How to convert PAL DVD to NTSC DVD?

[FulciLives]

After FulciLives post my interest is piqued. What is the difference between embedded and non-embedded subtitles? Pros and cons?

In my opinion ... embedded subtitles are very easy-to-do ... again in my opinion ... makes "dealing" with them much easier than keeping them as a separate file.

You just use VobSub to rip the subtitles (with no messy text conversion) then read the subs into the image with the VobSub AviSynth filter. Very easy.

In fact (and yes I have been lazy and doing this lately myself) you can use AutoGK to create your AviSynth script. Once it starts encoding the movie just kill the process then use the AviSynth file it created (although you change all the auto resize, cropping stuff and just resize to 720x480) and you are essentially done. AutoGK will rip the subs and create an AviSynth script with the subs embedded etc. and like I said you pretty much just edit the script to change the resize to 720x480 from 720x576 and you are basically good to go. Dump it into HC or CCE or TMPGEnc Plus and there you go.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[manono]

What is the difference between embedded and non-embedded subtitles? Pros and cons?

How often have you seen subs burned into the video (i. e., non-selectable) in a commercial DVD release? On those rare occasions that you have seen them embedded or burned in, the DVD is the subject of universal scorn by DVD reviewers. Burning in the subs makes the video less compressible, and degrades the video by adding a lot of mosquito noise to the area immediately surrounding the subs.

If you're watching the anime in English and want the subs turned off, you're out of luck if they're burned into the video already.

If anything, it's easier to keep them selectable, as long as you use an authoring app that accepts subtitles, which is almost all of them. If you use PGCDemux to demux, then you get the subs in SUP format, and can use Muxman, IFOEdit, GUI For DVDAuthor and DVDAuthorGUI (I think) to mux. There's one app that accepts them in IDX/SUB format (aka Vobsubs), although I forget what it is. If you use something like DVDLab Pro, you'll want them in some text format, such as SRT, and in most cases they're downloadable from some subtitles site. Or take 15 minutes and OCR them yourself.

[MrCleanAZ]

OK I will be burning my first PAL to NTSC conversion This Thurday or Friday night, but before I do I have one more question...

Is there a way to select only English audio? This would make it easier since as I mentioned they are for my kids and I.

Also, I don't think I am going to embed the subtitles. There are times when I would want to turn them off. Thank you for the explanation.

If anyone has any last minute advice I would lobe to hear it.

Thanks! Mike.

[manono]

Is there a way to select only English audio?

There are lots of ways to answer that one. Do you mean you want English and only English on the DVD? Then you author with English only. Although why any person that can read subs would listen to his anime in crummy dubbed English is beyond me.

Other than that, if keeping the 2 (or 3?) languages, you should be able to make English the default when authoring, by making it the first language. You haven't said yet (as far as I know) if you're converting the menus (I don't think so), or creating new ones when authoring (I don't think so), or authoring without menus (I think so). And if you aren't making menus, then the first language loaded becomes the default, and you'll use the remote control to switch to any of the others.

[MrCleanAZ]

Although why any person that can read subs would listen to his anime in crummy dubbed English is beyond me.

You are absolutely right, the main reason why I'm doing this is for my kids 7, 5, and 2.5. While the 7 year old can read he can't keep up with most subs - but he is getting better. These are almost all Japanses Transformers Episodes that were unavaliable in the US. I should have rewrote, but basically, I just want original the Japanese with English subs and then the English dub.

You haven't said yet (as far as I know) if you're converting the menus (I don't think so), or creating new ones when authoring (I don't think so), or authoring without menus (I think so).

This is tricky. I would love to convert the menus, but I don't know how. From all the information I have gathered from the previous posts converting the menus was left out - as far as I could tell.

I wouldn't mind building my own menus either, but again I haven't done it before.

I do have a Dual-Layer DVD burner, so space is not an issue. If there is a tutorial available on how to convert the menus and put everything back together I'll do it.

Thanks again!

[manono]

Hi-

I do have a Dual-Layer DVD burner, so space is not an issue. If there is a tutorial available on how to convert the menus and put everything back together I'll do it.

I'm planning on writing one, but haven't yet. It's difficult, especially so for a rookie. If you want menus, and have and have used decent authoring programs, your best bet might be to create new menus, perhaps using some of the original menu pics you've saved to BMP. However, for the young 'uns, it might be more convenient for you not to have any menus so the video starts playing as soon as the DVD is inserted in the player. As long as you know you can switch audio languages and turn the subs on and off using the remote control, that may be enough for you. Then using a simple but very good authoring app, such as Muxman, should be fine.

