Xvid or DivX to DVD using HC Encoder?

[primus_fan2001]

Hey all, I've been thinking of trying to convert some files (mostly Japanese pro wrestling, or puroresu) that I've downloaded in both formats to DVD using HC. I've currently been using ConvertXtoDVD (which does a great job), but I'm interested in a least trying HC (just to see if there's a noticeable difference in quality, I'm not expecting miracles). My question is simple, what do I need (besides HC), and how do I actually perform the converting (HC seemed daunting when I first opened it)? If anyone can provide me with a walkthrough, it would be much appreciated!

[JonnyCabs]

If you click on "Convert" on the left side of your screen, then select "HC" from the "Search guides by tool" option, you will see two guides on how to use HC
Having tried it myself, i also found it to be daunting, and decided to wimp out and use ConvertXtoDVD
Don't forget however that even the best encoder needs a reasonable quality input to give you a quality output-If your source files are poor then your output won't be much better.

[45tripp]

The first thing you need is avisynth.
HC only accepts avisynth scripts as input.
You could get fitcd to help you create simple ones that will correctly resize your video.
Then you need tools for audio processing, as HC doesn't do audio.
There are countless ways to do it.
One is to use Vdub to extract your audio to uncompressed audio (unless audio is already ac3).
Then probably use an aften gui like encwavtoac3 to get ac3 audio.
If subs are present then they might need converting to another format.
Finally an authoring tool to put audio, video, and subs into a finished dvd product.
Dvdauthor gui is often used.

It's several more steps than convertx.

[kevo777]

Can we assume that these are AVI files?

You'll need AviSynth to at least get started with Divx/Xvid files. If you ever step up to transcoding MPEG 1/2 files to MPEG-2 (DVD) with HCEnc you'll also need DGIndex.

Check out www.avisynth.org for a quick overview of simple scripting.

I like 45tripp's method. Yes, it's quite a few more clicks, but you're in control of the process the entire way through.

[manono]

Don't forget however that even the best encoder needs a reasonable quality input to give you a quality output-If your source files are poor then your output won't be much better.

I'd like to second that. You may not find HCEnc any better than ConvertX when the source is an already severely degraded AVI. It'll really come into its own when you feed it something from a good source, like from a DVD.

[primus_fan2001]

Don't forget however that even the best encoder needs a reasonable quality input to give you a quality output-If your source files are poor then your output won't be much better.

I'd like to second that. You may not find HCEnc any better than ConvertX when the source is an already severely degraded AVI. It'll really come into its own when you feed it something from a good source, like from a DVD.

Oh, I already knew not to expect miracles. I was just curious as to exactly what the difference in output quality would be between the HC and ConvertXtoDVD (if there even was any). Thanks for the tips guys/ladies!

[guns1inger]

ConvertXtoDVD will also also accept avisynth scripts, however HCEnc is a superior encoder - although the price is speed, as usual. The advantages are reduced is you just do a simple resize and encode, however if you apply filters to smooth artifacts and sharpen details, you may find that HCEnc does produce much better results. The difference will depend on the quality of the source and the settings on the filters in the script.