DivxToDvd help

[erock7625]

Hi there,

I'm trying to convert some tv episode mpg files to DVD using DivxToDVD 1.99.20. I add my 8 approx. 20 minute files and click convert and when it finishes I end up with a total of about 5.6GB of files which obviously will not fit on a DVD. I thought DivxToDVD automatically makes the files fit, I have been through all of the settings and see nothing that would effect this. I do have my target size set to DVD-5, also my maximum bitrate is set to Maximum (recommended). Any ideas? Should I set my target size to 4300MB? I would of thought that selecting DVD-5 would of been OK.

Thanks, Eric

[guns1inger]

DivxtoDVD is half-way between a single-pass encoder and a transcoder. It uses (where possible) the motion vectors and other calculations from the original encoding to speed up it's own encoding. Usually, this results in undersized videos, but at times it goes over. The biggest I have done with it was just shy of 180 minutes ( a little longer than yours) and it came it 2% over size (I know this because that is how much Shrink had to reduce it by).

You could try bringing the maximum down, or dropping an episode (bummer is 8 is a set), otherwise, use an encoder that gives you a greater level of control, and therefore a more predictable outcome.

[jimmalenko]

I'm still a bit puzzled by its output settings - I have my doubts as to if it takes any notice of them TBH.

As mentioned, if the 8 files happen to be one complete set, then http://members.dodo.net.au/~jimmalenko/AVI2DVD.htm tells you all you need to know for using TMPGEnc to make everything fit, first time. Of course there's other guides for other encoders in the guides section, to your left.

As a last resort, you could try running the output of DivxToDVD through DVDShrink (or any other transcoder for that matter), which may or may not affect the quality adversely.

[erock7625]

Sounds like this is a flaw in DivXToDVD. I tried changing the target size from DVD-5 to 4300MB with the same results. It's like it ignores that field completely. The only options for Maximum bitrate is 1, 2, 4 or 8Mbps, it does nto allow you to get more granular then that. I guess I'll just try another encoder to see if it works any better.

Thanks.

[guns1inger]

As has been stated time and again by many here, if you want absolute control and predictability of outcome, use a dedicated encoder, not a one-click solution.

[clairew]

Make sure you uncheck under divxtodvd settings/burning

the box that represents "add original files to DVD (if possible)"

but as mentioned above time estimation is something Divxtodvd is currently not treating very well--this could be done but would slow down the overall conversion time