Encoding question

[tecstar]

I am using VS8 to edit and encode my avi from my dv-camcorder.
I encode using the ulead encoder into an mpeg-2 file before using Ulead DVD WS2 to author the DVD, but even on a 40min video (home movie) I am not overly impressed with the picture quality on the final DVD when compared to a commercial DVD. Am I expecting too much, or am I doing something wrong? I dont want to go too deep into encoding settings, but maybe I just need to tweak something.
TIA.

[Keitho]

I've used VS7 and VS9, but have never used them to encode. I always encode the DV file first. I used to use TMPGENC, but now use CCE, since it is 3-4 times faster.
If you can alter the MPG output settings in VS8, try to get it around 8000 CBR, non-interlace. If you have a lot of spare time and you need the space, you might try 2-pass VBR.
Again, I don't know if you can even do that in VS8.

[daamon]

...but even on a 40min video (home movie) I am not overly impressed with the picture quality on the final DVD when compared to a commercial DVD. Am I expecting too much, or am I doing something wrong? I dont want to go too deep into encoding settings, but maybe I just need to tweak something.

Hi tecstar,

I've never used VS8, nor do I know anyone that uses - this doesn't mean it's crap, just that I can't comment on it.

However, what I will say, is that (in my opinion) it's always best to use a dedicated encoder rather than one that's built into an all-in-one solution. The general consensus is that all-in-one's give results, but not the best results.

As an example, I shoot with a DV cam and transfer to the PC as DV AVI. I then encode to MPEG2 for DVD using TMPGEnc Plus (there are others).

The results I get are excellent - virtually indistinguishable from the original DV cam footage. As for it "looking like commercial DVDs" - well, you have to remember that they spend millions on making sure the shot, lighting, cameras, etc. are perfect.

Even so, it's not unreasonable to expect impressive results (depending on the camera and the operator) from DV to DVD.

[tecstar]

Maybe i'll have a go with the cinemacraft encoder and see how it looks.