avi -> dvd - episode files getting too large for discs

[zzman]

Ok I have searched and scanned and can't find the answer anywhere.

I am backing up a dvd with tv episodes. 4 episodes per 8g dvd.

they are being encoded to avi,

ViDEO RATE Ý SBC @859kbps AVG
FRAME RATE Ý 23.976 fps
AUDiO RATE Ý AC3 2Ch 192kbps 48kHz
ASPECT RATiO Ý 4:3
RESOLUTiON Ý 512 x 384
SIZES Ý 351MB: 25x15MB
AVI1 BYTE Ý 368 332 800 bytes
AVI1 MD5 Ý 04c3f5ed071b6d99c5e3f49270647ad9

Now when I use TPMEG and re-encode them back to MPEG2 for dvd the file size ends up 2.8g which is too big to put 4 episodes back onto an 8g, or 2 onto a 4.7g disc.


My MPEG-2 settings on TPMEG are

NTSC 720x480
4:3 display
23.976 fps
constant bitrate (CBR)
Bitrate 8000
encode mode 3:2 pulldown
DC component 9bits

Is my bit rate too high?
I have played with it but I find the video quality gets poor when I lower it.
Also on the last step of the wizard when I lower the size of the file that too makes it poorer quality.

Any suggestions, need more info?

And if anyone asks why I don't just use dvd dycrypter or dvd shrink or any other dvd copy program that is not my problem getting the files from the original. I am stuck with these avi's and must get them back to dvd the best I can.

Thanks

[daamon]

Hi zzman,

The filesize is purely a function of bitrate and running time. As the episodes are staying the same length (in terms of time), you'll need to reduce your bitrate. use the VideoHelp Bitrate Calculator to identify what the bitrate should be.

You say your backing up DVDs, so just rip the episodes from the original and re-author. There's no need to go DVD -> AVI -> DVD.

I believe the latest version of DVDShrink can handle dual layer (8Gb) DVDs. You won't be shrinking if you set the compression to 100% (of the original size).

[zzman]

Thanks for the tip I will try the calculator.

I would do a straight rip from dvd and back butI can't. I really can't go into why but I am stuck with these avi's so I am sol.

[daamon]

No problem.

Honestly, you'll be much better off ripping and then re-authoring. It'll be much easier, quicker and you'll not be reducing quality.

What problems do you have that prevents taking the easy route? We might be able to help.

[zzman]

I checked with the calculator and it told me to use 9603 as a bit rate.

This will increase the size of the file.

Plus when I enter it into TMPEG it always defaults back to a bit rate of 8000.
???

[zzman]

It's a situation out of my hands. I would do a direct rip and burn but I can't.

I'm not trying to be difficult, and I appreciate any help you have and can give in this situation.

[junkmalle]

9603 was probably the bitrate for putting one file on the DVD. Remember you're putting four files on the DVD so divide by four. Use a two pass variable bitrate or the final results will look like crap.

[daamon]

Plus when I enter it into TMPEG it always defaults back to a bit rate of 8000.
???

It sounds like you're using the wizard. Cancel that, pick the appropriate template and enter your desired settings (VBR / CBR, bitrate etc.).

@ junkmalle - Remember he's burning to a dual layer 8Gb disc, so I doubt VBR would be so beneficial but twice as long. If it was single layer 4.3Gb then I definitely agree. But the bit about one file (instead of the running time for all four) is (probably) spot on... Common mistake.

It's a situation out of my hands. I would do a direct rip and burn but I can't.

I'm not trying to be difficult, and I appreciate any help you have and can give in this situation.

You're not being difficult, just evasive. Sounds fishy...

[junkmalle]

@ junkmalle - Remember he's burning to a dual layer 8Gb disc, so I doubt VBR would be so beneficial but twice as long. If it was single layer 4.3Gb then I definitely agree.

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought he meant his source was an 8GB DVD. Rereading the file it's pretty clear he's burning onto a dual layer disk.

[mats.hogberg]

How long is each episode?

/Mats

[zzman]

Actually I am not burning to an 8g, I am burning 2 episodes to a 4g.

The original is 4 ep per 8g disc. I am cutting everything in half.

Sorry if I confused everyone.

And the calc, I figured out the bitrate had to be doubled, so that helped, thanks, but I still can't seem to get the video to be as clear.
Perhaps I am asking to much.

Cheers!!

[mats.hogberg]

When reencoding to another format, the very best (utopian) you can hope for is "as good as the source material". Only reencoding to a lossless format has a theoretical possibility of achieving this. Mpg is not lossless, and reencoding from ??? to mpg will result in a (more or less) degraded copy.

/Mats

[daamon]

Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought he meant his source was an 8GB DVD. Rereading the file it's pretty clear he's burning onto a dual layer disk.

No apology needed - I only pointed it out as it was material to the question. I've done the exact same loads of times...

...but I still can't seem to get the video to be as clear.
Perhaps I am asking to much.

8Gb source, going to 2 x 4Gb discs will fit easily - even with home made menus. For no loss just rip and re-author, as already stated.

It's only because "the situation is out of your hands" and you "can't [just] rip and burn" that's getting in the way or lossless reproduction. Surely, as you own the original you should be OK...