If you go that route, there are some things you should know. I'll assume you're following FulciLives' guide, using DGPulldown, and are having the converted NTSC video be the same length as the source PAL video.

Demux the video using PGCDemux. Even though you've already converted the video (?), it'll give you the chapters in the form of a celltimes.txt file, the subs in SUP format, which Muxman requires, and the AC3 which you probably already have, as well as the video.

The chapters have to be converted to NTSC format. Take each frame number inside the celltimes.txt file and multiply it by 1.1988 (29.97/25=1.1988). Then when authoring using Muxman, go File->Import Chapter.

As for the audio, check the A/V Delay in PGCDemux to make sure there's no audio delay to account for. Play each audio file so you know which is which language. Load the English one first, followed by the Japanese track. If there's a Chinese one, I wouldn't even bother using that one.

Load the SUP files for the subtitles. Load the encoded and DGPulldowned M2V for the video.

When you've loaded everything into Muxman, and have pressed the "Start" button. It may seem to stop or freeze. It hasn't. It's still chugging away. It may take 15-20 minutes or so, but will pop up with a screen when done.

You'll probably have to change the subtitle colors when done, if you go the Muxman route. That's most easily done using PGCEdit or DVDSubEdit:

https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?p=1655668&#1655668
http://download.videohelp.com/DVDSubEdit/Guides/ChangingColors/Guide.htm

[MrCleanAZ]

Thanks Manono.

I'm planning on writing one, but haven't yet. It's difficult, especially so for a rookie.
I would love to see it if you do actually create one. I am an Instructional Designer/Technical Writer at my 9-5, so let me know. I think 'rookie' is an excellent description of my overall DVD burning experience level by the way.

However, for the young 'uns, it might be more convenient for you not to have any menus so the video starts playing as soon as the DVD is inserted in the player. As long as you know you can switch audio languages and turn the subs on and off using the remote control, that may be enough for you.
That's one thing that sucks with my current remote - the buttons. There are no buttons to automatically change subs and languages. Also, since there are several episodes on each disk sometimes they watch the first 3 and the next time want to start where they left off. These would be easier with a menu, but I may get a better remote instead -

Then using a simple but very good authoring app, such as Muxman, should be fine.
I wasn't sure which authoring tool to get, so this answered my question - Thanks again!

If you go that route, there are some things you should know. I'll assume you're following FulciLives' guide, using DGPulldown, and are having the converted NTSC video be the same length as the source PAL video.
Yes, I am following FulciLives' guide as closely as possible. It seems as that will give me the cleanest looking video with the least chance of audio delay issues.

Demux the video using PGCDemux. Even though you've already converted the video (?), it'll give you the chapters in the form of a celltimes.txt file, the subs in SUP format, which Muxman requires, and the AC3 which you probably already have, as well as the video.
I don't think I have PGCDemux. I will get it (and Muxman) tonight before I get started.

I think I might try just converting one without a menu first, and then go back and see what I can do. You know concentrate on the prize first. What do you think?

Mike.

[manono]

Hehe, I think if you can't switch audio streams and turn the subs on and off, then you're in trouble. I thought all remote controls could do that. But it wouldn't hurt to author a test DVD for playing in PowerDVD and maybe burning to DVD-RW for testing in the standalone. To create a real menu, with subs and audio menus, you'll need a more fully featured authoring program than the free version of Muxman.

I think 'rookie' is an excellent description of my overall DVD burning experience level by the way.

Me too. Although I don't guess there's anything really wrong with the terms "newbie" or "noob", they've always seemed kind of insulting to me. Some non-Americans might have trouble with the term "rookie", though, since it comes from baseball.

[FulciLives]

The fairly new Version 3 of TMPGEnc DVD Author now supports multiple audio languages (well 2 I think) and at least 1 (maybe more) subtitle tracks.

Haven't really played with it yet (when it comes to subtitles) so I don't know even what format the subs need to be in etc.

But in terms of ease-of-use ... well ... all previous versions of TMPGEnc DVD Author fit that bill so I assume Version 3 is no different.

