What bitrate when Divx/avi to DVD?

[Kasper]

This question about optimal bitrate is really more out of curiosity than need. When converting from avi/Divx to DVD (mpeg-2), most guides recommend setting the bitrate so that the output file just fits a DVD-R. And the higher bitrate the better the quality. Often acceptable bitrates are said to be between 3500 and 6000. However, the source file (eg. a Xvid encoded DVD-rip) is often made with a much lower bitrate, often between 800-1500. My question therefore is:

Will there be any quality improvements by choosing a higher bitrate for the mpeg-2 encoding than the bitrate used in the source file?

Kasper

[ydobpbkwds]

Will there be any quality improvements by choosing a higher bitrate for the mpeg-2 encoding than the bitrate used in the source file?

Well the bitrate is just the rate at which the info. moves on the format you're playing back, so yes. but not substantial, just for the playback of the medium though.i think. but don't quote me i'm no professional. :P

[andkiich]

Bitrates between different codecs are relative. What MPEG2 needs to look a certain way may not be the same bitrate that a DIVX/XVID codec needs for the same data.

Kinda the same principle between JPG/BMP/GIF. Depending on compression and bitrate all pictures might look the same, but each has strengths and weakness'.

[ZippyP.]

Will there be any quality improvements by choosing a higher bitrate for the mpeg-2 encoding than the bitrate used in the source file?

You can't improve the quality but you can preserve the quality. Mpeg requires a higher bitrate than divx to look good. It depends on the resolution you choose but it can be 3X or more

[mujahid7ia]

Also, many XViD and DiVX files are encoded with VBR, and 800-900 are only the averages, they usually have pretty high maximums. So, having HQ DVD setting will preserve more quality, and will look smoother, IMO.