AVI question for all you TMPGEnc experts

[scottb721]

I have a problem when I capture AVI with PowerDirector Pro or VirtualVCR then use it as the source file for SVCD encoding in TMPGEnc.
When it analyses the file it pauses for 2 seconds at 8%, 18%, 28%,38% and so on .
It also has trouble keeping up with the slider bar when doing Source Ranging.

I don't have this problem when capturing AVI with VirtualDub.

(other than just saying to use VirDub) Any ideas why?
Anyone esle get this with VirVCR?

AMD1800Mhz CPU
256Mb DDR400 RAM
60gB 7200RPM HD

Thanks very much

[thesicilian]

Try Intervideo WINDVR, it can capture from tv & realtime encode to SVCD ready for burning.

I use it all the time.

[jolo]

thesicilian,

I agree, the new version of WinDVD recorder does great capturing and playing. IT is currently $119 and the are giving people a $30 coupon to use against it. Still, it costs some money, but plays about everything and is pretty seamless on recording.

[scottb721]

From what I've read on these forums I was of the understanding that I should capture as an AVI then encode later to MPEG2 to ensure the best quality.

[jolo]

Scott,
You asked a great question and it is where I sometimes get confused with all of the answers, guides and opinions.

For example, if you are using a product like WinDVD recorder, why shouldn't you capture to MPEG-2 format directly instead of capturing in avi, then encoding ? Isn't there a standard rule that you cannot do better than the original and therefore, there is some loss that occurs each time an encoding is done ? Same with the ATI capture software ?

I'd love to hear the answer.

Jon

[scottb721]

My idea on it was that the AVI was a much bigger (better quality) file so TMPG could choose, at it's own pace, what data to discard/compress during encoding, instead of the capture program trying to do it in real time.
Sounds plausible!

[jolo]

Sounds very plausible Scott.

But, would it not give better quality to save in the format that you watch it in. Then use a editor of some sort, to cut and slice. TMPG has those functions as do others.

I'm just throwing this around, trying to learn Scott. I would thing one would want to avoid the encoding process if they can. IT takes LOTS of time and I believe there is always some loss.

Jon

[menace]

To interject: I have done both and depending on what you are doing BOTH are fine. For instance i record and edit stargate episodes every week at 2500 CBR, using ATI, edit, burn and voila, perfectly acceptable quality (albeit I admit thast if I spent another 10 or so hours encoding i could make it look beautiful--but its coming off the satellite and going to TV--why bother)

On the other hand i capture disney movies for the girlfriend (and me ) and they REQUIRE compression to look good and put onto a one disk--i figure if i'm going to compress I might as well go for the whole ball of wax and get it on one cd.

The trade off here is time vs. quality --if you are happy with a straight encode-and-burn go for it, otherwise, learn the encoding part of it. (word to the wise though 1150CBR--VCD standard-- capture looks like crap so in order to get standard VCD with good quality you pretty much have to encode)

[scottb721]

My VirDub capture was too bright. I added the "Brightness and Contrast" filter but any changes to the sliders didn't seem to change the result.

I might have a go at capturing into MPEG2 2500CBR using either my ComproPVR or Powerdirector Pro, both bundled with my "Compro VideoMate Cinema"
http://www.comprousa.com/products/vmcinema.htm

Another reason why I perfered AVI was TMPGE would lockup when recoding a higher bitrate MPEG2 capture down to 2500cbr