So if you need a DVD Authoring program that supports multiple audio and subtitle tracks AND is easy-to-use ... give TMPGEnc DVD Author a try.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[MrCleanAZ]

Hehe, I think if you can't switch audio streams and turn the subs on and off, then you're in trouble. I thought all remote controls could do that.

Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself. It's a Panasonic VCR/DVD Burner that upconverts to 720P. Luckily I have another Panasonic DVD player that has buttons that work with it (I tested it this am). Plus I am planning on buying one of those Harmony remotes that can be programed to work with all your remotes and devices.

To create a real menu, with subs and audio menus, you'll need a more fully featured authoring program than the free version of Muxman.

Do you have any suggestions?

...the terms "newbie" or "noob", they've always seemed kind of insulting to me.

Me too. I've always thought of a rookie as a step up from a newbie. Maybe a small step, but still a step. - Thanks for everything Manono!


So if you need a DVD Authoring program that supports multiple audio and subtitle tracks AND is easy-to-use ... give TMPGEnc DVD Author a try.

I'll check this out too FulciLives - Thanks!

[manono]

Do you have any suggestions?

FulciLives had a good one. Although a commercial product, I believe it has a full-feature 30 day trial. For freeware, I believe that GUI4DVDAuthor can do everything you want:

http://download.videohelp.com/gfd/#Overview

[MrCleanAZ]

For freeware, I believe that GUI4DVDAuthor can do everything you want

Great! Thanks - I'll be sure and check it out.

[MrCleanAZ]

Just to double-check here are my basic steps according to what I have read to FulciLives', Manono's, and other posters' posts...


1. Rip the PAL DVD to be converted to the hard drive.

2. Load the main movie files into DGMPGDec

3. Set-up DGMPGDec and get information about the PAL DVD
Video:
• Field Operation should be set to Honor Pulldown Flags
• YUV->RGB should be set to TV Scale
Audio:
• Output Method should be set to Demux all tracks

It has been mentioned several times that, DGMPGDec will often say the frame type is interlaced, even when it's not, so I will need to check this manually as well.

4. Create .d2v file

5. Write your AVS script
My Sample:
LoadPlugin("DGDecode.dll")
LoadPlugin("Decomb521.dll")
MPEG2Source("C:\PALCONVERTS\TF_MF_D01.d2v")
FieldDeinterlace(full=false)
ConvertToYUY2()
LanczosResize(720,480)
crop(8,12,-8,-12)
AddBorders(8,12,8,12)

6. Set-up CCE
Change the settings to match the following:
• GOP Sequence: M=3
• GOP Sequence: N/M = 4
• SEQ header: every 1 GOPs
• Check the box for Add sequence end code
• Check the box for Close all GOPs
• Ensure the frame rate is 25. If it's not there is a problem.
• Choose 0 to 255 for the Lunicance level

Click OK after changing the settings and return to the Encode Settings window.

Click on the Quality button and change the settings to match the following:
• Uncheck Low pass filter
• Uncheck Effect restricted vertical filter
• Uncheck Dithered quantitization
• Change Intra block DC precision to 10
• Change Block scanning order to zigzag
• Check Progressive frame flag

After the changes have been made, click OK to return to the Encode setting window of CCE.

7. Prepare CCE for a movie
Change 4 things in the Encode setting window.

First, change the Mode to MPEG-2 (ES, Multipass VBR).

Second, change the Bitrate.
• Minimum - something like 2000
• Maximum - 8000 or so. (max bitrate CANNOT exceed 9800)
• Average - input the value found from the bitrate calculator

Third, change the number of passes (only for Multipass VBR encodes) to between 3 and 5. The more passes you use the better quality, but after 5, the quality increase is very marginal.

Fourth, change the aspect ratio.

Click OK to get back to the main screen. If you get a warning/option about an ECL file, just ignore it.

8. Encode!
Press CCE's encode button to start the movie encoding.

When done, you'll be left with a file around 4 GB big with an MPV extension.

9. DGPulldown
Open DGPulldown. Do the following:
• Load the .mpv file CCE made into it as the Source ES.
• Choose a destination for the output, or use the default. It will have a .m2v extension
• Keep the Top Field First box checked
o If the video ends up jerky/interlaced after DGPulldown, go back and uncheck it and run the DGPulldown again.
• Check the Set time codes
• Make sure the grayed-out Set drop frames box is checked

Click convert.

10. Burn It?

Most of this was created directly from FulciLives advice to others on the Videohelp.com forums.

Please let me know if I left anything major out.

