Two Questions, need some help please.

[N3kr0]

Hi everyone.

I have to questions. Here's the first:

I know that any .avi file will lose some image quality when converted
to a .mpeg file, so the better quality the .avi has the better the results on the .mpeg.
What i want to know is this - TMPGEnc 3.0 XPress will choose by default
(if the .avi is like 717mb, more or less) the whole DVD capacity - 4200,00 (if we
choose DVD has target), we can move the blue bar to the right (more capacity)
or the left (less capacity).
If we choose less (say, less 2gb or the exact same size of the .avi) DVD
capacity will the .mpeg resultant have less image quality?

Second question:

I have a Standalone DVD Player (Europe) that plays both NTSC and PAL,
well at least is what I've read from the info on this site.
If that is true will the TV be a problem?

[edsmith77]

N3Kro,
In general the following will help guide you along. It is by no means the complete absolute answer but ...
If not mistaken what is happening behind the scenes is the TmpGenC is adjusting the bitrate to fit the disk size. Yes, you can alter this setting but I think you need to keep three things in mind when using this option.

When converting an AVI to MPEG, the AVI file size is really unimportant. The essential item is the length of the AVI in Time Units (usually seconds or minutes). Thus, to convert an AVI to MPEG so that it can be recorded onto a disk requires maniplation of three (3) main variables. Time (length of the video), bitrate (how many bits are used to code each frame) and MPEG disk size.
Now according to Mother Nature you get to pick any two of the variables you desire (time, bitrate or disk size) but the third you have to live with.
For example, lets pick time and bitrate. Time in seconds (length of the AVI) and bit rate in bits/sec. So, in general, multiply the two together and you will get the required disk size. Sometimes you will find that the resulting file size is bigger than what will fit onto one disk. Remember you have to live with the third variable (i.e., you can not fool Mother Nature).
Now if you want a 1 disk solution you have to either choose less of your AVI (not a very attractive solution) or lower your bit rate. But as per Mother Nature a side effect of lowering the bit rate is that below a certain level (viewer judgement needed here) the quality of the encoded AVI will start to suffer.
Just remember that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

Ed

[N3kr0]

Many thanks edsmith77.

What is the diference between these aspect ratios: (TMPGEnc 3.0 XPress)

Pixel 1:1 (square pixel)
Pixel 10:11 (NTSC 4:3)
Pixel 40:33 (NTSC 16:9)
Pixel 12:11 (PAL 4:3)
Pixel 16:11 (PAL 16:9)
Image 4:3
Image 16:9
Image 2.21:1

I've made some convertions and some of these aspect ratios
were the same even when i tried between 4:3 and 16:9, the image
didn't change, with NTSC I found that the 704x480 size was the best
for a 624x352 size .avi file because it didn't do what the 704x576 size (PAL)
did - a vertical box on both sides.
With 704x480 (NTSC) the only box was the horizontal (i thing
the name is Letterbox, right) just like the original.
And the 704x480 size is the closest to the original, 624x352, so I guess
it's the best.
I live in Europe but my DVD Player is able to play both NTSC and PAL,
I was wondering if the TV will not be the problem.