Random Pixelation; multiple discs, multiple bitrates

[Prize Racer]

Hi all,

For over a week now I have been trying to put my first feature-length dv movie - 80 minutes - onto a DVD. I even have a premiere scheduled at a local art theatre on January 2. Today I've hit my latest snag - sporadic pixelation.

I tried encoding - with Vegas Video 3.0 - at Variable 6000 bitrate and burning at Variable and Constant 6000 as well as Constant 8000 using DVDWS. The pixelated frames occur at random intervals; I've counted three in the first fifteen minutes. Also, the glitches DO NOT appear in the same place on each disc. I've checked the source files - original .avi and rendered .mpg2 - and no pixelation is evident.

What I did notice: While displaying the bitrate meter on my standalone player, the bitrate dips or rises - above the "constant" level - during each occurance.

I have since re-encoded at a Constant 6000 and am presently burning at the same setting. However, my hopes are not high. Even if this works, I'm afraid of the foreboding audio synch problems I've read about and experienced in the past.

Sorry to ramble. Any ideas? If more info is required, let me know. Thanks for any and all input.

[johns0]

Sounds most likely the media you are burning with,i stick with name brands cause the cheap generic type just dont hold up.

[Prize Racer]

Okay, I need help with a revised problem....

This 4th disc I've burned was at a lower bitrate, but used the same encoded .mpg as the 3rd disc. The errors appear at the exact same times on both discs.

I now presume the error is in the rendering with Vegas 3.0. I would happily render with some other program but for the fact that the whole project is edited together from various .avi's - different takes from different scenes. Anyone know of any way I can get past this problem? I could render the whole thing first as an .avi, but it'd be huge. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[lgh529]

Load all your .avi's into VirtualDub, then frameserve to TMPGEnc. Although I tend to agree with John0, its most likely not Vegas, its more than likely the media. What media are you using?