DVD-Lab

[Sepu]

Hi there, my first post about a problem on DVD-Lab.

I would like to add an mpg file (video+audio) and another audio source into a DVD.

The problem is that I don't know already before where to cut the MPG file to be sure that after adding the 2nd audio sources (cutted too) and the menus they will togheter not go over 4.7 Gb!

If not I've to go back and cut again the MPG maybe 10mins before to be sure the final size it's under 4.7Gb!

I hope u understood my question!
Thanks
Chris

[guns1inger]

A simpler method would be to create a DVD that is over 4.38GB (actual size, not 4.7GB), then use DVd Shrink or DVD Rebuilder to reduce it to fit the disc.

[yoda313]

Yep I agree with guns1inger about making it too large then shrinking.

You might want to look at Tmpgenc Dvd Author 2.0. It now has a built in transcoder. You can author an oversized dvd and you can transcode it BEFORE you burn the dvd within the program. You don't have to author the folders and use dvd shrink AFTER authoring, it transcodes the files BEFORE your folders are made. Its a bit of a timesaver

[Sepu]

thanks for the replies guyz, but I'm not going to make a backup of a DVD, I can't understand why I've to use DVD Shrink to fit the disc, so reduce the size of my DVD!
If I cut the MPG and his size + the 2nd source size are bigger that the size of a DVD, so I need to cut the MPG a few mins before and not compress the DVD!

Did u get what I mean?

[yoda313]

You have to reeencode the mpg to a lower bitrate then if you don't want to shrink it.

OR get a dual layer dvd burner and buy a few dl blanks and you won't have to shrink.

[Abond]

thanks for the replies guyz, but I'm not going to make a backup of a DVD, I can't understand why I've to use DVD Shrink to fit the disc, so reduce the size of my DVD!
If I cut the MPG and his size + the 2nd source size are bigger that the size of a DVD, so I need to cut the MPG a few mins before and not compress the DVD!

Did u get what I mean?

I understand what you mean. Unfortunately I don't know SW which show you how many MB you would cutout.

[Sepu]

You have to reeencode the mpg to a lower bitrate then if you don't want to shrink it.

OR get a dual layer dvd burner and buy a few dl blanks and you won't have to shrink.

I don't want to reeencode my files with a lower bitrate-->lost of quality!!
I hate softwares like DVD Shrink for that, they are good just for ppl that don't mind about the bitrate.

I've got 2 DL DVDs, but I don't want to make a DL DVD
1) they blank DVDs are too much expensive
2) Maybe the size of a DL DVD isn't enough, so I need to put always on 3 normal DVDs.

Anyway, thanks for the reply!

[yoda313]

@Sepu -

I think you're asking for the impossible. You don't want to reencode at a lower bitrate and you don't want to use a dual layer blank. You're options are running out since you don't want to shrink either.

The only way is to put less on each disc. You're limited by the physical storage capacity of sl and dl discs.

About you're only other option would be to blow a $1000 and get a bluray burner and another $1000 for a bluray player and then get pricey 25gb bluray blanks. Then you won't have the same restrictions as traditional dvds.

I'm sorry but those are about your only options:

1 - shrink to fit
2 - reencode to fit
3 - use dl discs
4 - put less on each disc to use higher quality
5 - step up and get a next gen bluray or hd-dvd recorder

There isn't a lot of choices beyond that. You have to pick the ones that fit within your quality tolerances and your budget.

[Sepu]

no, u didn't understand again what's my problem I think..

I can split my MPG file of around 6.5 Gb, to put it into 2 DVD.
The problem is: where I've to cut this MPG knowing already before that I've to add a 2nd audio source and the menus, to don't go over the 4.7 Gb size?

So, the only thing I need is a software that can know the size of a cutted MPG before cut it physically.
Maybe, that doesn't exist.... 8)

thanks anyway!

[Sepu]

oh just another question, about DVD-Lab.

If I've more than 1 menu, and I added a song as background on menu 1, there is a way to let it continue automatically under the other menus?

[GeorgeW]

Which version of DVD Lab are you using, and what type of audio/bitrate do you have (LPCM, mpeg, Dolby Digital / AC3, or other)?

What software are you using to cut your videos?

In DVD LabPro, when you TRIM the mpeg, a popup window shows you the size of what will remain, and what you will be removing. So you could do some math to figure out how much to cut. Don't try to be exact -- leave yourself a little buffer space. And don't forget to add the size of the audio to the mix...

To answer your question about the single audio track across multiple menus, that cannot be done. Once you switch menus, you cannot have the audio continue to play seamlessly in the background. You might be able to do something clever with Buttons Over Video and multiple angles (not available in DLP 1.6), but it would have limitations, be tough to setup, and it probably wouldn't work with all DVD Players...

Regards,
George

[Sepu]

hey,

DVD Lab Pro 1.53!
Audio is PCM 48.0 kHz 16 bits, bitrate 1536 kbps

To cut my MPG I use Tmpgenc DVD Author.
I never heard about TRIM the video into DVD-Lab, how can I do that?

Thanks George for the nice reply

[guns1inger]

Is your mpeg video VBR or CBR encoded ?

If it is CBR then it is a simple equation of bitrate x runtime = size. So find the size you need, divide by the bitrate, and cut at the runtime you get as the answer.

A better idea would be to find a logical place int he video, somewhere between the halfway and two thirds mark of the video, and cut it there. You are better off getting a logical cut based on the content, than an arbitrary cut based on size.

[Sepu]

VBR!

The video is a live concert, so I've to cut it between the songs...

[GeorgeW]

To TRIM your video, while it is on a timeline, rt-click/trim to see what happens. You can cacel the task (so no need to actually trim it, but it will give you some estimates). If your video is moves along consitently at an average bitrate, then the estimates will be pretty good,. But if they fluctuate heavily, you will have to take that into account. Don't forget to keep your audio in mind, because LPCM audio can eat up lots of space...

NOTE: the TRIM option is available in DLP 1.6 (I don't remember if it was in DLP 1.53). If it is not, you can download the free upgrade to 1.6

Regards,
George