Achieving High Quality SVCD Help

[zero_net]

What r the best setting to get highest quality svcd,

I have a movie that is 25minutes long, AVI format, im gonna convert it to mpeg2 , i can use max bitrate since its so short, and it still doesn't fill the cd, are there any other options i can set for highest quality ?

[David K]

What are you going to play it on? On a computer using WinDVD for example, you can up your resolution and bitrate towards DVD quality, and still play it. If you want to play it on a stand-alone DVD player, most will not play SVCD outside of the standard parameters, so you're stuck with that (480 x 480, 2450 kbps). Look on this site for information about XSVCD.

[ZippyP.]

If you specify your encoder (TMPGEnc, CCE, etc.) then people might be able to offer some more detailed suggestions.

[zero_net]

I am using Tmpg Encoder.

I dont know much about XVCD, but will it allow me to make high quality ?

[ZippyP.]

XVCD or XSVCD is basically a VCD or an SVCD that has a bitrate or resolution outside of the respective standards. You can find find definitions in the glossary. By using higher bitrates and resolutions you can create better quality videos. The drawback is that when you go outside the standards then compatability with DVD players becomes an issue. The further outside the standards and the less chance that it will play on your set-top unit. Non-standard files can still be played on your PC however, that's why David K asked what you intended to play it on.

You might want to try upping the bitrate a little beyond the SVCD spec., many DVD players can still play them if you don't go too extreme. You'll have to experiment with your player.

As for other settings, it might depend on the quality of the source to a certain extent. There is noise filtering and edge sharpening which can be used to make a video better. Motion Search Precision can be set to the highest setting for best results but many people say the second highest setting is good enough. Be aware that noise filtering and the highest motion search will increase your conversion time dramatically . If your video is animation then you might want to use the CG/Animation setting under the Quantize Matrix tab.

Good luck.