TMPGenc MPEG2 files need audio re-encoding to author DVD?

[Marlowe]

I searched for this but couldn't find an answer...

I'm creating MPEG-2 files of my DV home movies in TMPGenc because I feel that encoder does the best job and gives me more control. However, I'm having various problems with authoring DVD's with the files. I"m using the latest versions of all the software.

SpruceUp- Creates Title Set or Disc Image, but fails to burn the DVD. If I use Nero, it says, "DVD Video Reallocation failed."

DVD Complete- Re-encodes the audio to MPEG 1 Layer II and burns the DVD. Sound is tinny when played back and not as sharp as the original MPEG file.

DVDit! PE- Same problem

Since both the latter authoring programs re-encode the sound I assume TMPGenc is not encoding to a DVD standard. It says it is encoding as MPEG 1 Layer II, but DVD Complete and DVDit! both re-encode.

TMPGenc grays out the audio codec, but I may be able to use the unlock template and use a different one. Is there a standard? or can I use a less compressed format (WAV) and let the authoring programs re-encode to avoid the tinny sound?


I'm sure this is something I'm overlooking and I'm sure you experts have the solution. I need help. Thanks.

[Lamont Cranston]

I will try and help. TMPGEnc mpeg 2 audio is mpeg 1 layer 2. mpeg 2 layer 1 audio is not to the NTSC DVD standard in the strictest sense and may not play on some of the older stand-alone DVD players. However, any DVD player that will play a VCD, which includes just about every one, will play mpeg 1 layer 2 audio.

DVD Complete will not re-encode the audio if you have it set for mpeg 1 layer 2. Are you sure you don't have DVD Complete audio set to LPCM? Although I have no experience with DVDIT PE, check as see what audio stream you have set. With DVD Complete I know from personal experience that it will accept TMPGEnc mpeg 2 files without re-encoding.

[Marlowe]

Lamont Cranston,

Thanks for the reply. I used the "unlock" template in TMPGenc to see that my two choices for audio encoding are MPEG-1 Layer II or MPEG-1 Layer I. I have used the default of MPEg-1 Layer II. It states on import in DVD Complete that: Audio is: Compound, Audio Type: MPEG1 LII, Audio File Size: Audio will be converted. This is the demo and I only have MPEG1 LII or Wave as choices.

In DVDit! I've discovered that I can set it to "Convert all audio to PCM" or "Convert all audio to Dolby Digital," so I'm not surprised it re-encodes. I don't want it to though! I want TMPGenc video AND audio.

By the by, are any of the CONSUMER level DVD authoring packages' encoders up to TMPGenc quality? My Pinnacle Studio DV 7 certainly isn't.

"The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows..."

[Lamont Cranston]

Marlowe, I have the purchased version of DVD Complete and it loads TMPGEnc mpeg files wihtout reencoding. It may be a problem with the trial version.

Personally I have not found any consumer level DVD Authoring Package Encoders that are up to TMPGEnc quality. I believe the MainConcept's mpeg encoder is very good competitor to TMPGEnc but it is stand-alone or a plug-in for Adobe Premire 6.5. MainConcept's encoder still has a few bugs. You can download a trial version at http://www.mainconcept.com/mpeg_encoder.shtml. You can read/see the comparison tests between MainConcept, CCE and TMPGEnc at http://vcdhelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=113633&highlight=

Personally, I like Ulead's DVD WorkShop becuase of it flexibility and the wysiwyg menu design. It also accepts ac3 audio. There is a trial version at ulead.com. I don't use the the internal mpeg encoder.

[Marlowe]

Lamont, thanks for your response. I'll try DVD Workshop. I just need to learn how to mark chapters in one large MPEG and then assign those chapters to buttons and I'll burn a DVD with ulead. The help file is sparse, so this might take a while.