Quality of MPEG-1 Video

[paulbristow]

I have no problems with capturing video and converting to MPEG1 for burning to VCD, but why is the quality of the MPEG1 file so awfull I can only equate it to a graphic file where BMP is pixel perfect and JPEG is a compresed file where you can alter the level of compression from low to high.

All of my MPEG files show very low compresion, and poor image quality is it possible to alow a MPEG file to be of a HIGH quality and not look like a video streaming file (RealVideo 56K) version or a bad quality JPEG image.

I use TEMPEnc for the conversion process (AVI to MPEG-1 Video) with a setting of High Quality (Slow) for the Motion search precision with the following parameters:

Size: 352x288
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 625 line (PAL)
Frame Rate: 25fps
Rate control mode: Constant bitrate (CBR)
Bitrate: 1150
VBV Buffer Size: 40

I use Roxio for burning VCD, I have also used Ulead Movie Maker and MGI Videowave all producing the same poor quality video.

Am I looking for a quality that is not possible with MPEG1 and VCD's

Thanks in advance for any information

Paul

[Cobra]

Paul,

I like to copy my DVDs to VCD so I can watch them on my laptop when I am away. I assume that you are doing something similar - this is how to get near-perfect quality out of a VCD...

You said you have a high-quality AVI file. This is a great starting point. Simply put this in to TMPGEnc, but select the aspect "1:1 VGA". This avoids unnecessary adjustment to individual pixels and resolutions, therefore maintaining excellent quality. Also, use the high quality mode on noise reduction, and also select "Keep aspect ratio 2" in advanced options. If you still have trouble, try putting the Motion Search Precision up a notch or two as you say you have done. However, it should normally be excellent in Normal mode.

I would advise finding a short (15 seconds) test clip to ensure all your settings are correct before taking the plunge and doing the whole film. When aiming for high quality, films take my 1.5GHz P4 about 6 hours for every hour of film.

Remember to use the "MPEG Tools" section of TMPGEnc to merge and cut files if they must span over two or more CDs, or multiplex files which will go on one CD.

It is also important to burn the final VCD using a quality package, and also use quality CD-R media. Try burning at 2 or 4X, as this minimises any errors.

I hope this is of use to you.

Regards,

Jamie

[ktnwin]

Sound like a capturing problem.
How do you capture video in your PC for conversion ?