Thanks!

[manono]

Click OK to get back to the main screen. If you get a warning/option about an ECL file, just ignore it.

I'm not sure what you mean here. Are you not saving the ECL? If not, then I think it's a good idea to save it. Say you finish the encoding. Say you turn off the computer, like maybe when you go to sleep and it's in the room and you don't like the noise. Or you turn off the computer and plan on coming back later to run DGPulldown. Say you come back later to find you're undersized, or oversized, or you don't like the look of the video and want to add a filter. You'll have to set up CCE all over again just to run another pass or 2. If you have the ECL, you drag that into the CCE screen, and there it is all set up just like the last time. You change the number of passes, or adjust the bitrate, or make some other small change, and you're ready to encode again. I always save the ECL.

FieldDeinterlace(full=false)

I suppose there's a use for that, but I'd never use it. First, I'd use a better deinterlacer (TDeint(Full=False)). Second, FieldDeinterlace, unless carefully tweaked, is liable to deinterlace good frames, degrading the video slightly. And third, if you are careful to check the source and find it's not interlaced, there's no need for a conditional deinterlacer at all, and it will only slow the encoding. Did I contradict anything FulciLives said? I hope not.

Somewhere between 9 and 10 you plan on authoring it for DVD, don't you?

[buttzilla]

I like to ad that the newest version of ConvertXtoDVD can handle pal to ntsc and vice versa. Just Just copy the video folders to your hard drive and open the TS IFO file and make sure you have the tv format in seting set to ntsc. Works great and its very simple.

[MrCleanAZ]

Click OK to get back to the main screen. If you get a warning/option about an ECL file, just ignore it.

I'm not sure what you mean here. Are you not saving the ECL? If not, then I think it's a good idea to save it. Say you finish the encoding. Say you turn off the computer, like maybe when you go to sleep and it's in the room and you don't like the noise. Or you turn off the computer and plan on coming back later to run DGPulldown. Say you come back later to find you're undersized, or oversized, or you don't like the look of the video and want to add a filter. You'll have to set up CCE all over again just to run another pass or 2. If you have the ECL, you drag that into the CCE screen, and there it is all set up just like the last time. You change the number of passes, or adjust the bitrate, or make some other small change, and you're ready to encode again. I always save the ECL.

Another poster had mentoned this (I think they called themselves 'paltontsc') as something to do if you received a warning. I didn't know what it was - blindly taking advice. Now that I know what it is I agree I will be sure to save the ECL.

FieldDeinterlace(full=false)

I suppose there's a use for that, but I'd never use it. First, I'd use a better deinterlacer (TDeint(Full=False)). Second, FieldDeinterlace, unless carefully tweaked, is liable to deinterlace good frames, degrading the video slightly. And third, if you are careful to check the source and find it's not interlaced, there's no need for a conditional deinterlacer at all, and it will only slow the encoding. Did I contradict anything FulciLives said? I hope not.

I'm pretty sure FulciLives had originally recomended FieldDeinterlace(full=false), but it was originally written a few years back, so who knows. Would you mind reminding me of the tool that you suggested to use to check if a DVD was progressive or interlaced (since DGMPGDec is often unreliable)? What do I need to download to get your suggested deinterlacer? How should change the code if I find it is needed?

Somewhere between 9 and 10 you plan on authoring it for DVD, don't you?

Oops. Yes, I do. Just left out the step.

Thanks man.

[manono]

Well, the easiest way to check for interlacing is to open the vobs in DGIndex and scroll around looking for interlacing. A slightly more difficult, but more comprehensive way is to make a basic unfiltered script and open it in VDub(Mod) and scroll around or advance a frame at a time during motion sequences looking for interlacing. If you don't see interlacing, it's not interlaced. neuron2 (Donald Graft, the developer of DGIndex and so many of our other AviSynth tools and filters) recommends separating the fields (SeparateFields()) and looking for 2 identical ones every frame. If every field is different, it's interlaced. If they come in identical pairs, it's progressive. His method has the additional advantage of uncovering phase-shifted fields, not uncommon with PAL DVDs, and a simple Telecide() (from Decomb) or TFM() (from TIVTC) can realign them again, without resorting to a deinterlacer.

You can find TDeint here:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=82264

How should change the code if I find it is needed?

