Noob to DVD, experimenting

[spleen]

Hi.

I have some experience with AVI to VCD conversion using TMPEG, Virtualdub, VCDEasy, etc. Last night I replaced my CD-RW drive with a DVD +-R/RW drive so I'm kind of starting over again.

Just for the heck of it I was thinking I'd burn one of my avi files that I have laying around onto DVD, just to see what it looks like (using NeroVision Express 2). The avi file is only 1 hr:49 min long, but when I choose the "Add Video Files" option, it tells me that the project currently exceed the capacity of a normal DVD and will end up being over 5GB. (I thought these DVD discs hold up to 2 hours??)

When I then select the "automatically reduce quality to fit on one DVD" option, it then says that it couldn't be reduced enough, I need to try to reduce it manually. Manually, it ends up needing to be set to LONG play. However, in the help area of the screen, it says that LONG PLAY will record about 180 minutes of video on one disc. 180?? That's quite a bit more than the 1:49 I'm trying to get on there.

What the heck is going on? Why is it telling me this? Why doesn't the 1:49 fit on one disk?

Also, I assume that the AVI will need to be converted to DVD format. I was just going to have Nero do that, but from what I've read here that evidently won't be such a good idea, correct? Why the heck not? Can't someone make a video/audio conversion/capture author/burn package that is all inclusive? What a concept! I'd love to use Nero for everything, simply because I won't have to keep track of many separate programs. However, I want my DVD's to look good when finished.

Thanks.

Good night, I'm going to bed now.

dj

[mats.hogberg]

If there was this wonder application, this site wouldn't exist, would it?
Start reading here...

/Mats

[spleen]

True, we would miss out on all of this fun and frivolity.

However, if anyone has an idea as to why I can't get 110 minutes of video on a 120 minute DVD I'd welcome your comment/s.

dj

[yoda313]

Hello,

BITRATE!!!!

Lower the bitrate and you'll get more video!

Look in the tools section found under "LISTS" and click the link for videobitrate calculator! That will do it

Kevin

(for encoding or reencoding you need to set the bitrate so it will match the time requirement )

[spleen]

Since I just got the DVD drive I do not yet have any software for it other than the Nero 6 Ultra that came with it. And I haven't gotten a chance to figure out what quite everything does.

But by changing the selection from LONG play to EXTENDED play or STANDARD play, is that not changing the bitrate?

The 1hr:49min wouldn't fit until I got it to LONG play, which according to the software help should fit 3 hours of video.

So--was the original 1hr:49min at a bitrate higher than a standard DVD (hence it wouldn't fit on standard settings)? I don't really like that theory.

Perhaps I'm missing something...afterall, I am a noob.

Thanks.

dj

[jimmalenko]

here's a tip - All-in-one's such as NeroVision Express lack two key features - options and flexibility. IMO you're much better off learning a little now, and then applying that knowledge using dedicated tools that can do the exact job you want them to do. Something as simple as custom bitrate is a prime example.

You may like to peruse this guide, or there are plenty of others just like it here.

[spleen]

Ok, so I download GSPot and TMPGEnc Plus (trial version at this point) and followed the instructions as per http://members.dodo.net.au/~jimmalenko/AVI2DVD.htm as was suggested. My conversion has now been running for 20 minutes, but it still says there is 12 hrs:10 min remaining of processing time--and the remaining time is actually increasing as it goes.

I'm no expert (obviously) but that seems a bit long. I used the same file and started an AVI to VCD conversion and the estimated time was about 2 hours. Based on what I've read in the forums, 12 hours for a DVD is not correct.

I have it set for 2-pass VBR and Motion Estimate Search (fast). Avg rate = 5354, Max = 9570, Min = 1000.

Anyone have any suggestions? (except, "Give up, Noob!")

Thanks.

dj

[jimmalenko]

2-Pass VBR takes twice as long as CBR for a start ...

Can you upload a screenshot from GSpot for me ?

There's a couple of avenues we can take, but it sorta depends on what your source is

[spleen]

Yes, I'm aware that 2 pass takes twice as long. I always use 2-pass when encoding for VCD's.

Thanks for spending time with this, I really appreciate it.

dj

[jimmalenko]

nevermind ... image has been removed

[spleen]

Sorry, I don't have any captured video to work with yet. I guess I'll come back when I do. My apologies.

dj