MPEG Or AVI format

[pHaNtOm875]

Hello I need help making a dvd I have these RM files and I was wondering to what I should convert it too for the best qualitly.I have converted one of those video to AVI and its not as good as the rm files so what is the best choice to convert AVI or MPEG.

[wwjd]

Do you have a DVD player that plays DivX? If not, then you MUST convert to mpeg in order to be able to play the DVD.

[ZippyP.]

I was wondering to what I should convert it too for the best qualitly.

For best quality don't convert it at all, leave it as is. For DVD creation see post above.

[pHaNtOm875]

Ok how do i check to see if it plays divx and what program do I use?

[wwjd]

The owners manual should tell you what formats it plays. If you do not have the manual then Google it. Also, if you know the model DVD player you have you could check the DVD Players Reports on the main page of this site.

I have messed around with Divx just enough to know that it in the USA, Divx is NOT worth the effort. However, there are many who will disagree, and they may be able to help you with what software to use, provided you have in fact a DVD player that plays Divx. Most DVD players, especially if you bought it in the USA, DO NOT PLAY DivX.

[junkmalle]

Ok how do i check to see if it plays divx and what program do I use?

If you don't know, then it probably doesn't. Divx is only supported by a few (relatively speaking) players and if you didn't specifically look for that feature when you bought the player it almost certainly doesn't support it.

You can always test for yourself. Burn a short Divx AVI file onto a data CD or DVD and see what happens when you stick it in your DVD player.

[pHaNtOm875]

Hey OK mine plays Divx i just read the manual.So if my dvd plays divx video that I can make a dvd using rm files without having to convert anything?

[junkmalle]

Hey OK mine plays Divx i just read the manual.So if my dvd plays divx video that I can make a dvd using rm files without having to convert anything?

Wwjd didn't clearly state it, but he meant there was no point in converting to Divx AVI unless you had a DVD player that could play it. So no, you can't watch the RM file on your DVD player, you'll have to convert it to Divx AVI or MPEG1 or MPEG2.

EO Video can convert RM to either Divx AVI or MPEG1/2. You might also be able to use VirtualDubMod if you install AVISynth and Real Alternative too.

[pHaNtOm875]

Ok so which would give me better quality if I convert
RM to AVI
or
RM to DivX
or
RM to MPEG1
or
RM to MPEG2

[junkmalle]

Ok so which would give me better quality if I convert
RM to AVI
or
RM to DivX
or
RM to MPEG1
or
RM to MPEG2

AVI is a container. You can put video with any compression codec in an AVI file. If you want to play it in your Divx/DVD player it will have to be Divx or Xvid in an AVI file. So the first two options are the same thing.

Divx/MPEG1/MPEG2 all can give about equal picture quality. It's a matter of bitrate and file size. If you want the smallest file size (say a 700MB file to fit on a CD) use Divx AVI. If you want to master a DVD that works in any DVD player use MPEG2 with DVD compatible settings. MPEG2 can give a smaller file size than MPEG1 at the same frame size and file size.

The tools for making MPEG2 are generally not free. There are lots of free tools for making Divx AVI files. Look through the guides at the left for more detailed information.

What is the frame size of your RM file? How long is it? Is it very high quality to start with?

[pHaNtOm875]

I dont know that frame size it is about 24 min long and it has pretty good quality.

[junkmalle]

Can you burn DVDs?

If you want to make AVI files, I recommend Xvid rather than Divx. Then use single pass quantization mode. Use the same frame size as the source.

At a Q value of 2 there will be no noticeable difference between the source and result unless you look at enlarged still frames. But the bitrate might get too high for your player.

At Q=3 you'll see a little difference between the source and result but it's not really noticeable at normal playback speed. This is safer for set-top players.

If you want to make (S)VCD or DVD: Use a frame size that's close to your source, 352x240 (VCD or DVD), 352x480 (DVD), 480x480 (SVCD) or 720x480 (DVD). You won't have trouble fitting 24 minutes on a CD/DVD.

The tough part is getting a program to read RM files. There's a free trial of EO Video that will work if you only have this one file to convert. If you have an ongoing need, you might consider the combination of VirtualDubMod, AVISynth, and Real Alternative.