Successful AVI capture _ Next step ?

[Leoslocks]

I want to convert AVI to MPG2. Big problem, TMPGEnc trial has expired.
I am trying to use Virtual Dub to edit AVI files to prepare them for converting to MPG2 and then author a DVD.

I use a filter to enable the "Cropping" function. I am using an offset of 8 from the bottom, 6 from the top, 3 and 5 from the left and right sides. These settings crop out the noise on the bottom/top and the black bars on the sides. I end up with a Filter name of "709x469 709x469 null transform".
After running the dub, saving the file, I preview the new file and find the desires result.

Two questions.
I captured the AVI as 720x480 using HUFFYuv 2.1.1 Is this the correct size to render to DVD?
Is TMPGEnc worth the $70 US.

[Vejita-sama]

Outline:

1. Capture video
2. Edit as desired/necessary
3. Encode to MPEG2
4. Author DVD
5. Burn DVD

You can capture in any resolution or format you want, as look as you encode (convert) it to a DVD supported resolution and framerate (see What is DVDR to the left). Most people caputure at either full D1 (720x480) or 1/2 D1 (352x480). For VHS copies I don't worrty about overscan so I just capture at 352x480 and encode (no resize) with CCE. There's no best way to do this.

TMPGenc is a great program. Worth it? The real question is what else do you have?! The only other programs that come close quaility wise and cost wise is CCE basic, then Main Concept and Ulead's various products (which costs a bit more). The only freeware MPEG2 encoder is bbMPEG.

If you can live with MPEG1 (esp if your standalone plays DVD authored MPEG1 video at > 1900kbit/s) then TMPGenc will encode MPEG1 for free.

[Leoslocks]

I have Nero 6.

I just capture at 352x480 and encode (no resize) with CCE.

I captured AVI at 720x480. After running it through the filter, it is 709x469. If I wanted to encode MPG2 with TMPGEnc, how would I size the Capture Format?
Let me back up and see if I can start the process a little better. I am using ivVCR to capture AVI. I tried Virtual Dub but it drops frames.(Possible hardware issues)
How would I set up the Capture Process to clean up the noise at the edges and size it for future Encoding to MPG2?
I am interested in quality.

[fmctm1sw]

The only freeware MPEG2 encoder is bbMPEG.

Yep, and pack a lunch. It will take forever to convert it with that. But.. it is free....