TMPGEnc XPRESS questions

[jyeh74]

Two question in this TMPGEnc Xpress.

1) When I am setting output, the bitrate that the bitrate calculator gives me to put in, always makes the capacity GREATER than 100%. Is it better to set the capacity at 100% (thus smaller bitrate than what the calcuator suggested) or is it better to use what the calc suggested, go over (lik 105%) and then DVD Shrink it?

2) Resolution available is

720 x 480
704 x 480
352 x 480 ( i think this is the best one)
352 x 240

I am trying to make this for my small 7 inch dvd player in the car. Does it matter which one I select? I think someone said 352 x 480 will give me the best results for my needs, but I dont recall why. thanks guys

[Baldrick]

2. We need more information, how many minutes / DVD do you want? what is your source frame size/resolution?

[jyeh74]

i have about 6-7 hrs crammed of mpeg and avi music videos. my sources are all about 352 x 240 and 480 x 480

[jyeh74]

IS it better to go from small to bigger or bigger to smaller.

[TJohns]

Xpress's DVD size estimate is a little on the low side - I also regularly encode 4 x 0:43 minute episodes onto a single disk, and always set the output size to 102%. This still fits easily, even allowing for TDA to create 5 animated menus (main + 4 chapter menus).

Trevor