Converting a mpg file

[galehickey]

I captured a video tape resulting in a mpg file. Tried authoring same and burning it as a DVD. Results were so so. Was told to convert mpg file to an .avi format. There are a number of avi conversions in Total Video Converter (program) available and as such need help as to the best to use. Thanks.

[Baldrick]

Converting it to avi wont improve the quality. It's better to improve the capturing process.

How do you capture? what tool? what video settings are you using?

[galehickey]

"How do you capture? what tool? what video settings are you using? "
I have an Adaptec capture card. Settings I know nothing about. Thanks.

[thecoalman]

Just to add to what baldrick said DVD is MPEG, ideally you want to set the correct bitrate* for capture so you don't have to reencoe to fit. Then be sure to use software that won't reencode the video when you edit or author. In other words the file that you captured is the same file used on your authored disc. It simply won't get any better than that because you haven't done anything to the source file, it is what it is.

(this would be the part of the settings Baldrick mentioned)

[redwudz]

Try taking the captured file and dropping it in Gspot 2.70. That should tell you the bitrate and other info. Higher bitrate=Larger file=Equals better quality. Lots of other factors, but that's one place to start.

You can post a screenshot of the Gspot info here. Directions: https://forum.videohelp.com/topic271697.html

[galehickey]

GSpot is very nice. Thanks.