Converting Centropy SVCD PAL to NTSC

[binky23]

[The important stuff]
Encode time is roughly 4.5 hours per disc... so, set up a batch encode and let it run overnight.

Use TMPGEnc's MPEG Tools to Simple De-Multiplex the original mpeg-2 files into .m2v / .mp2
before encoding to NTSC mpeg-2.
http://www.vcdhelp.com/faq.htm#demultiplex


-- Load Pinoy2201's SVCD template into TMPGEnc and 'unlock' it with unlock.mcf
http://www.geocities.com/pinoy2201/pinoy2201svcdtemplate.zip

-- Change the following settings on the template:

-- Video tab / Rate Control Mode:
2pass VBR -- 2496 max / 2150 average (default 1580) / 1000 minimum (default 600)
Motion Search Precision: High Quality (slow)


-- If you're converting SW-EP2, you'll be able to correct the AR changing this setting (thanks MattO)
Advanced / Video arrange Method:
Center (custom size) 480 x 380
[default setting (I kept forgetting myself) -- Full Screen (keep aspect ratio) 352 x 240]
-- SW-EP2 AR discussion here: http://forum.vcdhelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=93625&highlight=episode

-- optional settings --
Use toolame to process mp2
http://www.vcdhelp.com/faq.htm#toolame

(Improve sound quality slightly)
Audio Tab / Channel Mode:
change from 'Stereo' to 'Dual Channel'
bitrate should remain 224k
-- 'Dual Channel' discussion here: http://forum.vcdhelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=94629&highlight=dual+channel


[The not-so-important stuff]
First off, a disclaimer - I'm not a programmer / software guru, just lazy -- I'll be the first in line to admit that I *have very little knowledge of how TMPEGEnc works* -- OK, so that out of the way...

I've scoured forum posts of other (far more knowledgeable) users on this forum, in an attempt to create an easy

two-or-three step (semi)automated process for converting Centropy's SVCD Telesync images for users who cannot play

PAL format SVCD on their standalone DVD/VCD players...

In the past, I've liked the final output of Pinoy2001's templates for AVI to VCD conversions (as opposed to the CQ templates by Kwag's [kvcd] or Tsunami's SVCD), so I've spent a few weeks tweaking this one.

[other technical garbage]
You may be able to reduce the final .mpg file size by making lowering the Average Bitrate / Max / Minimum, but that seems to sacrifice video quality.... You'll be able to shave off a few megs by reducing the Audio quality also; But personally, my ears won't accept much less than 192k.

There's a little block noise in high action scenes and sometimes errors in the output mpgs - which I do not have the knowledge to fix - anyone?
Otherwise, IMO, it's 'good' quality and quite watchable (considering the source)
I have yet to test it on a DVD rip, but I have done a couple samples and the quality/file size is nearly the same between the original and resample...

If anyone has the time to try this template, I'd appreciate input here.

[Abyss]

I was able to match all the settings you prescribed. However, apparently my computer is not reading the .m2v file b/c the little screen within TMPGenc remains black. Also, after I had burned it the video was non-existent in the .mpg leaving only a black screen with sound. Maybe I'm missing a codec -- I don't know -- Thanks for any input.

[Cooly-O]

-- Load Pinoy2201's SVCD template into TMPGEnc and 'unlock' it with unlock.mcf
http://www.geocities.com/pinoy2201/pinoy2201svcdtemplate.zip

If anyone has the time to try this template, I'd appreciate input here.

If anyone's web browser has troubles downloading an file who's URL is pointed to a file (such as the zip file above) try removing and/or adding back the ".zip" at the end of the URL.

Thus, hit Refresh when the URL looks like this:

http://www.geocities.com/pinoy2201/pinoy2201svcdtemplate

or sometimes you have to add the ".zip" back in and hit Refresh when the Url looks like this:

http://www.geocities.com/pinoy2201/pinoy2201svcdtemplate.zip

It's a little wacky, doesn't seem to want to work when it's a link (have to type in or remove the ".zip". Hit Refresh in your browser for each try.

REF:
Spider-Man PAL SVCD
http://forum.vcdhelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=267341#267341

[Abyss]

Yeah, I definitely have that template loaded and did before thanks...