HELP! DV encoded with CCE 2.66 is looking "soft"

[Glorfindel]

I'm encoding a 56-minute wedding video with CCE 2.66 with 4000 min, 7000 avg and 8500 max bitrates. It's a 3-pass VBR encode.

The encoded video is free from motion artefacts (as you'd expect at those bitrates), but it's noticeably "soft" compared to the DV original. I've poked around the CCE settings but can't find anything that looks like it would affect the sharpness of the video... anyone got any suggestions?

[DVbuilder]

Even if this is from another forum, check this link:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=b802d2a0e22115d5226278848f4ac4bf&threadid=3594...ghlight=matrix

The best part is about matrices form 'mikeathome'

I have tried this, and the result is very good, remember to change field order (I'm using Restream for my MPEG file, and my video is smooth as silk!). CCE has a bug concerning field order, so always turn 'Upper field'=off.

I have done a LOT of testing, and my conclusion is that default TMPEGEnc (Wizard), high quality (slow) produces a even better result (quality) than CCE! However this process takes 40-45 hours! (P4, 256 MB RAM). I would estimate the encoding time for CCE to 1/3 of this!

[DJRumpy]

1/3? What kind of processor are you running? A PI?

You should disable any filtering under the QUALITY settings with the exception of the 'Quantizer characteristics' checkbox. Set that one to 16 and enable it. The other noise filters will soften your output. Set your Intra block precision to 10. Since your input is interlaced, ensure that you are using the 'Alternate' scanning order, rather than ZigZag. Leave the 'Progressive' checkbox unchecked.

Under the VIDEO | QUANTIZATION MATRICES options, ensure your using the Standard, or Smooth matrix. Some CAM videos have very sharp/'high contrast edges. The SMOOTH matrix can sometimes improve your encode on this type of input. Leave all other checkboxes unchecked under the 'Video' settings.

You shouldn't need such a high minimum bitrate. Try a lower setting. You can also use a higher bitrate ( up to 9.8Mb/sec ). You should utilize it.

[BJ_M]

Even if this is from another forum, check this link:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=b802d2a0e22115d5226278848f4ac4bf&threadid=3594...ghlight=matrix

The best part is about matrices form 'mikeathome'

I have tried this, and the result is very good, remember to change field order (I'm using Restream for my MPEG file, and my video is smooth as silk!). CCE has a bug concerning field order, so always turn 'Upper field'=off.

I have done a LOT of testing, and my conclusion is that default TMPEGEnc (Wizard), high quality (slow) produces a even better result (quality) than CCE! However this process takes 40-45 hours! (P4, 256 MB RAM). I would estimate the encoding time for CCE to 1/3 of this!

yes the m1b matrix for dv is excellent -- i just posted that in anothor thread ... the bug vs. field order is now different in 2.67 CCE

[DJRumpy]

BJ_M. Did they fix it? Which way is it now? I know that 2.67 has only the checkbox for top field first. I assume unchecked is either autodetect, or bottom field first. I never needed bottom field first, so it's been a non-issue for me.