A few basic questions!?!

[elbubsio]

Hi all,

For a while now i've been converting xvid/divx movies into DVDs for myself and a few friends. However, I've come across several "hiccups" in the proccess. Here's how i normally do it

Split audio from movie with virtualdub, then change the vid framerate (if necessary) with vdub too. Next I redo the audio (again, if necessary) with besweet so it matches the vid length. Now the vid gets encoded using tmpgenc (at whatever settings are most appropriate for the film length/original quality etc) at usually about 4000kbps. The audio and video streams (.m2v and .mp2) are then rejoined in DVD Lab, where i setup the menus/chapters etc. Finally the compiled files are burned to disc with nero.

Some of the problems i've encountered are choppy/jerky video on the DVD (or indeed, the compiled DVD files played from HD thru Power DVD), some DVDs won't play in my friends older DVD player, someone else said the audio is "scratchy" and so on.

So here goes with the questions

1. How can i make the DVD as compatible as possible. I understand that when using nero, u should burn the files as a udf disc as it uses a better code (1.02?). Is that right? I tried that and the resulting DVD wouldn't even load on the older player. Usually, the DVDs appear with no sound on that player :\ Basically, I want the DVD to be as compatible as possible with older/newer players, PCs and consoles.

2. Is there a real difference between blank DVD brands. I'm currently using datawrite red (v3) and yellows. Someone told me that any disc with ritek g04 dye is best. True?

3. Whats the best sort of sound to put on the DVD for PAL playback. I usually use .mp2 format at about 192kbps. After reading a few articles, it appears as though ac3 may be better. Would that help with the scratchy sounds?? What are the major differences?? The friend who hears scratchy sounds has 5.1 sound on her DVD player. Could that be why she has this problem? (audio encoded as stereo)

4. I've had some luck getting rid of the jerky vid playback by using VBR instead of CBR. Is this a good idea or am i shooting myself in the foot making it better for one person but possibly worse for others??

5. I use DVDlab for the main setup and compile on the DVD. However, a couple of movies i've done have the jerky playback after compiling with DVDlab but not with another prog (say DVD workshop). Am I doing something wrong with DVD lab? Am I overlooking a simple setting that'll make the compiled files playback smoothly?? I've tried loads of progs and DVDlab is the best for me. I'd hate to have to use an inferior prog 'cause of this simple problem. I've looked in project properties and the project is compiled in PAL format.

6. I understand that using different audio formats on one DVD can be bad, but is the same true for bitrates?? For example, if I put 4 episodes of something onto one DVD, each with a different audio/video bitrate, am I asking for trouble or will they playback as normal?

7. What's the best burning prog to use after the compiling process? Is the one in DVDlab ok for the job. As I stated above, I usually use Nero but I've read a lot of people's posts who seem to hate it.

8. What's the best way to encode/compile/burn DVD's to play on PAL playstation2's and x-bricks?? Are there any special things I need to know if I'm making a DVD specifically for a console??

Well, thats's all I think. Thanks to those of you who're still awake
Sorry if this is a lot for one post but I figured I'd get all the probs out of the way at once.

Many thanks to anyone who can offer advice/help
El Bubsio

[elbubsio]

C'mon guys,

Someone must be able to help with at least one of my questions?!?

I apologise if some questions are not appropriate for this forum but I didn't fancy writing 7 different posts

Please help me :'(
El Bubsio

[VCDHunter]

2. Is there a real difference between blank DVD brands. I'm currently using datawrite red (v3) and yellows. Someone told me that any disc with ritek g04 dye is best. True?

yes - search this forum for various debates about DVDR media.

3. Whats the best sort of sound to put on the DVD for PAL playback. I usually use .mp2 format at about 192kbps. After reading a few articles, it appears as though ac3 may be better. Would that help with the scratchy sounds?? What are the major differences?? The friend who hears scratchy sounds has 5.1 sound on her DVD player. Could that be why she has this problem? (audio encoded as stereo)

PAL players support MP2, AC3 and PCM. Any of these should be OK.

[andyp1]

For a while now i've been converting xvid/divx movies into DVDs for myself and a few friends.

I think you went wrong as soon as you opened your mouth. Copying DivX/Xvid movies for your friends is illegal. You are not going to get any help off the people here to do something which is clearly illegal.