specifications for recording modes (HQ, SP, LP, EP...)

[choirislife923]

does anyone know what are the exact specifications of the dvd recording modes are (bitrates, resolution, etc)? it really annoys me when standalone DVD writers just give you a VHS-equivalent name for a write setting and not tell you what it is really doing.

[lordsmurf]

Gobble-gook marketing speak. Terms for dummies. I hate them too.

But what you ask is impossible. It varies on all units.

In general
XP = 720x480 7.5 VBR (1 hour), PCM or AC3
SP = 720x480 5.5 VBR (2 hours) or 704x480
?? = 352x480 3.3 VBR (3 hours)
LP = 352x480 2.5 VBR (4 hours)
EP = 352x240 1.5 VBR (6 hours), most are drop-field deinterlace
Beyond that, dump bitrate.

Most are 192-256 MP2 or AC3 audio

[ckwok1]

does anyone know what are the exact specifications of the dvd recording modes are (bitrates, resolution, etc)? it really annoys me when standalone DVD writers just give you a VHS-equivalent name for a write setting and not tell you what it is really doing.

The average bit rate (video + audio) can easily be calculate using the formula:

4.3 (G) X 1024 (MB/G) X 8 (bits / byte) / 3600 (sec/hr) / <recording time in hour(s)>

For example, for 2 hr (SP) mode, the average bit rate is :
4.3 X 1024 X 8 / 3600 / 2 = 4.89M bps.

I also find that most recorders supporting FR mode change resolution from 720 X 480/576 to lower resolution when recording time is longer than 2-1/2 hours.