Vegas -> Architect : Which render format?

[BeachNut]

After editing MINI DV in Vegas I want to author in Architect. Does it matter which format I render in to keep best quality? I was rendering in .avi but wondered if I'm better rendering in .mpg and then authoring. Thanks.

[lordsmurf]

Render? I think you mean "encode".
Anyway, DVD-Video requires MPEG video, and a certain spec of MPEG video.

Read this:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/dvdguides/basics/dvdintro.htm
http://www.digitalfaq.com/dvdguides/capture/understandsource.htm#digitalsource

[BeachNut]

No, I mean Render in Vegas. ie. the format the file should be in when I bring it into Architect. Thanks.

[lordsmurf]

Let's try this again...
- DVD must be MPEG. You have no choice.
- The word should also be "encode" (if Vegas says "render" then it's wrong).

[Jester700]

Let's try this again...
- DVD must be MPEG. You have no choice.
- The word should also be "encode" (if Vegas says "render" then it's wrong).

Vegas uses "render". From the timeline, you can "render as" any number of audio or video formats. But yup, that's the word they use.

[BJ_M]

that is because to get to mpeg2 , the project consisting of composition, effects, filters, edits , etc has to be rendered first frame by frame (or field by field) - then encoded mpeg2 ... it is just hat vegas can do both steps at the same time ...

it is the same for premiere , etc ......

so rendered term is correct - so is encoded (though it is rendered first)

[BeachNut]

So we've sorted out the terminology. Can someone please tell me whether I should render/encode in .avi or .mpg or doesn't it really matter?
Thanks !

[canadateck]

mpg for DVD

[BJ_M]

use the mpeg dvda template ...

read the manuals you got with vegas+dvda , it is very clear on this ..

[lordsmurf]

that is because to get to mpeg2 , the project consisting of composition, effects, filters, edits , etc has to be rendered first frame by frame (or field by field) - then encoded mpeg2 ... it is just hat vegas can do both steps at the same time ...

it is the same for premiere , etc ......

so rendered term is correct - so is encoded (though it is rendered first)

Very true, did not consider that one.

[Jester700]

So we've sorted out the terminology. Can someone please tell me whether I should render/encode in .avi or .mpg or doesn't it really matter?
Thanks !

If you'll ONLY use that vid in DVD, yeah - use MPEG (DVD template). But if you might also use it in other formats and you added many titles, transitions, etc, do it as AVI and THEN encode that AVI in your various formats. You'll save some time overall that way.

[edDV]

use the mpeg dvda template ...

read the manuals you got with vegas+dvda , it is very clear on this ..

Agreed but backing up a bit. If your source is MiniDV, the project format should be DV, all effects, layers and filters should be applied in DV format, then when you are done, encode (i.e. "Render as" under "File") to mpeg2 dvda template.

You still have many custom encoder setup choices. For best MiniDV quality, use 8-8.5 Mb/s CBR plus your choice for audio. CBR saves time and gets best results for "shakey" MiniDV sources. Expect ~60 minutes per DVD.

Since AC-3 encoding is applied later in DVD Architect, the file may be a bit oversized at this point if you are pushing the limits.

[BJ_M]

AC3 is done in vegas actually , right from the time line

vegas even comes with a script to do both in basically the same operation ... there are 100's of good scripts available for free for vegas ...

[edDV]

AC3 is done in vegas actually , right from the time line

vegas even comes with a script to do both in basically the same operation ... there are 100's of good scripts available for free for vegas ...

Sorry, you are right.

But that only applies if one has the AC-3 encoder installed. The encoder comes with the full Vegas +DVD package or as a separate plug-in.

Once installed, it will be active during Vegas "render as" operations.