When to use forcefilm in DVD2AVI

[johneboy]

Ok, you read the subject title.. so can anyone tell me when you want to use it, and when you dont want to?

[Beavis]

It all depends on what you're doing. For instance, if you were making an SVCD, you'd probably want to enable force film, encode the 24 fps result and enable 3:2 pulldown on playback flag. Some players can handle 24 fps VCD's. etc. etc. I think these sorts of things give you more bang for your buck in terms of file size vs. quality.

[johneboy]

It all depends on what you're doing

Lets say i wanted to convert a DVD-9 -> DVD-5
Would i use force film?

Or how about if i was converting DVD -> NTSCFilm VCD (24fps)

[adam]

First off you only use forced film on NTSC, never PAL, and you only use it on DVDs.

You ALWAYS would like to use forced film, whether or not you can depends on your source and your desired output. If you are encoding to mpeg2 (SVCD or DVD) then always use forced film if possible. As long as you encode at 23.976fps and apply the 3:2 pulldown than all compatible dvd players will play it fine. As for mpeg1 (VCD), its true that some dvd players do not seem to be able to do the real time telecine to 29.97fps correctly, but this is definitely the minority. If making a VCD then do a short sample at 23.976fps, if it looks ok on your dvd player, which it probably will, then always use forced film when possible.

Now how to check whether your DVD will work with forced film.

Preview the movie in dvd2avi and let it get past the opening credits. If it says FILM or %95 or higher FILM then enable forced film and encode at 23.976fps. (if encoding to mpeg2 then apply 3:2 pulldown)

If it is anything other than the above then disable forced film and you now have several options. If encoding to mpeg2 you can just encode at 29.97fps interlaced, or you can attempt to do an IVTC which brings it back down to 23.976fps.

Fortunately %99 of all NTSC theatrically released movies will work with forced film, making life much easier. The only things that seem to be consistently hard telecined (forced film wont work) are tv episodes and anime.

[JasonK]

Here is a guide which discusses this issue in detail:

IVTC/interlace/pulldown