Re-encoding question

[jimmythesaint]

Usually, I get my dvd of familiy movies capturing, editing and authoring my camera’s DV tape with Ulead VideoStudio 9.
Normally I’m happy enough with the resulting dvd (though I know there are better s/w with better results out there!) but here’s my problem:
Suppose I’m not totally happy with the encoding with Ulead and I have no original DV tape. Should I rip the dvd, obtain the mpeg file and re-encode with another encoder and re-author or should I convert the dvd back to avi, eventually re-edit and encode it?
Which is the better solution? There is a loss of quality re-encodin? And what’ the better solution (software) to do it?
I read the various topics in the forum and it’s of great help but I’m still pretty confused so I’m asking for opinions from such “professionals” as you all are.
Thank in advance for you help.

[canadateck]

If I understand what you are asking.

No you wont get better Quality by Re-encoding the Video.

If you want to Edit the Video(Simple Cuts) Try using VideoRedo OR Cuttermaran these or MPeg Editors,and will not Re-encode the Video (Only at the CUT Points.

[jimmythesaint]

Thanks Canadateck, yes you got the point.
Damn, this teaches me to save the original dv tape, next time, if I wanna try different encoders!
So that means no way also if I convert the mpeg back to avi and then trying with a better encoder?

[edDV]

Thanks Canadateck, yes you got the point.
Damn, this teaches me to save the original dv tape, next time, if I wanna try different encoders!
So that means no way also if I convert the mpeg back to avi and then trying with a better encoder?

For family tapes it is important to save the DV tape original and to save the edit back to DV tape. These are being archived for the future and encoders will be constantly improving. Those kids you are shooting will have 3D emersion rooms for viewing (in ~2030-2080) and encoders will be there to import your DV original.

When BluRay type DVDR arrives, you will be able to dub these tapes directly to HDDVDR for long term storage.

[ZippyP.]

So that means no way also if I convert the mpeg back to avi and then trying with a better encoder?

Answered..

No you wont get better Quality by Re-encoding the Video.

You won't get better quality no matter what you choose to convert it into, the information is gone.

[jimmythesaint]

Thank you very much for your help, guys! At least, the DV tapes lost are only 3 or 4. The rest of the movies is saved as masters on DV tape, as you suggested.

Thanks.