Handbrake 0.10.3.0 x64 Interlace Problem

[SameSelf]

I am a complete newb when it comes to ripping DVDs. So I am sure this is a stupid question. But here goes.

I have an interlaced 4:3 NTSC DVD that I am trying to rip. The problem is: even though I have de-interlace turned off, Handbrake throws the video into a progressive container which of course looks horrible. I don't want Handbrake to de-interlace the content. So is there a way to have Handbrake rip the DVD into an interlaced container?

Thanks

[jagabo]

Add tff or bff to the x264 Extra Options. Be sure Handbrake doesn't resize the video vertically (cropping is ok).

[SameSelf]

Wow, that was easy! Thanks jagabo for the quick response.

[SameSelf]

Well, I am back. At 400+ fps, I had no idea you could rip a DVD to H.264 so fast! Anyway, I digress. My real question is this. While the video looks fine now (no combing), the mediainfo does not say it is interlaced. Rather it says MBAFF. Is this the same as interlaced? TAA.

[jagabo]

Yes, MBAFF is interlaced. The encoder encodes parts of the frame with combing as interlaced. Parts of the frame with no combing is encoded progressive. That gives better image quality and better compression.

[SameSelf]

So that's the secret special sauce in H.264. Thanks jagabo, always wondered what MBAFF was.