Load the TDeint Plugin and replace the FieldDeinterlace line with TDeint(Full=False)

However, if you have an interlaced source, I'd keep it interlaced when converting to NTSC. There are scripts for that as well. If your interest is in movies, they shouldn't be needed. If you have some kind of a hybrid source and only a little is interlaced, that's where TDeint(Full=False) might come in handy.

[FulciLives]

I'd follow what manono is saying about deinterlacing. I must admit that deinterlacing is something I am no expert at and my original suggestion of using FieldDeinterlace(full=false) was the "best" I could do in a simple guide.

Luckily just about all of the PAL DVD discs I have converted to PAL have been 100% progressive or close to it. For instance the HELLRAISER III DVD released in the UK had some extra footage restored to it that was from a lower interlaced video source whereas the rest of the movie (the bulk of it) was progressive. In this case FieldDeinterlace(full=false) seemed to work OK but if manono says to use TDeint instead then I would advise that you adhere to his suggestion.

Also there are some AviSynth scripts out there for converting interlaced PAL to interlaced NTSC but it has been a long time since I've had to do that type of conversion myself. I seem to recall it can be a bit tricky to get just right and even then it isn't perfect.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[MrCleanAZ]

Manono: However, if you have an interlaced source, I'd keep it interlaced when converting to NTSC. There are scripts for that as well. If your interest is in movies, they shouldn't be needed.

FulciLives: Also there are some scrips out there for converting interlaced PAL to interlaced NTSC but it has been a long time since I've had to do that type of conversion myself. I seem to recall it can be a bit tricky to get just right and even then it isn't perfect.

So do you guys think I should just leave out the deinterlacing altogether These are animations which I personally think I more forgiving in some respects. Also, the particular DVD I am attempting to convert now appears to be interlaced - has some ghosting between frames.

Thanks guys!

[MrCleanAZ]

By the way my code without deinterlacing looks like this...

LoadPlugin("DGDecode.dll")
MPEG2Source("C:\PALCONVERTS\TF_MF_D01.d2v")
ConvertToYUY2()
LanczosResize(720,480)
crop(8,12,-8,-12)
AddBorders(8,12,8,12)

Mike.

[MrCleanAZ]

Well...

I get about to about 3% (1 minute and 30 seconds) into CCE Encoding and everything freezes up.

Any suggestions? Is my code bad?

[manono]

So do you guys think I should just leave out the deinterlacing altogether

If they're not interlaced, then yes, no deinterlacer is needed. You should have a real good look at your source, as a lot of PAL anime is badly converted from NTSC and is field-blended and interlaced.

I get about to about 3% (1 minute and 30 seconds) into CCE Encoding and everything freezes up.

Have you done successful CCE encodes before, or is this the first time you've used it? On the face of it, it sounds like a hardware problem, perhaps overheating, if it freezes at different places in the encode every time you try. If it quits at exactly the same place it could be corrupt video or something along those lines. I would open the script in VDubMod and try and find the exact spot where it quits to see if there's something wrong there. Decrypting again, along with making a fresh D2V may or may not help.

[MrCleanAZ]

However, if you have an interlaced source, I'd keep it interlaced when converting to NTSC. There are scripts for that as well. If your interest is in movies, they shouldn't be needed.

AND

If they're not interlaced, then yes, no deinterlacer is needed. You should have a real good look at your source, as a lot of PAL anime is badly converted from NTSC and is field-blended and interlaced.

These two seem to conflict, or basically say - don't ever deinterlace. Am I missing something?

Have you done successful CCE encodes before, or is this the first time you've used it?

This was the first time. I noticed that my version was a newer version than the one in the tutorial, and that some of the options had changed. I just have the trial version as well. I wouldn't mind buying the full version for $80, but I would like to ensure it works first. They also have a professional version for about $1500 - I can't swing that.

If it quits at exactly the same place it could be corrupt video or something along those lines. I would open the script in VDubMod and try and find the exact spot where it quits to see if there's something wrong there. Decrypting again, along with making a fresh D2V may or may not help.

I'll try redoing it tonight. Thanks again.

I'm sorry man. I really didn't think I'd need any hand-holding - I feel stupid.

[manono]

These two seem to conflict, or basically say - don't ever deinterlace. Am I missing something?

There's a difference between restoring progressive frames (as in the case of field-blended material, even though a lot of bobbed fields wind up being used) and just blind deinterlacing. I don't see any conflict at all, actually. About the only time you might use that conditional deinterlacer (Full=False) - or maybe I should say, the only time I might use a conditional deinterlacer - is when I have a hybrid of progressive with a little interlaced footage, and FulciLives gave an example from his experience.

