Can't I just rename .dat files on a vcd?

[pseconds]

I want to edit some files on a vcd. After I edit them in Premiere and re-burn them, they are very pixilated and it appears very grainy and/or looks like a computer did it.

I copy copied the .dat files from the vcd to the computer, do I need to actually convert them? Why?

Thanks...

[BJ_M]

when you edited them in premiere -- you re-rendered the files ..

re-compressing a lossy format is going to look worse for sure .. specially mpeg1 low bit rate ..

so the question is -- how did you re-render (compress) them ?

[pseconds]

Thanks BJ_M,
When I re-render in Premiere, I've tried using the adobe mpeg encoder and have tried dvd, svcd, and vcd, all look pretty much the same. I'm wondering if it has to do with the different frame sizes.

What would you recommend the settings be after editing the mpg's from the vcd?

[BJ_M]

which version of premiere are you using? .. 6 used ligos , 6.5 uses main concept ..

[pseconds]

Thanks again BJ_M,
I'm using Premiere 6.5... Specifically the Adobe mpeg encoder.

[BJ_M]

ok -- the mpg encoder is by main concept , not adobe ..

adobe has a specific forum just for mpeg encoding with this encoder , pretty active .. lots of info
http://www.mainconcept.com/adobempeg.html


first - get the update for this encoder -> a must http://www.mainconcept.com/adobempeg/downloads.html

there are templates on the adobe installation cd in the dir "extras' for svcd , dvd and vcd encoding which more or less produce the best results. as well as the built in templates.

your source is vcd -- what are you encoding it to ? if you are changing the res upwards .. it could look pretty piss poor , depending on the filtering method used .. not to dump on premiere , but its not always the best at this type of stuff (ok i rairly use it also) ..

[BJ_M]

Adobe MPEG Encoder Version 1.2 Update
This installer updates the original release version (1.1) of the Adobe MPEG Encoder to version 1.2. This update is recommended for all users, even if you previously installed a beta version of the update.

The new version includes these enhancements:

Intel® Pentium® 4 optimizations


Support for Intel Hyper-Threading (HT) technology


Support for multiple processors


New default presets based on the accelerated MPEG settings which were previously available separately

NOTE: The new default presets overwrite the existing defaults, so you will need to save the existing defaults and reinstall them after the update if you want to continue using them. However, we recommend using the new defaults instead.


New preset format for future compatibility with the standalone MainConcept MPEG Encoder.

NOTE: Previous version presets can still be used because the updated encoder will automatically detect the old and new formats.



Various quality enhancements, especially in VCD and SVCD modes


Noise reduction filter

NOTE: The Noise Sensitivity control now includes an "NR" button which will toggle between Noise Reduction and Noise Sensitivity modes. The results of the Noise Reduction filter will vary depending on your source material, so experimentation may be required. We suggest a setting in the 5-7 range as a good starting point.



Editable quantization matrices for power users


"Relaxed standards" mode

NOTE: This mode is for power users who want to deliberately override normal standards, for example to create xSCVD discs. This option is offered as a courtesy; neither Adobe nor MainConcept warrant or support the output created in this mode.



HD (High Definition) support

NOTE: HD presets are not included in the update, but will be released in the future. However, if you are familiar with HD parameters you can enter the appropriate settings and take advantage of the HD support right away. Please note that HD is not a DVD, SVCD or VCD format, as the specs for those types of MPEG streams do not include High Definition.



Lower MPEG decoder priority to reduce potential of conflicts with other software


Option to remove the MPEG decoder.

NOTE: We recommend leaving the decoder installed. However if you do need to uninstall it, you will have the option to do so as part of the Adobe MPEG Encoder uninstallation process, or in Modify mode which can be accessed by running the update installer again after the update has already been installed.



Fix for DVDit! "Data exceeds multiplexable bit rate" issue


Fix for "Unable to write picture data to the output file" error


Fix for pulsating artifacts reported by a few users under certain conditions


Fix for audio sync problem reported by a few users under certain conditions


Fix for issue with field order being interpreted incorrectly when importing MPEG files into Premiere


Various dialog box fixes


Various other fixes and enhancements


To update:


Download the installer from one of the links below.


If applicable to your version of Windows, make sure that you are logged on with Administrator privileges.


Uninstall the existing Adobe MPEG Encoder from the Add or Remove Programs Control Panel.


Run the file that you downloaded and follow the prompts.


Installation notes:

To enable Modify mode, the installer leaves the setup files on your system. Although you can remove them manually, we recommend leaving them. If you leave them and run the installer again, you will be asked if you want to overwrite the existing files. This is normal. It is not necessary to overwrite the files, but you can do so if you feel that any of the original setup files may have been deleted, moved or become corrupted.


If you ever need to reinstall Premiere 6.5, it is strongly recommended that you remove version 1.2 of the Adobe MPEG Encoder from the Add or Remove Programs Control Panel first.

http://www.mainconcept.com/adobempeg/downloads/AdobeMPEGEncoder1.2Eng.exe


http://www.mainconcept.com/adobempeg/downloads/adobe_mpeg_encoder_help.zip