TMPGEnc, VBR, CQ, max bitrate when size doesn't matter

[skull950]

It seems like most of the advice I have been reading deals with trying to get the best quality from large files that need significant compression. I'm not in that boat.

I have been trying to get the highest possible quality using TMPGEng from DV AVI source to DVD. But my file sizes are usually very small so compression isn't an issue. The bottom line is I just want to make my MPEG's look as close to my AVI's regardless of file size.

I know a lot of people recommend the 2 pass VBR. I must be doing something wrong as I have tried all sorts of 2 pass VBR settings but so far the best quality I can get is CQ which I set at 9000 min 9000 max.

So here's my question:

1. I have seen some recommend 2 pass VBR settings 6000 min to 9600 max for highest quality. But I thought I read you are suppose to keep the bitrate below 9000. So if you set the max at 9600, wouldn't that cause compatability problems with some players or is it ok to exceed 9000 occasionally?

2. Can someone explain why a single pass max bitrate wouldn't be the best quality when size doesn't matter. I am having a hard time understanding why multi pass would be better if it compresses the image more?

3. Should settings change from a slow moving video to one with lots of fast moving objects, considering size is not an issue?

4. And finally, If I set the audio bitrate at 384 kbits a second, is this stealing video quality? In other words, is the audio bitrate included if your trying to keep it under 9000 max bitrate? And if so, what's the lowest audio bitrate setting that still gives you at least CD quality?

Overall I can't complain to much with the quality I'm getting from my CQ settings but if there is anything better, I would sure like to know.

[reboot]

Try "Automatic CQ-VBR". Set it to Q100. Max 9600, min 9000.
DC precision 10.
Motion search Highest quality.
Use some filters (ghost, noise, sharpen).
Audio at 224 should be plenty good.

[skull950]

reboot, I tried the settings and they are at least as good if not better than what I was using.

Is there a program, hopefully freebie, that can scan through individual frames of a .m2v file so I can save the frame and compare it other frames for quality comparisons?

[CogoSWSDS]

VirtualDubMod should be able to do what you need.

CogoSWSDS