How did the groups encode the LOTR SVCD so well? :)

[MedievalMan]

Is it because the encoded it straight from the DVD source?
I imagine that makes a big difference, compared to encoding something that has already been encoded (ie DiVX version.)

[Vejita-sama]

Have no idea, haven't seen it. But yes, a DVD -> x(S)VCD conversion can look as good as the orginal DVD. I've found that ~60min per 80min CDR encoded w/ 3pass VBR in CCE looks 'DVD like enough' to my eye

[The_Flash]

It certainly does. The less conversions the better. Especially seeings as re-encoding the divX would mean MPEG2-->MPEG4-->MPEG2 again. If you read the .nfo you'll also see that they used 2-pas VBR in TMPEnc (although not my first choice) which yields decent results as well. If you wanted to get real picky you could question the way they resized to 480x480 as well, I personally believe precise bicubic is superior.

[resnullius]

i'm rather curious who do you mean when you say the groups?

[The_Flash]

He means release groups. Like TCF, VCDVaULT, TWCiSO, V4F, VCD-ADDICTS, etc.