fastest batch encoder and other encoding q's

[MIKEMAN]

i want to encode 25 xvid files to dvd (2 or 3 dvds worth).
what is the fastest encoder with batch option please?
and also when converting should i retain the sources bitrate for the output?
ex. if i have a avi with 2000kb/s bitrate and convert to mpg, should i make that mpg 2000kb/s?
and for resolution if i have a 352x240 vcd is it best to keep that resolution and burn it on a dvd or best to take that vcd and encode it ti 720x480 or 352x480 and burn it. i know this might be a dumb question.
thx to anyone

[daamon]

Hi MIKEMAN,

I don't know what the fastest encoder is, so I'll pass on that one. What I will say is that your PC's specs also play a role in the speed of encoding.

There is no correlation between the bitrate of the source file (your AVI) and the bitrate of the end file (your MPEG2). If there is any similarity, it's purely chance.

The bitrate you use should be just high enough to achieve the minimum quality that you're prepared to accept - this can only be judged by you, but others can give you their figures as a guide.

The combination of bitrate and running time also dictates the end file size. This also needs to be taken into account when choosing your bitrate. You don't want a file that won't fit on a disc.

The final thing to consider is the resolution - the lower the resolution, the less bitrate you'll need. So, if your AVI is at 2,000 kbps, I'm guessing it's a fairly low resolution - somewhere around VCD levels? (A guess - I'm not experienced with low bitrate AVIs. I work with DV AVI at 25,000 kbps). If that's the case, encode to a similar resolution (see "What Is... DVD", top left of the page, for valid DVD resolutions).

As a rough guide, you can usually get away with a minimum of 5,000 kbps for 720 x 480 (full D1) resolution, and around a minimum of 3,000 kbps for half-D1 (352 x 480). At a guess, I'd say start at a figure of 2,000 kbps for VCD (352 x 240) and adjust up or down accordingly.

Which leads us nicely on to your last question...

The source is 352 x 240 (VCD) - the NTSC DVD spec also allows this resolution, so you can keep the same resolution. The only difference is the audio must be at 48KHz. VCDs are 44.1KHz, so it'll need resampling.

Hope that helps. Good luck...

[MIKEMAN]

thank you verrry verry much!

[laspis59]

Mainconcept MPEG Encoder and CCE are the fastest encoders I know of.The lower the resolution the poorer the quality,but the faster it will be encoded.
MainConcept has a batch mode option,I know because its the encoder I use and prefer.