DVDshrink question

[AlecWest]

Let's assume I use my Hauppauge PVR150 to capture a long TV program as a full-D1 MPEG2 file for DVD burning. Using TMPGenc, I demux it into M2V and MP2 files. Then, using DVDauthorgui, I turn those files into DVD-ready files to burn with ImgTools.

But now, let's assume those DVD-ready files are too big to fit on a DVD. Can DVDshrink be pointed toward that directory (vs. an actual DVD) to shrink the files ... or does the source have to be an actual DVD?

[lechtin]

I frequently do that for my own home movies and for backing up DVDs because I always use DVDDecrypter to put my original DVD on my HDD before shrinking. Just use the open files button instead of open disc.

[jimmalenko]

Can DVDshrink be pointed toward that directory (vs. an actual DVD) to shrink the files ...

Just use the open files button instead of open disc.

[AlecWest]

Can DVDshrink be pointed toward that directory (vs. an actual DVD) to shrink the files ...

Just use the open files button instead of open disc.

Sweet (grin). And, thanks, lechtin. BTW, just out of curiosity, what would either of you guess to be (time-wise) the longest program that could be put on a DVD while still looking like DVD-quality (ie., at what point, time-wise, would I begin to notice "issues")?

[jimmalenko]

BTW, just out of curiosity, what would either of you guess to be (time-wise) the longest program that could be put on a DVD while still looking like DVD-quality (ie., at what point, time-wise, would I begin to notice "issues")?

Unfortunately, there's no magic time in hours, or formula to work it out - there's just way too many variables in this crazy hobby to give you any real accurate figures. Depending on your own definition and interpretation of DVD quality, some would say that any more than 90-120 minutes is going to be less than DVD quality. Some would also say that it's a TV cap, so it's not (and never will be) DVD quality to start with.

I cap into DV-AVI, so I can easily choose my MPEG encoding settings after the event, depending on the quality of the source & the running time, to name just 2 variables.

[AlecWest]

Some would also say that it's a TV cap, so it's not (and never will be) DVD quality to start with.

Fair answer. I suppose what I was wondering was how long of a program could I put on a DVD that would look "as good" as it did when I originally watched it on the same TV. DVDshrink has a lot of devotees so I suspect a program roughly 2:40 (sans commercials) would probably look as good after the shrinking process.

[winifreid]

Rather than encode and then transcode (tmpgenc to Shrink), why not just encode with a lower bitrate or resolution? Most will say that will produce better quality and probably save time. As far as how many hours you can get on a DVD, it depends on your eyesight, your TV and taste. I have no problem with 6 hours, but I only have a 21 inch TV, basic cable and can't see the nose on the end of my face.

[AlecWest]

Rather than encode and then transcode (tmpgenc to Shrink), why not just encode with a lower bitrate or resolution?

I will try that. My card lets me choose quality settings. I suspect my attraction to DVDshrink has something to do with it's ability to "fill" a DVD up to its capacity ... implying, but not necessarily meaning, better quality.

[lechtin]

To maximize time without affecting quality too much, you can try to encode at half-D1 (352x480). This will allow you to reduce the bitrate while keeping good quality, but you'll have to judge by yourself. Even though a half-D1 video is often thought to be as good a quality as full-D1 from a tuner capture, I found I usually can tell a difference enough to be annoying.