MPEG-2 encoder with which I, P, B frames can be manually assigned

[openforest]

I am looking for a software-based MPEG-2 encoder with the following features.

- The user can manually assign frames to either intraframe (I-frame), predicted frame (P-frame), or bidirectional frame (B-frame) of his choice. Therefore, the length of GOP may vary.

- A standalone application but not a plug-in.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[vhelp]

The only MPEG-2 encoder that allows anthing closest to this feature,
is TMPGenc. It will allow you to change any I, P, B parameter as you
see fit, and it will apply the new setting throughout your video during
the encoding phase.

However, if you want to go further than this, "specifically" on a range
of frames, then you would have

How to:

** Settings button
** Video tab, change Rate control mode: [ Manual VBR (MVBR) ]
** GOP structure tab (note the I, P, B fields)
** [x] force picture type setting, click [settings] button

Once inside this "alice 'n wonderland" you are on your own as far as what
settings/params you desire to change. I have visited this area a few
times.. [to change bitrates for black areas to specific bitrates, and a
few other settings].. Its a chore to manage.. believe me.. its not user-friendly.

IMPORTANT - in order to activate this feature, you must be in
Manual VBR (MVBR) mode (see above) otherwise you will be pulling your
hair out to no avail, wondering why its not working.

Also, some tools to recommend in aiding with this procedure:
** vdubMOD / virtualDubMOD - used to observe changes in I, P, and B frames (statusline)
** (bitrate viewer) BV - a bitrate analyising (graph) tool to observe bitrate, etc.
** MPEG Validator - displays GOP structure and bitrate per GOP.

-vhelp 3973

[SaSi]

TMPGEnc can import a list of I Frames from a file. Useful when you want to re-encode a file with a predicted structure (e.g. for producing an MPEG-2 stream to replace an existing video stream from a DVD where chapters are already defined).

The B and P frames are subsequently defined by the I/P/B structure in the B/P ratio and generally there are no apps that allow such fine tuning.

I would suggest you experiment with TMPGENC first to see if the flexibility it offers suits you.

[olyteddy]

The only MPEG-2 encoder ...
Also, some tools to recommend in aiding with this procedure:
** vdub / virtualdub - used to observe changes in I, P, and B frames (statusline)
** BV - a bitrate analyising (graph) tool to observe bitrate, etc.

-vhelp 3973

There's also MPEG-2 Validator to display the GOP structure and bitrate per GOP.

[vhelp]

There's also MPEG-2 Validator to display the GOP structure and bitrate per GOP.

Thanks, olyteddy.. good ta know.. didn't know this tool exhisted. tsNot in the
tools section though.

-vhelp 3974

[Abond]

MPEG Validator.
I prefer VDub(Mod) cause you can see the pictures

[vhelp]

@ Abond

Ahh, got it olyteddy had the -2 in there, causing missfire in link.
Thanks!

-vhelp 3975

[BJ_M]

CCE SP also allows you to set IPB per frame .... ($1995)

so does Pixel Tools 'MPEGRepairHD' ($3995) and 'ExpertDVD Suite' ($2495) (superb products)

[olyteddy]

Sry. The 'Help -> About' for the prog called it that.