VHS to DVD quality?

[dcook]

I have many VHS tapes and want to convert them to DVD. I would like to know what bitrate (max.,min., and avg.) to set in mainconcept encoder. I don't want to lose quality and I am sure the default DVD setting in mainconcept (Max.8000, Min. 2500 and Avg.6000) are too high. I am looking for settings that will put the maximum amount of VHS footage on a DVD disc without losing quality.

Thanks
Doug

[Phoebos]

I dont think that you need more than 4000 average, mabe 3500 is ok for VHS
In any case you can calculate here the amount of footage you want to store in a DVD changing the bitrate : https://www.videohelp.com/calc.htm

For MC I use SEarch method 11 and shearch range 23 and Noise reduction=0. Audio bitrate 192 (is more than enough). AutoGop =VCSD . 2pass encoding is more accurate but takes too long to encode....

You have to make short test samples with various bitrates to see the differences....

[jimmalenko]

IMO I think we need to go a bit deeper than your question commands. For starters, "maximum amount of VHS footage on a DVD disc without losing quality" is almost a "best of both worlds" scenario. In order to "juggle" this, there's quite a bit of trial, error and sacrifice.

These are the things we can play with:
frame size/video bitrate
audio bitrate

Many say that you are better of using 352 * 480/576 (Half D1) for VHS. Using this frame size allows you to drop the bitrate considerably with no noticable effect on quality. Using Half D1, you could get away with CBR 3500 or thereabouts, which is about 2.75 hours w/ 192 audio. If we really wanted to extend the playing time, We need to look at 2-Pass VBR. 4 hours would require an average of 2344kbps w/ 192 audio. Dropping to 352 *240/288 might be OK for you, and will allow you to cram even more on a DVD. 6 hours requires a bitrate of 1500 w/ 192 audio.

... And then we can drop the audio to 128kbps ...

[lordsmurf]

352x480 = 3500-5000 max
avg VBR numbers can be 500-1000 lower

720x480 = 7000-8000 max
avg VBR numbers can be 1000-2000 lower

min can be whatever, 0 is fine, good software never dips that low anyway.

[guns1inger]

I have just transferred a 90 minute VHS tape, as well as a two minute restoration comparison at full PAL res. Using Mainconcept as the encoder with settings of min 4200, max 8400, avg 6000 I was able to fit the whole shooting match, including 4 static menus in about 3750MBs. Pushing the avg up to 6500 took up more space, but had not effect on quality. At full res, I wouldn't want to put more than 2 hours on.