Double Checking to make sure Im doing this right.

[Dp1983]

I use TMPGEnc tp encode my source files. When possible I use virtual dub to convert my audio to wav.

I just would like to know if I'm creating the best svcd's that I can given the situation.

I wish to play these on my TV, non-widescreen 27inch.

Just as an example lets say I have a divix file, 656x304, running at 23.976fps.

In TMPGEnc I use the wizard and for this example I use the NTSC Film setting, because of the 23.976 fps. I have that down pretty could.

My problem is that I don't know which aspect ratios and video arrange methods are best used depending on the source video.

For this file I just did a 1:1 VGA with a Fullscreen video arrange method. On my TV this preduced a pretty good Fullscreen picture, using only a 1600 video bitrate. Should I use Fullscreen or Fullscreen (keep aspect ratio) or what if I'm playing on a tv.

Assuming I want the best Tv picture possible, can someone help me out and tell me how to determine aspect ratios based on source resolutions and fps? Thanks.

Also a TMPGEnc specific question. When encoding to fit on say 2 disks I need to split the video up. I would like to be able to do this in one session. As of now I just pick a start frame, go to where I want put an end frame and cut everything else out. Then I encode and do the same for the second part. How do I set a place to stop tell it to encode one file to that point, go a few seconds, or frames back and encode from there untill the end for the second file? Would it tell me the size of the two files so that I know that I can burn them?

This quote from the guide is kind of confusing. If someone could explain in more detail. I understand up to stepp 4, the final explanation is confusing for me. So the only way I know is to cut.

"Source range
If the movie is above 60 minutes as most are you must cut it.
Cut it in half by
1. Move the bar where the clip should start
2. and select start frame.
3. Move the bar where the clip should end
4. and select end frame.
Select first the first half and add some more seconds so you will get some overlapping between the CDs. When encoding next part select exact from half to the end.
(If the movies is over 3 hours cut in 3 parts and so on)"

Also I have messed around with DVDtoSVCD and got it to convert the sound but when it came time to encode using TMGENC it had a decompressor error. No idea why considering TMGenc works fine just by itself. I think I just like using Virtual dub and TMGEnc.

Any other tips would be most appreciated. Thanks.

[equinox137]

I'm a little fuzzy on what you want to do. Do you want a widescreen movie or fullscreen movie when it's said and done?

[ZippyP.]

Here's what I do....Use 1:1 VGA when the source is Avi, Full Screen (Keep aspect ratio) preserves the movie in the correct format (wide or full screen).

Source Range...all they're saying is to overlap a few seconds. I write down the frame number and make sure to start the second part of the movie a little bit earlier. Longer movies should be done in three parts.

If you batch encode then TMPGEnc can process several projects in sequence. If you're using the wizard then at the last window select "create another project for batch encoding." You can even save your project for encoding at a later time.

An SVCD at 1600 Kb/s bitrate is not too great to my eyes. It will improve tremendously if you use 2-pass VBR as your encoding method. Do a forum search on variable bitrate encoding for more info, it takes longer but I encode overnight anyway. Using your example I would use settings of 350 min, 1600 avg. and 2520 max., and the results would be much better than CBR.

[Dp1983]

Thank you both for your posts.

I'm just trying to auther the highest quality svcd's possible. If you believe one of either widescreen or full is best for this I would be glad to hear what you have to say. I don't really have a preference, although i don't have a widescreen T.V.

Zippy, going with what you have said and what I have read on forums I don't understand how you guys fit these high bitrates. I'll try some of the things you mentioned. If I want to fit most things on two disks its 1600 or nothing. Should I follow the 40min/cd rule I hear about, because as of now I just split it in half. If I do it that way will I get a sigificant video quality increase?

[ZippyP.]

If I want to fit most things on two disks its 1600 or nothing. Should I follow the 40min/cd rule I hear about, because as of now I just split it in half. If I do it that way will I get a sigificant video quality increase?

I think you will notice an increase but it's personal choice if it's worth it. Split your file and adjust the bitrate to fill the disk. Bitrate is key to quality video, as is encoding method especially CBR vs. VBR.

Variable bitrate (VBR) gives the best quality video when disk space is an issue. If you use 2-pass VBR at 1600 kb/s average bitrate then the file will be the same size as a file encoded at a Constant Bitrate (CBR) of 1600 but the VBR file will be significantly better quality. It just takes more time is all. Personally I don't like to go below 1800 average for SVCD but you need to decide your limit.

Another method of getting more video on a disk is to use CVD resolution, which is 352x480. It's also known as 1/2 D1 as it is 1/2 of regular full DVD resolution. Because it is a lower resolution you can encode it at a lower bitrate and still have good quality video, I will go down to 1400 kb/s avg. if necessary for CVD. It's a legal DVD resolution so it's easy to transfer it to DVD at a later date if you wish. It's encoded and burned exactly like an SVCD and most DVD players should play it. Look in the Tools section for a CVD TEMPGenc template.

Good luck!

[mujahid7ia]

I'm just trying to auther the highest quality svcd's possible. If you believe one of either widescreen or full is best for this I would be glad to hear what you have to say. I don't really have a preference, although i don't have a widescreen T.V.

Your source is widescreen, I strongly recommend that you DO NOT try to cut the sides off and make it fullscreen. This will make the movie seem weird, because its not professional pan & scan.

About the Video Arrange Method: Use Full Screen (Keep Aspect Ratio) or [I recommend] Full Screen (Keep Aspect Ratio) 2 because keep AR 2 maximizes the image while keeping AR, and on a 27" TV, that will be fine.

EDIT: Why isn't my quote coming out right??
EDIT2: Oops wrong way slash. Corrected.

[Dp1983]

Thank you guys. That info helped me a lot.