DVD authoring software and Re-encoding

[cj466]

I've read through several posts on the forum and have heard mention of the re-encoding problems with various software. I should also indicate that I am relatively new to this.

First, I have Sonic MyDVD that came with my computer. It seems to re-encode whether I want it to or not. I say this because I will create a <4GB Mpeg 2 file with TMPGEnc (with DVD settings) and try to import it into MyDVD and suddenly the file is 5 or 6 GB and will not fit on the DVD. I'm assuming it is increasing the bitrate since the resolution and framerate are already DVD compliant.

My first question then is: Am I right about the re-encoding issue with MyDVD?

Secondly, I've also tried the Ulead DVD Workshop and Spruce Up (both trial versions). Spruce Up seems to work great, but I can't get it to create the disk image (even the 2 that I thought the trial allowed). Moreover, it appears there is no way to purchase the full version. I've yet to figure out DVD Workshop, though I understand several people like it a lot.

Second question then is: Does anyone know how I could get a legal version of Spruce Up and is it worth it?

Third question: Does DVD Workshop re-encode the video as with MyDVD and is it worth purchasing?

[Craig Tucker]

Third question: Does DVD Workshop re-encode the video as with MyDVD and is it worth purchasing?

No DVD workshop does not reencode the video (not unless you want it to), and it is worth purchasing IMHO. Its more expensive than some other authoring packages, but you can create some very nice looking moving menus with it.

I encode with TMPGEnc, author using DVD workshop and burn using nero.

[Craig Tucker]

First, I have Sonic MyDVD that came with my computer. It seems to re-encode whether I want it to or not. I say this because I will create a <4GB Mpeg 2 file with TMPGEnc (with DVD settings) and try to import it into MyDVD and suddenly the file is 5 or 6 GB and will not fit on the DVD. I'm assuming it is increasing the bitrate since the resolution and framerate are already DVD compliant.

This sounds like the same problem as with DVDit. It will only support pcm audio, not mpeg audio. It therefore has to reencode the audio to PCM which takes up a lot more space. So with these authoring packages you can not get as much video on a disc (with same bitrate) as you can with software such as DVD workshop which will accept mpeg audio.

[fastfall]

OK, I have Ulead DVD Workshop 1.2 - but I can't figure out how to get it to make a disc without re-encoding. Where is this option set?

My kingdom for an authoring package that lets you use a 3rd party encoder (like tmpgenc!!)

[Craig Tucker]

My kingdom for an authoring package that lets you use a 3rd party encoder (like tmpgenc!!)

You already have one.

When you click on make disc, there is a checkbox that says do not encode compliant video. There are a few reasons why it may reencode.

1 You have applied some editing to your created mpeg, ie a cut.
2 The mpeg file is a different format from the format you have set in workshop PAL-NTSC
3 The audio isn't at 48KHz
4 You havn't ticked the checkbox
5 On version 1.0 of workshop for it not to reencode you had to choose a bitrate higher than that of your encoded mpeg or it would reencode. Don't know if this applies to 1.2 I use 1.3. I dont think so, I think 1.2 has the do not reencode checkbox.