But for DVD, where interlace is so common, trying not to deinterlace is a pretty good goal. If you're making AVI, then you often don't have much choice.

[MrCleanAZ]

There's a difference between restoring progressive frames (as in the case of field-blended material, even though a lot of bobbed fields wind up being used) and just blind deinterlacing. I don't see any conflict at all, actually. About the only time you might use that conditional deinterlacer (Full=False) - or maybe I should say, the only time I might use a conditional deinterlacer - is when I have a hybrid of progressive with a little interlaced footage, and FulciLives gave an example from his experience.

But for DVD, where interlace is so common, trying not to deinterlace is a pretty good goal. If you're making AVI, then you often don't have much choice.

OK, I'm starting to get the picture. Sorry for being slow on the uptake.

So, for now, I shouldn't worry about deinterlacing given the content of my DVDs - correct?

Two New Questions:
Is there a place where I can get the older version of CCE that you previously used? The version I have doesn't allow more than 2 Multipass VBR encodes (the tutorial mentioned 3 to 5).

Why do we encode to MPEG-2 instead of DVD?

Thanks!

[FulciLives]

I just want to make some stuff more clear:

If the PAL source is progressive then you do no deinterlacing nor an IVTC. You simply leave it progressive and use the DGPulldown method of conversion.

If the PAL source is interlaced then you do one of three things:

1.) Deinterlace and use the DGPulldown method of conversion.
2.) Do an IVTC to restore to progressive and use the DGPulldown method of conversion.
3.) Leave it interlaced but use a special script to get interlaced NTSC. This is NOT the DGPulldown method.

Now one has to remember that there are "two" types of interlaced video. Some interlaced video can use an IVTC process (InVerse TeleCine) which restores the interlaced video to progressive video. This is only SOMETIMES possible with interlaced footage. The other kind of interlaced video cannot be made progressive unless you deinterlace it.

With "true" interlaced video (when IVTC is NOT possible) then you either deinterlace or you use a special AviSynth script to go directly from interlaced PAL to interlaced NTSC. This later method is described earlier (first page) in this thread although it is slightly out-dated by now.

For more information you might want to look at Xesdeeni's website(s):

Xesdeeni's old website: http://www.geocities.com/xesdeeni2001/StandardsConversion/
Xesdeeni's new website: http://www.geocities.com/xesdeeni2001/StandardsConversion-Preview-0.html

I should point out that Xesdeeni is the one who came up with all of this stuff. He is legend (at least to me).

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[manono]

Is there a place where I can get the older version of CCE that you previously used?

Your Basic version allows only 2 passes. Mine's not all that old, since it only came out maybe 4-5 months ago.

Why do we encode to MPEG-2 instead of DVD?

You don't get a DVD until after it's been authored. DVD uses a very specific kind of MPEG-2 encoding (and can also use MPEG-1 encoding), that specifies the resolution, limits the bitrates, uses specific kinds of audio, defines the allowable framerates, can contain subs, usually has menus and other things specific to the DVD format:

https://www.videohelp.com/dvd

[MrCleanAZ]

I should point out that Xesdeeni is the one who came up with all of this stuff. He is legend (at least to me).

Not to be a suck-up, but you (FulciLives) and Manono are legends to me from all that I have read. In case you both haven't realized it I am in awe and thankful that you have taken the time to help me.

[MrCleanAZ]

Your Basic version allows only 2 passes. Mine's not all that old, since it only came out maybe 4-5 months ago.

OK, I just wanted to be sure that it was the same. I just noticed that some of the screenshot I saw in the tutorial I found didn't match. I thought maybe there was a version that was previously available that had more options. I'll run it again tonight.

Thank you for your explanation of DVD and MPEG-2 encoding. It makes perfect sense now.

[MrCleanAZ]

As I mentioned before I am pretty sure that my DVD is interlaced... When I played it frame by frame I saw a ghost image a frame ahead or behind where it should have been. If I'm wrong and I run the SmoothDeinterlacer.dll from 'Xesdeeni' what is the worst thing that can happen?

The only reason why I sak is that I am a rookie and I haven't looked for interlacing before, so I'm not absolutely positive. It's not glaring as in some of the examples, but again this is an animation.

OK, I'm done with questions until tonight.