Newbie to MainConcept needs help

[Kyosho]

Hi,

I am trying to convert an XviD file to a DVD. Here are the specs for the XviD file:

Codec: XviD
FPS: 23.976
Sound: AC3
Size: 640x256

Now I just switched from TMPEGNC to MainConcept because TMPGENC doesnt really do a good job at converting 23.976 to 23.97
But anyways, I would like to keep the aspect ratio of the video. What is the most ideal settings to use in MainConcept?
There is no AVI -> DVD guide for MainConcept so it's a bit confusing for me.
Thanks.

[FulciLives]

Hi,

I am trying to convert an XviD file to a DVD. Here are the specs for the XviD file:

Codec: XviD
FPS: 23.976
Sound: AC3
Size: 640x256

Now I just switched from TMPEGNC to MainConcept because TMPGENC doesnt really do a good job at converting 23.976 to 23.97
But anyways, I would like to keep the aspect ratio of the video. What is the most ideal settings to use in MainConcept?
There is no AVI -> DVD guide for MainConcept so it's a bit confusing for me.
Thanks.

You can use FitCD to find out what size to re-size the AVI too for DVD

It will even create an AviSynth AVS script for you which will work with Mainconcept MPEG encoder ... you just need to install AviSynth.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[SaSi]

I am a bit confused by your statement:

Tmpgenc doesn't really do a good job at converting 23.796 to 23.97. What exactly do you mean? I think there is no issue of conversion there. Or do you mean 29.976?

To convert with Mainconcept, open the file from Mainconcept. Best thing is to start with the DVD template.

Regarding Aspect Ratio, it depends on what the source AVI is. I am guessing it was an anamorphic movie rescaled and cropped to 1:1 DAR (i.e. the frame is short and wide).

If that is the case, you need to resize it. It can be done within MC 1.4.1.

Please post again if that is what you want.

[acribb]

I know exactly what he means. I too just switched to MainConcept. It is sooooo much better than TMPGEnc when converting AVIs/XVIDs to DVD. TMPGEnc gave me jerky/missing frames looking video EVERY time, no matter what I did. MainConcept encodes silky smooth. I spent a week of wasted time messing with TMPGEnc then switched to MainConcept this morning and, WOW. Anyways, I think the original poster MEANT 23.97 to 29.97, as that is what NTSC DVD video wants. Now for the Aspect Ratio, to keep it original as the source here is the procedure that I worked out for myself this morning:

You have to use the Crop & Scale section of MainConcept to keep the aspect ratio, otherwise MainConcept just fills the 16 x9 window or the 4:3 window with no black bars.

I had a 560 x 240 (2.33:1) aspect ratio XVID. I wanted to put it to DVD in 16:9 format because I have a 16 x 9 TV. My 4:3 TV in the bedroom also has an 'Enhanced 16 x 9' mode which basically tricks the TV into thinking it is a 16:9 TV.

If we're talking an NTSC DVD (I don't know about PAL as I live in the U.S.) as output you need 720 x480 pixel, 29.97 FPS output to be DVD compliant.

(720 - 560 = 160) x (2.3333333) = 373.33, rounded up 374.
^
(560/240 or original aspect ratio)
In Crop & Scale window, on the right hand side, change the 480 to 374. Uncheck keep proportions.

Run that sucker. Excellent results, in original aspect ratio.

For you with a 4:3 TV, set Aspect Ratio to 4:3 in MainConcept and just plug in your numbers and do the same thing and it should work.

(720 - 640 = 80) x (2.5) = 200

In Crop & Scale window, on the right hand side, change the 480 to 200. Uncheck keep proportions.

Let me know how it works out for you.

[acribb]

The (560/240 or original aspect ratio) was supposed to point to the 2.33333. It got left justified.

[acribb]

DON'T USE THAT CALCULATION. IT WON'T WORK.

I must have had dumb luck on that one for it to come out right. I'm still looking for the right formula.

Sorry.

[FulciLives]

DON'T USE THAT CALCULATION. IT WON'T WORK.

I must have had dumb luck on that one for it to come out right. I'm still looking for the right formula.

Sorry.

FitCD

Or didn't you take a look at it? :P

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[Kyosho]

Thanks for your help. I can encode the video with MC fine now. The aspect ratio is almost identical to the original source. However, when I try to author it, I create a DVD image and play it in my player. I noticed a significant difference in the movie's height. Which is actually quite strange because I used Sonic DVD Producer AND DVD-Lab. They produced the same results.
From acribb's instructions, i made the video and it looks flat. So, if I were to author the DVD now, I am guessing it would look normal. Im going to try that now
This is my second time encoding 23.976 video. I used TMPGENC and I didn't check the file before burning so, that one was sort of messed up. I dont want to make another mistake like that again.