Compression Settings General

[oc6088]

Is there an article somewhere that explains the different compression settings and when they should be used?

I have a software program that is giving me many different types of compression options:
DV Video Encoder
Indeo Video 5.1
MJPEG

The manufacturer of the software is recommending using MainConcept DV which I don't own, and I am wondering if it is worth the extra $150 to buy it?

This program is to transfer old 8mm & Super 8 movies so most of the time the quality isn't great to start with.

If someone could point me in the right direction, that would be great.

[edDV]

Not enough info.

How are you transferring the film?
To what format? Resolution? Frame Rate?
What software are you using?
What is the goal? DV tape? DVDR? Archival preservation?

[jagabo]

If you need a DV codec get Cedocida. It's free. If you want a high quality fast encoder for intermediate files use HuffYUV. Lagarith will also work if your computer is fast enough. MJPEG can be good. It gives you the option of quality (lower quality leads to smaller files).

[oc6088]

I am using a DV 8 Sniper by Movie Stuff to transfer it to the software. The Software I use has the options above to convert it to AVI files. The name of the software is Cinecap Velocity.

I then put them into my Sony Vegas Pro 9, add some music and burn it to a DVD..using standard MPEG setting.

[edDV]

I am using a DV 8 Sniper by Movie Stuff to transfer it to the software. The Software I use has the options above to convert it to AVI files. The name of the software is Cinecap Velocity.

I then put them into my Sony Vegas Pro 9, add some music and burn it to a DVD..using standard MPEG setting.

The DV 8 Sniper by Movie Stuff site recommends ("requires" actually) a hardware Canopus ADVC-55 or ADVC-110 for DV format conversion. That will result in a DV format AVI file for use in your Vegas Pro.
http://www.moviestuff.tv/dv8_sniper_pro.html

I guess I'm not understanding your question. I'll look at this some more this evening.

[oc6088]

I just really need a general answer.
What is the difference between these?

-DV Video Encoder
-Indeo Video 5.1
-MJPEG


I am up and running without any problems using DV Video Encoder.
I just want to know what these other settings are/mean.
Are they better quality? Are they smaller files? Do you use some for end use of DVD or Web Videos?
Is it worth it to buy the Main Concept DV?
I just want general information on what these different formats mean.

[oc6088]

PS Forgot, I am using the Canopus for converter.

The canopus "captures" it. But after it is captured, I have the choices above to "process" it.
Sorry to be so confusing.

Maybe "compression" settings wasn't the correct word to use?

[edDV]

DV format should be used for Firewire capture and Vegas project settings.

MJPEG (motion JPEG) is an older less efficient compression scheme that sequences JPEG stills. Once captured to DV, there is no reason to use MJPEG. A similar option is to use a sequence of TIFF Images (uncompressed or compressed). TIFF is more popular in the animation business.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motion_JPEG

Indeo Video 5.1 is an older Intel compression scheme used mostly for early CD video and animation. It is mostly obsolete and is no longer supported natively by Windows.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indeo


PS: It would be possible to design a similar device that would capture individual frames to JPEG or TIFF rather than DV but this company recommends DV format, probably for ease of connection and compatibility with editing software.

[oc6088]

Thanks a lot for your help. I believe then I should just stick to my DV option. When it is processing the DV option is so much faster than the other two options, I thought that maybe I was sacrificing quality.

Do you know if there is much difference between the
DV Video Encoder vs. Main Concept DV?

I own the DV Video Encoder, but they are recommending the Main Concept. It costs $150 and I don't want to buy it if I don't have to.

[jagabo]

MJPEG can be better or worse the DV depending on the quality you select. In my experience MJPEG (PicVideo's encoder) is just as fast as DV. But since you're already capturing DV you might as well stick with it.

[guns1inger]

If you are using Vegas then when you output to DV AVI, any footage that needs to be encoded with be encoded with Sony's DV Encoder, which is very good quality. There is no reason to purchase the Mainconcept encoder, IMO

[edDV]

Thanks a lot for your help. I believe then I should just stick to my DV option. When it is processing the DV option is so much faster than the other two options, I thought that maybe I was sacrificing quality.

Do you know if there is much difference between the
DV Video Encoder vs. Main Concept DV?

I own the DV Video Encoder, but they are recommending the Main Concept. It costs $150 and I don't want to buy it if I don't have to.

You said you are using the Canopus ADVC hardware DV capture device corrrect?

You also said you were using Vegas Pro which natively handles DV format.

So why do you need a DV codec? Is it for Cinecap?

Can you provide a link to the manual?

[JohnnyMalaria]

MainConcept's DV codec is $65:

http://www.mainconcept.com/site/prosumer-products-4/dv-codec-771/information-783.html

But it doesn't matter - your existing DV encoder will be just fine and, at $0, a bargain.

[oc6088]

This is the camera part:
http://www.moviestuff.tv/set_up_sniper.html
This is the software part:
http://www.moviestuff.tv/set_up_velocity.html