Making a SVCD using PixeDV and Toast 6

[Frobozz]

I have the ADS USB Instant DVD for Mac that uses PixeDV to create mpeg 1 and 2 files, and CaptyDVD to author those files into VCD or DVD. This post explains how to use PixeDV mpeg 2 files with Toast 6.0.3 to make SVCDs (which CaptyDVD cannot do).

The capture settings in PixeDV should be mpeg 2, 480 X 480, no more than 2.5 mbps video, CBR and any of the sound settings. CBR is used instead of VBR because Toast 6 will re-encode the VBR video file but not the CBR file. Apparently, VBR allows frames to exceed the SVCD maximum rate so Toast decides the mpeg is out of compliance and re-encodes it. This takes up time that is saved by using CBR.

Once the video is captured, go to the Album tab in PixeDV, select the video and click on MPEG Cutter. You need to cut at least one second off the end of mpeg file. Don't ask me why; you just need to do this so Toast doesn't reject the mpeg as having some problem. An alternative that sometimes works is to select the file and choose Export MPEG to.... and using the resulting split m2v and aiff files.

Quit PixeDV and drag the mpeg (or m2v) into the Toast Video window. From there follow Toast's instructions on making SVCDs.

[AntnyMD]

VBR (variable bit rate) files work also, as long as your settings allow the peaks in the bitrate to hit 2.5Mbps or less. The setting I use is a bitrate of 1.5 and I move the slider over to 60%. This gives a peak rate of just under 2.35Mbps, and a mux rate of 2.4Mbps. I don't know if this is video only, or it compensates for the audio. I always use an audio rate of 192kbps in SVCD.

Interestingly enough, with those settings (and a few filters I set in other tabs), I get a playback time of about 60 minutes on a 80min/700mb CD-R.

[Frobozz]

Thanks for pointing that out. I wondered if setting VBR to a lower rate would work and now I know. As you noted, there's the benefit of getting more time on the SVCD.