Saving files in original quality in MPEG Video Wizard DVD

[guy24s]

Hello,

I wasn't sure where to post this question, so I put it in the newbie section.
I'm editing VOB files in the software MPEG Video Wizard DVD. The VOB files are originally recorded on my DVD recorder in XP mode. After I edit them in MPEG Video Wizard DVD I want to save/export them in the same quality, but the program seems to be saving them in a worse quality (more like what would be called SP quality).
When I choose the file format to save as, I have both tried Automatic (*.mpg) and also DVD PAL/NTSC (*.mpg) but when I click Template it won't let me change any settings under neither Video/Audio Parameter or Expert.

Please, any help would be appriciated!

[guy24s]

I forgot to mention, this software is the one by Womble Multimedia.

[yoda313]

If all you are doing is editing something out try mpg2cut2. It doesn't reencode at all and works well. I'm pretty confident it supports vob directly. Check it out.

[guy24s]

Well, I'm also adding some filters and transition effects as well, not just simple cutting/joining (the quality problem I'm having occurs even if I don't add any filters/effects though).

[guns1inger]

I use Womble Mpeg Wizard and Mpeg Wizard DVD. If I am just making cuts and do an export then they export at the original quality, although I believe some of the header information is re-written which changes the header's bitrate, but not the true bitrate. Only if filters are added does it re-encode.

How long does it take to export say, a 40 minute program without filters, just cuts ? If it takes minutes, then it is not re-encoding or altering the quality. If it takes an hour or more then it is.

[MysticE]

When I choose the file format to save as, I have both tried Automatic (*.mpg) and also DVD PAL/NTSC (*.mpg) but when I click Template it won't let me change any settings under neither Video/Audio Parameter or Expert.

You can create your own custom templates.

[guy24s]

guns1inger: When I just make cuts, it just takes a few minutes when I export to the original quality, but when I add the neccessarily filters and additions I want, it re-encodes and saves to the worse quality.

MysticE: How do I make my custom templates? Sorry, I'm very new to the program.

Thanks for your replies!

[guns1inger]

Open the Export panel and click on the Monitor tab. Click Template. The bottom third of the panel is a list of existing templates. I have four default ones (VCD PAL/NTSC and DVD PAL/NTSC). Make the changes you need to make in the top half of the screen. When you are done, click the Add Temple button at the top of the list. Give it a name, and click OK. You can now use this any time you need to.

[guy24s]

Thank you guns1inger!

However, onto the next problem... I don't know the settings should be. I have these options:

VIDEO PARAMETER:
Frame Rate: 23.98 FPS up to 60 FPS
Bitrate: Constant/Variable (default is at Variable, 8000)

EXPERT:
GOP Size: N (1 up to 30, default is at 12)
GOP Size: M (0 up to 5, default is at 3)

Are all these settings related to wether my video is PAL or NTSC? (it is PAL, by the way) or does any of it have to do with the quality? What should I set it to save in XP quality? (XP = 1 hour on a single layered DVD)

[guns1inger]

PAL DVD 720 x 576 @ 25 fps
Use the default GOP settings.
Set your Aspect Ratio depending on your footage.
If you want to maintain as close to the original XP quality as possible then choose a bitrate of CBR 15000.

However, anything above 9800 is too high to be authored to DVD for playback in a standard player.

[guy24s]

Thanks again for the help guns1inger!
I will try your suggested settings and let you know how it went!

[guy24s]

OK, I set it to 9800 and the quality comes out better now! Many thanks for the help!

[MysticE]

One of the final steps will show you if the vids are being re-encoded. This pic shows 5 clips. As you can see only one will be re-encoded, all the audio is (I normalize and unify). The little red lines between the clips are either transitions or added fades, but only that small part will be re-encoded. Hitting the 'Encoder' button allows you to make changes (bitrates, audio etc.). You can then go back and see if the vids will still remain untouched.