What is the best codec/compression/format to convert a FRAPS capture?

[Jonz]

I am using FRAPS at full resolution (1920x1200) for games and it takes a toll on my hard drive. When I make montages I use Premiere, but so far I've been using MPEG2 format vbr 2 pass at the highest quality but the quality still grainy and playback is stuttering in WMP (impeccable thought in VLC, bitrate problem?).

I'd like also to convert those FRAPS capture to something more light than the FRAPS format with the less quality loss possible to free space on the drive. So far MPEG2 has been disappointing.

What you guys can suggest me to try?

Thanks!

[jagabo]

What's wrong with your MPEG 2 conversions? What resolution are your FRAPS caps? What resolution are your MPEG 2 files.

[Jonz]

Fraps caps are 1920x1200 - the output are 1920x1080 in MPEG2 . I find the quality of the MPEG2 (offered in Premiere) are grainy compared to the original caps. Settings I've set are VBR 2pass default (quality 5). I've tried the Bluray preset but it output video and audio separately.

[jagabo]

I don't know what "quality 5" is in Premiere (I don't use it), but grainy (I assume you mean blocky artifacts) in MPEG 2 are usually a sign that you've used too little bitrate. What kind of bitrates are you using?

[Jonz]

I think it VBR 2 pass min 5 target 15 max 18 mbps

I'll give a precise setting once home.

[redwudz]

You can drop the FRAPS capture file and the converted MPEG2 file into MediaInfo, tree view, and post those results and that should give plenty of info about the files.

If you are just using the files for local playback, you might consider the H.264 codec. It does require a fair amount of CPU power (Or GPU power) for encoding and playback, but is very compact for HD storage.

It would also be helpful to add your computer details so we have some ideas about your PC specifications and what OS you are using.

I usually capture with FRAPS and edit in VirtualDub.

[Jonz]

I also use FRAPS and Vdub to glue together the files, but it doesn't compress the file size. So I don't know why you need to know what info you want from it since you use the same thing.

[El Heggunte]

1920x1200 -> 1920x1080 , is that necessary

Also, do you intend to make a "Blu-Ray~compliant" encode ??? If "no", then why not leave it at 1920x1200, and use constant quantizer instead of playing around with bitrates

[Jonz]

My caps are all 1920x1200 and I want them to 1920x1080. Cropping included.

[jagabo]

I think it VBR 2 pass min 5 target 15 max 18 mbps

I would try raising the max -- unless you have some requirement for that limit.

[Jonz]

I've just tried the H264 preset like redwool suggested. Seems like a very good quality, looks like equally similar than the FRAPS caps. And fluid play too in WMP.

I'm using the default rates at the moment target 32mpbs max 40mbps. There's no low settings.

[jagabo]

Yes, h.264 delivers better compression than MPEG 2 at the same bitrate (file size). But MPEG 2 compression can look just as good if you use higher bitrates. And MPEG 2 usually requires much less CPU power to compress and decompress. I don't know why your computer is struggling with it.

[Jonz]

it not only my computer but my laptop and work computer too. Seems to happens when the bitrate spike, but can't know for sure. I'd like to have a good tool to check that. It not random it happening on certain frames where my montages gets heavy composed.

[jagabo]

You can use Bitrate Viewer to view bitrates. Some players have the ability to display the bitrate while playing videos. I think MPCHC has that. Yes, View -> Statistics.

[Jonz]

thanks, it a bit small as a tool, I wish I could expand the window to have a greater look at the graph, but regardless it answered my question about the spike as it really have to do with the small freeze I get. I don't understand however in the final video I produced with the h.264 codec, everything is fine except one spot where the bitrate skyrocket way beyond where I specified the max limit. In Premiere, I specify max 40 mbps bitrate and the sequence that freeze in the player jump to 140mbps in the graph! I don't really know how to fix this.

[El Heggunte]

An instant bitrate of 140mbpS should be no problem, as long as the following frames consume much less bitrate, so that the "average maximum" bitrate still doesn't go above the specified target (40mbpS). However, not all splitters // decoders // players behave "ideally"

( even though they SHOULD )

thanks, it a bit small as a tool, I wish I could expand the window to have a greater look at the graph,

Most devilopers are well-known for having huge monitors and eagle eyes, and they "wisely" assume everybody is as rich and healthful as they are.

[Jonz]

An instant bitrate of 140mbps should be no problem, as long as the following frames consume much less bitrate, so that the "average maximum" bitrate still doesn't go above the specified target (40mbps). However, not all splitters // decoders // players behave "ideally"

( even though they SHOULD )

Yeah but it exactly the problem here, it a huge spike in the graph exactly happening where the slowdown occur when playing. It average 30mbps then a big spike of 140mbps happening consecutively for around 5-6 seconds.

[El Heggunte]

It average 30mbps then a big spike of 140mbps happening consecutively for around 5-6 seconds.

It looks like Premiere (which I don't use BTW) is using (very-)short GOPs
With x264 anyway, it's easy to set a low scene-change sensitivity, long GOPs (between 240 and 300 frames, for example), and (as a last resort) specific "zones" (with lower-quality parameters in this particular case).

[Jonz]

It doesn't look like Premiere doesn't have any GOP options with H264 codec.

Here's what it look in bit rate viewer:


I wonder how to solve this

[Jonz]

Fixed by going CBR instead of VBR 2pass. It has even lower file size and smoother play.


Although, the size of the final is around 6.5 gig for 20 minutes. HD Movies I watch is usually around 6-15 gigs for 2 hours :/