more template questions (sorry!)

[unstuck2]

Hi,
I tried and "succeeded" riping my first DVD using Sefy's method.
I used the standard VCD(NTSC) template and the resulting Mpeg looks OK on the PC but noty so good when maximized or when played on my Apex 660.
In reading the posts below, I see a lot of reference to various templates and things like setting "vbr" and altering sound quatlity or framerate (working from memory here - sorry if the terms are wrong). Where can I get a quick tutorial on the templates and settings in Tempeg
thanks

[aldus4]

As I recall Sefy made his own comments in the zip you downloaded. I can't recall what he called it, but I do remember reading them something *.txt.

However if you want a more indepth guide into what the various settings do try the Guide from Shochan under

http://www.vcdhelp.com/articles.php

[Vejita-sama]

Also a newbie but here's a quick outline:

1) Motion search quaility: set to high (highest if you've got the time but most say they can't see a difference).

2) Turn detect scence change off

3) Use a higher bitrate

4) Use 2-pass VBR instead of CBR or CQ_VBR. This will double in the required encoding time. Some people claim that Variable Bit rate vs. Constant Bit Rate looks better in MPEG-2 than MPEG-1 (I can't see a difference).
For 2pass BR you need to enter a min, ave, and max bitrate. For ave use a bitrate calculator, and set min=0, and max to whatever you like (I use the max for my DVD player).

[unstuck2]

thanks Vejita-sama
You are less of a newbie than I am: where do you find the location for these settings you mentionm?! We are talking about Tmpgenc right?
I looked under setting and options and did not see where I could make the changes you list.
Just so you dont think I'm too lazy, I wil read the article in the link from aldus4. thanks

[Vejita-sama]

First, take a look at:

http://www.vcdhelp.com/tmpgencexplained.htm

Here's a quick outline. Look in the bottom left of TMPGenc, you'll see three buttons. 'settings' 'load' 'save'

'load' - is to load a template

'save' - is to save a template (say for your favorite xVCD settings

'settings' - is the change the currently loaded template.

So click on settings and you'll see six tabs come up:

'Video' 'Advance' 'GOP structure' 'Quantize matrix' 'audio' and 'system'

1) If you look under video you can find 'motion search precision' set to high (highest is usally overkill)

2) Under GOP structure turn off detect scence change

3) Under video 'rate control mode' choose 2pass VBR. Click on the settings button to the right of it and enter the min, ave, and max bitrate. Set min=0 and max to you DVD players max. Use a bitrate calculator to find the aveage. Might need/want to but your movie on 2 80min CDRs to really up the bitrate.

[unstuck2]

thanks
some of the settings you describe were grayed out under the video tab. I guess tha's why I missed them.
I feel like I'm "almost there".
I'll give your suggestions awhirl and report back.
thanks

[Vejita-sama]

Right, sorry. They are greyed out in the standard VCD template. so:

1) Load standard VCD template
2) Load the 'unlock' template (normally in templates/extra)

this will unlock all the greyed out sections.