VOB->MPG->VOB???

[Faustus]

I have run into alot of DVD's that wont quite fit, and being new to this I just now figured out a solution. I am reencoding the Movies VOB files in TMPGenc to a lower bitrate (usually 3000 or 3500). But it leaves me with some big questions.

What is the difference between a VOB and MPG? Just the extention?

Can a MPG be easily turned back into a VOB file?

Is there a good utility that will let me check the bitrate on a existing file? AND what is the most standard bitrates for commercial DVDs?

And last, is there a way to change a vob like this and still have the original menus work?

I'm still new to this and slowly learning alot, thanks in advance for the assistance.

-Flaystus

[dmonty]

You have helped me more than once so I consider it an honor to return the favor....

What is the difference between a VOB and MPG? Just the extention?

VOBs and MPGs are the same thing (sort of). The difference is that VOBs are encoded with up to 8 streams. (i.e. video, 5.1 channel audio, 2 channel audio, alternate languages, subtitles, director comments, etc). Standard MPG only has 2 streams. I have not found an encoder that can understand the extra streams. This is why you need to strip out the extra stuff before you can re-encode it.

Can a MPG be easily turned back into a VOB file?

Not sure about this one. I think it can be done but I imagine you would lose all chapter points, the ability to fast forward and rewind, and who knows what else since any header info is lost. I recommend reauthoring.

Is there a good utility that will let me check the bitrate on a existing file? AND what is the most standard bitrates for commercial DVDs?

The professional mastered DVD bitrates are dynamic. I have seen them run the range 0.20Mbps and high 8.0Mbps. You can track them with most software DVD players. For example PowerDVD 4.0: Right click in the active window & click Show Information.

And last, is there a way to change a vob like this and still have the original menus work?

The jury is still debating this one. There are several threads stating that it is possible but I have not found anyone who could reproduce the same results on all DVDs.

Hope this helps...

D

[Faustus]

It helps alot! Thanks for the good info.

[fand]

on a similar topic, is there a way, if i have a tv capture in mv2 (mpeg2, 480x480) to go to vob so i can put it on a dvd? what program(s) would i use?

[dmonty]

You will need DVD authoring software like SpruceUp, DVDit SE/LE/PE, MyDVD, Ulead DVD Studio/Workshop.