Opinions - How high a bitrate should I set?

[netxtc]

I have been converting AVI files to SVCD with good success....I have done quite a few so far but mainly only putting the movie on 2 CD's. The bitrate I am using depends on the length of the movie since I usually download the AVI and chop it into two equal parts...use Tmpgenc (sweet program) and convert to Mpeg.

I am wondering If I should now consider going to 3 CD's thereby allowing the bitrate to rise from say on average 1900 Kb to 2400-2500kb if I span the movie across 3 CD's. Is this worth the hassle of doing this? Will I see a noteable improvement in picture quality etc.. in doing this? I am a quality freak.

Netxtc

[bugster]

I am a quality freak.

Then get a DVD burner!

Seriously tho, if its is quality you are most concerned about, then the only real way to judge it is to try it for yourself and see what you think. Only you can decide if the quality improvement is worth the extra effort and media involved. Remember tho, the quality will vary significantly between low motion and high motion scenes, so the type of movie you like may aslo influence this decision.

[netxtc]

LOL,

Thanks bugster.

[Gazorgan]

I use the following rule of thumb: 90 minutes or less, 2 CDR's, 120ish minutes is 3 CDR's, and anything else is 4. Generally this gives me max bitrate of 3000, min 300, and my average is typically 2200-2400 VBR. This is technically XSVCD but it plays beuatifully on my cheapo APEX. They look as good as the original DVD on my 27" TV. I only have a Dolby Surround stereo, so the 5.1 is overkill and I always downconvert to 2 channel.

[netxtc]

Gazorgan,

Thanks for the input...I will try this. I've seen the Apex...good player...I have a Norcent DP 300 (cheapo @84$ CDN) Plays great too.

Check out www.nerd-out.com its a good site for DVD player hacks etc..

Netxtc