Whats the Best Method/Software to encode file into DVD...?

[snadge]

Im currently using WinAVI 8.0 (much better than older unstable versions) with K-Lite Codec Mega-pack and DivX

I hear of Muxing, matting and lots of other terms on this site (great site by the way) and wonder if my 'simple methods' could be made better resulting in higher quality video?

I have to be honest and say that current output by WinAVI has been really impressive,
I have a DivX DVD Player also

[guns1inger]

You can use WinAVI, or you can use quality methods. You can't do both. If you are happy with WinAVI (and having to use codec packs to get it working) then you might as well keep using. Although if you have a Divx player then you gain nothing and potentially lose quality converting to DVD using any method.

WinAVI's only real advantage is speed. It is the fastest of it's type for single CPU systems. However speed and quality rarely go hand-in-hand (ask your girlfriend). WinAVI's quality is at best on par with ConvertXtoDVD, and usually not as good. There are far better methods around, including simple to use tools like FAVC.

The best results will always be obtained by using separate tools for each step, and using the best tools that you can afford at each step. Thankfully many of these are free. However you have to weigh this up against the time it takes to learn these tools, to learn how to use them well, to experiment with them as they change, and to produce a finished disc. Frankly, this commitment is beyond many, and rarely worth it when it comes to converting the low quality source that most download via torrent and other sources.

If you are converting your precious home movies, then using WinAVI is doing them a great injustice. If you are converting the latest 350MB TV episode you downloaded, then WinAVI will do the job well enough (when it works).

Finally, if you have a divx player, why waste time converting at all ?

[snadge]

Thanks Gunsl1nger,

Well Im only Converting DVDs for my mother and sister some old TV programs and films I got for them, I personally dont need to thats why I got a DivX DVD Player to avoid hounding the laptop into a 30minute workout to convert 1 film...

Like you say if its only rare instances I use Conversion so perhaps i shoudl stick with WinAVI - Though I would be interested in learning how to do it manually...

Also, what is the problem of having to use codec packs?

and how would i lose quality watching a movie thats been encoded to DVD rather than watch it as is on DivX player?

(also note: I have 32" HDTV aswell)

Thanks

[lordsmurf]

However speed and quality rarely go hand-in-hand (ask your girlfriend).

That's pretty good.

[bendixG15]

However speed and quality rarely go hand-in-hand (ask your girlfriend).

That's pretty good.

My wife doesn't think so ..........

[guns1inger]

Also, what is the problem of having to use codec packs?

Codec packs install a lot software you don't necessarily need, including system related files, with settings that are often contradictory. If problems arise, and they often do, they can be very difficult, if not impossible to track down and resolve.

Ultimately you will find you only need a handful of codecs installed on your system for most work. For playback, a player such as VLC or The KM Player will allow you to play most formats without the need for codec packs. For encoding, use a codec identifier such as g-spot or mediainfo to tell you what you are missing, and install just that codec. This way you remain in control of your system, and aren't trusting it to some warez hack.

and how would i lose quality watching a movie thats been encoded to DVD rather than watch it as is on DivX player?

There are several ways you can reduce quality when encoding for DVD.

First, every time you encode with a lossy encoder you lose information. A good encoder will lose less or hide the loss better than a poor encoder. WinAVI is not considered a good encoder.

Secondly, there are many issues with most divx/xvid files that can be hidden during playback. These issues range from blockiness and colour banding to pulsing and other encoding issues. Most software players are able to hide some or even most of these problems through clever filters and by relying on inherent factors in PC design (lower gamma settings on monitors hide a multitude of sins, for example). Re-encoding for DVD generally involves resizing the video, which reduces sharpness and clarity, and enhances and exaggerates the existing issues.

Re-encoding should be avoided where ever possible.