deciding on the correct resolution setting when converting to mpeg2

[Dreadnaught]

Hi Folks,

I was given two batches of videos to make into a DVD, the vids are all .avi and fall into two groups:

512x384 (4:3) Video falls into the range 341 to 423 Kbps
624x352 (16:9) Video falls into the range 1,010 to 1,741 Kbps

I plan on using SUPER encoder to convert them to mpeg2 and was wondering if the following assumptions are correct if the quality is good enough:

For the 512x384 files because the video bitrate is low it would be better to set output to 352x240 (4:3)
For the 624x352 files because the video bitrate is higher it would be o.k. to set output to 720x480 (16:9)

Is there a general rule one could use to determine the best output resolution or how much is too much if converting to a higher resolution?

[AlanHK]

Best way to decide is to make a series of short encodes, 2-3 minutes each. Same files with different settings; give each output file a name that reminds you of the settings. Then burn these to a DVDRW and see what you see.

[guns1inger]

I agree with AlanHK that testing the way to go. I suspect that your assumptions are pretty good in this case however.

If you have time, or a stonking great machine, you might want to look at VideoEnhancer to see if it can enlarge the video more effectively for you. However if the only machines you have available are those listed in your profile, forget it. Icebergs melt faster.

[jagabo]

Converting the 512x384 file to 352x240 will be throwing out a lot of the resolution. I'd go with 720x480 unless the source is really poor quality (the bitrate of the source alone doesn't necessarily reflect quality) or you're trying to put many hours on a DVD.

[guns1inger]

Sorry - misread the top post. I would go with 352 x 480 - half-D1, for the low res 4:3 material