NO MACROBLOCKS, guyz I think some of you need GLASSES !!!

[KennyC]

Hi,

To me, No MACROBLOCKS means just that, NO MACROBLOCKS.

Some of the guyz templates I have downloaded claiming NO Macroblocks are an outright lie, NO means NO, SOME means SOME and LOTS means LOTS.

I've been experimenting alot lately trying to get the best quality almost compliant VCD without making it too much bigger. (I find VCD more of a challenge than SVCD because it is generally more compatible with most DVD's and your deviations from the NORMAL are less).

Has anyone got a NO MACROBLOCKS template I can test?

My test is using The Mummy Returns DVD in the opening scenes, lots of quick motion with small objects, it really picks up any MACROBLOCKS.

PS: I don't think I need to name anyone do I, it's pretty obvious.

Cheers.

[Dhruv]

I don't think that No MACROBLOCKS and standard VCD can be used in the same sentence. If you really want No MACROBLOCKS, than you'll have to just buy the DVD or set the video bitrate and resolution to something really high...

[mole]

well - it's probably my Apex500W's lame ass MPEG2 decoder, but i notice macroblocks on some DVD's even
I noticed A Dream Theatre DVD which had an average bitrate of 4000.... why? they could have bumped it up a bit....

[sracer]

mole, you're right on the money. The Apex 500W is at fault. Actually, the entire Apex line of DVD players are notorious for poor VCD playback. I don't know if the original poster is using an Apex or not, but I've lost count of how many people complained about the VCD format only to discover that their player had more to do with poor playback than the VCD itself. Apex is the worst, with Toshiba and Sony close behind.

(And those that state that the Apex plays VCDs just fine most likely haven't done a comparison with other players so that they can see the difference)

When I was in the market to replace my RCA 5220P player, I ran tests with Apex 500W ,600, 660, Sony (a few models), Toshiba (a few models), and Pioneer (DV-343, DV-434). The Pioneer players came out on top, playing standard, compliant VideoCDs of DVD Rips with no macroblocks.

Obviously, YMMV, but I know what I saw (or didn't see). I ended up buying the DV-434 and have been extremely delighted ever since.

[homerpez]

Crock-o-crap.

I have the very same Apex 500W, and I find it flawless (well... except for a nasty cheap ROM drive)...

What I think your limitations are here, is:

1) You're encoding standard VCD with TMPGEnc. This gives you two reasons to have macroblocks visible. Try CCE, and SVCD instead. You'll notice a difference.

2) You're expecting too much. VCD's and SVCD's will have macroblocks, no matter how high the bitrate. My digital cable signal even has some channels with macroblocks. Actually, I hear macroblocks are MORE visible on other Apex's, the 500W is one of the better ones.

3) You're just too damn picky. Joke there.

I really honestly don't think you'll be all that thrilled with ANY VCD at ANY bitrate setting, if you expect NO MACROBLOCKS... it's nearly impossible. CCE would make you more happy, but VCD format inherintly has some limitations to it.

It helps to have sharpness down a bit on your TV, and sit back. WAAAY back.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: homerpez on 2001-12-22 20:36:52 ]</font>

[KennyC]

Hi,

Guyz, don't get me wrong, the support we get from forums like VCDHelp and Doom9 is unbelievable.

I've been involved with a CloneCD Discussion Forum, some of you may have heard of it The CloneClinic and I admire you guyz because most of your posts are quite long and detailed.

Actually my VCD's are very good quality, virtually NO MACROBLOCKS during low to medium motion scenes.

My test is The Mummy Returns during the 1st 5 minutes, army fighting scenes with lots of movement and similar color ranges. The macroblocks are really only evident during FAST person movement when paused and moving frame-by-frame. It is extremely watchable, my VCD templates increases file size by about 15%, still acceptable seeing most movies are about 90 minutes so will still fit on 2 CD's.

[baker]

If you want to make a standard vcd from a dvd with top quailty picture and sound, no macroblocks and very easy to use follow my guide:

http://www.vcdhelp.com/The%20fastest%20and%20easiest%20way%20to%20create%20a%20pal%20V...web%20page.htm

Baker,

[now3d]

I made a cracking VCD of that very movie using a bitrate of 2100, went on to 3 discs but the quality is all there!