m2v encoder quality

[hakeemshabazz]

I want to do some simple editing to a m2v file (fade in/out). When I re-encode the m2v, does it matter what encoder (program) I used to do this? I wasn't sure if there is a difference in quality from encoder to encoder. Could someone please clue me in.

Thank you.

[teegee420]

What you have is an mpeg-2 video. You probably want to retain the same quality when you re-encode right? Sure there are differences in encoders but which do you plan to use?

[hakeemshabazz]

Yeah, it's a mpeg2 video clip (demux'ed from a ripped VOB). I do want to retain the quality of the clip. Is this possible, even if I re-encode?

I'm not sure if quality lose only comes from converting other formats into mpeg2 or if quality lose will also happen even if you re-encode a mpeg2 file as mpeg2. Can you clue me in?

And if there is a quality lose, which encoder loses the LEAST amount of quality? (I'll just pick whatever you choose, as long as it doesn't cost an arm & leg).

[teegee420]

The quality of your re-encoded file can be as good as you like, the only question is what percentage of the original VOB's file size are you comfotable with?

As far as encoders go, the general favorite on this site is TMPGEnc Plus. It's not the fastest encoder but gives quality results. You can use it to encode to mpeg-2 for 30 days for free. Afterwards it costs $50 I beleive.

[teegee420]

I apologize, but it seems I forgot that you plan to do fades and such. In which case TMPGEnc will not be an all-in-one solution. For that, Ulead Video Studio 7 might be a better choice. That one runs about $100.

[hakeemshabazz]

I'm wanting to keep the VOB's original size....not looking to shrink the file at all...I want zero quality lose when re-encoding...

[teegee420]

Ulead is still a good option.

[Craig Tucker]

Whenever you encode you lose some quality. Whether it is noticable to you is another matter.

[hakeemshabazz]

Yeah, I've read that several times before...but I wasn't sure if that applied to re-encoding a format back as the same format (m2v to m2v or avi to avi)

[vhelp]

since you're gonna have to re-encode anyways..

you may as well utilize AVIsynth to do the fade (freeware) and re-encode
accordingly. Problem solved !!

-vhelp

[vhelp]

Sorry, I forgot to demo the script how-to..

It does work.., good luck,
-vhelp

LN  Scrip syntax
01  AVIsource("myfilename.avi")
02  FadeIn(15)
03  FadeOut(15)

** Leave out the LN's.
On Line 02/03, you can vary the amount of Fading by changing the values
(ie, 15 to a higher number, but don't go too high)