Best encoder for INTERLACED video

[progrocktv]

Hi All,
I'm in the proces of converting VOB files to smaller-sized files for playback on a computer to a standard TV for a client. One of the main "requests" (actually "DEMAND") was that the files need to remain in INTERLACED format. These were productions shot on video tape in a studio back in the early 80's and the in-studio/video interleced look is essential (thus the reason they got rid of the last guy who de-interlaced everything and didn't know the difference). I've tried Dr. Divx in the Interlaced TFF mode with pretty good results, but was wondering if there is anything anyone else could recommend that might be better, or about the same quality as Dr. Divx but quicker conversion?

Thanks!

[lordsmurf]

You ALWAYS want to leave interlaced as interlaced anyway. I hope you're not destroying videos from other people, when they don't ask this specific question (few would know to ask).

Anyway, MainConcept Encoder 1.5 is my current weapon of choice.
Canopus Procoder 2 in second place.
Don't really mess with anything else. Not tried the newest MainConcept successor or the Grass Valley Procoder 3.

I guess CCE Basic might work on the cheap. HCEnc for free, and you've got time to learn AVI Synth.

[progrocktv]

Smurf!
I had a bet with myself you'd be the first to answer

[edDV]

Mainconcept has been the choice of Adobe, Sony (Vegas), ULead and many pro companies you never heard of. They produce a Chinese menu modualrized developer kit that can be applied to consumer to pro levels. Not all products get all modules but their $400+ product gets you most.

If you can get your client to pay the entry fee, you will have state of art for future projects.
http://www.mainconcept.com/site/prosumer-products-4/mpeg-2-20202/information-20222.html?L=43376


PS: While I wasn't paying attention, Mainconcept was acquired by DivX !
Oh my, what happens when a consumer company acquires a German high tech firm? This could be very good to very very bad.
http://investors.divx.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=275837

[lordsmurf]

I may not have understood the original question. I was thinking MPEG-2 for DVD. But you're maybe referring to XVID or DIVX or some MPEG-4 flavor? For those, especially for screen viewing, a proper deinterlace and conversion to FLV would be my suggestion. For those, I use Adobe Flash CS3, with the Adobe Media Encoder (a mish-mash of MainConcept and On2 and others -- don't think it's just an MC clone anymore, could be wrong though).

[jagabo]

Getting interlaced MPEG4 video from a computer to a TV while retaining the interlace can be problematic. I hope you client knows what he's doing. I recommend using a Matrox graphics card if the video is going to travel as analog SD over component, s-video, or composite cabling.

If you the client just wants the fluidity of 60 fields/s interlaced video he should consider a smart bob (Avisynth's Yadif is probably best) and encoding at 59.94 fps.

[edDV]

VC-1 is all about getting HD/SD interlace correct. Bit rates are high though.

FLC and H.264 MPeg4 are not mainstream yet but trying.

[lordsmurf]

I've seen some good deinterlacing in Flash CS3. But at the end of the day, it's a computer screen. Hardly the best way to view video if one cares about quality.

If he wants quality, put it to a superbit-rate DVD. Upload an ISO and let folks download that. Use the deinterlaced Flash version as a preview-only version. Must download the archival one. Or better yet, send payment to have one mailed.

You don't walk into a restaurant, ask for the best bottle of wine, and then pull out a $5 bill.