Timeline 1-1/2 hrs. Is this too long for DVD burning?

[suebobw]

Sorry, I've searched everywhere for answer. Can I burn a timeline of 1:25:14 with main menu and 13 chapter marks on a DVD-R using either MyDVD or Adobe Encore? IE, how much time can be burned on a DVD? Do the chapter marks add time?

[yoda313]

Hello,
Fancy menus do add some space to a dvd but only music and video files greatly affect final disc size. Time is not the main factor. File size is. Single layer discs hold 4.7gb (4,480mb??). Adjust your recording bitrate so it will fit onto a disc.

If its from a rip it should fit. If you captured it, check the file size. Also, your capture card should have several dvd settings to maximize time. Find the one that will work for your time constraints (shorter time use better quality). Hope this helps.
Kevin

[DVD_Ripper]

You should be ok with 1.5 hours on a single DVD... but this relative to you encoding quality. If your MPEGs are at 8,000 CBR then it more than likely wont fit.

See VideoHelp Bitrate calculator to assist you in determining if something will fit OR how to encode to fit.

HTH

[tekkieman]

I have put 2 1/2 hours with menu and 20 chapter points on DVD. The quality is marginal, but acceptable for what I was trying to do. I was converting golf training VHS to DVD with chapter points to match the VHS timecode for where various lessons began. The quality was not a huge issue considering the source, and that it is low motion. Of course, with all the trees with leaves, the artifacts are noticeable, but when I watch the DVD, I'm watching the lesson, not the trees.

As others have said, it's about the file size, not the time.

[suebobw]

Thanks to all. I'm on my way??

[sjmaye]

The quality is marginal, The quality was not a huge issue considering the source,

You have my interest. I am working on a DVD whose source material is Super 8mm film transferred to DV.

I have 2 questions:

1- Are there settings for capture that can maximize quality of captured video?

I have captured the DV already and the results look pretty grainy. I did not know if it was because of the source being Super 8mm film or my capture settings. If there are settings, what should i be looking for to maximize quality of capture?

2- Can/should I cut back on bit rates at encoding and not really see the difference?
You mention, "The quality was not a huge issue considering the source". Well, if Super 8mm film to DV is poor quality on it's best day does that mean there is no sense in using a really high constant bit rate at encoding in an attempt to preserve what quality I have? (I have about 75 minutes of video plus other stuff and will have to cut back on the bit rate in order to make it fit on one single layer DVD.)

[Matt D]

@sjmaye
In my experience that amount of video should easily fit onto one DVDr. There is really no sense at all in capturing at a super high bitrate if the source quality isn't that great, or in capturing at 720x480. It's just a waste really.
Use v-dub or iuVCR to capture to an AVI file at 352x480. This resolution is FINE for VHS or super 8. Capturing at 720x480 many times will actually CAUSE distortion and artifacts that nobody wants on their discs. I tried many times when I started, and lower quality sources do this again and again at high resolutions even with adequate bitrate.
As far as encoding goes, don't use CQ unless you make sure that the rate you use is high enough to achieve good results during the most intense parts of your video. For instance using CQ on an action movie may result in video that looks great in some parts where people are talking, and like total garbage in others when there is a lot of movement, explosions, etc. Use 2 pass VBR with something like 3200 avrg, 5500 max and 200 min. This way TMPGEnc will use what it needs and not be pigeon holed into one bitrate. This will improve the look of the video, and most likely result in a smaller file when completed.
I've used these settings many times to capture stuff like VHS and the quality is definitely there both on TV and the computer screen. No artifacts, no blurring, and people actually compliment you on the level of clarity. Good luck.

[tekkieman]

^^^^ As stated above! The stuff I'm doing is either transfer from vhs or Hi-8. I use 352x480 with an average bitrate around 2100. Since the source is all known low motion, and the source quality marginal to begin with, I really don't lose anything.

[sjmaye]

Wow! Really good info. Unfortunately I have already put a ton of time in working with the video I have already captured at 720x480. Well, I don't mind. I will start over with your new settings. Thanks!