the exact same codec version. The program is just a 'front end' to the codec. The encoder settings are the most important.

And welcome to our forums.

[Johnbil]

Thank you both for replying so quickly.

I have used MediaInfo to find and mimic some of the file settings such as the Video Resolution and Frame Rate of "ideal" files. I use 128 Kbps for Audio.

I have tried front end programs such as Magic DVD Ripper, Kingdia DVD Ripper & WinX DVD Ripper. As to XVID, I have been basically using the default settings except I use the "XVID Home Theatre NTSC" setting for the PROFILE@LEVEL. I also use a bitrate calculator and adjust that number. I have been using the single pass method (can't seem to get the hang of double pass).

Are their other Encoder settings that I need to adjust?

[edDV]

First step in compressed quality is the source. DVD is a quality source and most are progressive. For broadcast, ATSC/QAM (HD or SD)* is a low noise, high quality source but will be interlace. Most TV series will need inverse telecine. The others will need a quality deinterlace.

Only then are you ready for an xvid encode.

*analog capture will always be noisier.

[jagabo]

Forget bitrate encoding. Use Target Quantizer mode (try q=3). Every file you compress will come out with the quality you select. Who cares exactly how big they are.

If you insist on particular file sizes be sure to use 2-pass variable bitrate encoding. Constant bitrate encoding is a waste of bits.

These are basically two sides of the same coin: in one case you pick the quality and the file comes out whatever bitrate is required to achieve that quality. In the other you pick the bitrate and the file comes out with whatever quality it can get for that bitrate.

Be sure to enable Adaptive Quantization.

[Johnbil]

OK, edDV, you lost me. My source is a TV series from a DVD. Will this need a deinterlace and if so, how do I do this?

[edDV]

OK, edDV, you lost me. My source is a TV series from a DVD. Will this need a deinterlace and if so, how do I do this?

Depends on the series. For example "Law and Order" type series are shot on film and either edited 24p or 29.97 fps telecine (with pulldown). These will need inverse telecine to 23.976 before compression.

If the series is like SNL, sports or most reality, the DVD will be 720x 480i interlace. These will need deinterlace.

Use mediainfo on the demuxed MPeg to find the video specs. Closely review the video for the 2:3 or other telecine pattern. Many series were originally shot in interlace PAL. In those cases it is better to obtain a PAL DVD disc.

You asked why others got better compression.

[lowellriggsiam]

John, try this simple method and see if it suits your needs. It has done well for me in the past. I used dvddecrypter to rip to ISO then loaded the iso into fairusewizard and output to xvid.