A question about encoding

[mits]

What is better to use for DVD? CBR at 9000kbits or 2pass VBR at Min:3500,Avg:7500,Max:9000? I know that with CBR some space is wasted but encoding time is much shorter, while with VBR happens the opposite. What do you usually use ?

[Hulk]

First of all I would be very wary of using bitrates over 8200, that's the max the Ulead's DVD Workshop will allow for a DVD compliant file. Other programs may be different though.

I assume you are using TMPGEnc? If so, I would definitely go with a 2 pass with the bitrate at 7500 if you have the space. Just do a batch encode before you go to sleep and check the box that says "shut down when finished." When you get up the next day the file is finished and the computer is shut down.

To be honest TMPGEnc with highest quality motion search, 2 pass mode, 10 bit precision is soooo good that you have to have a really high quality original source, or A LOT of motion (ocean waves are a killer) to notice much of a difference once the bitrates get over 6000 with the settings mentioned above.

I haven't had to go over 7000.

Another good option is to use the CQ mode with the quality set at 80 or so. I have noticed that this mode can have some problems with waves and lots of motion sometimes.

In my opinion the 2-pass mode is the final solution when other methods aren't working out so well.

Hope this helps.

Mark

[Brian Ellis]

If your project is short (<1 hour), then go for CBR at about 8000). This gives the highest quality and you will still get it on your DVD. You cannot get anything but poorer quality if you use VBR for such a case, because it will reduce the bit rate for low-motion scenes. As your project gets longer and you can no longer fit a CBR at, say, 7000 on a disk, then you can start switching to VBR which will give you the high bit rate where it is most important, at the cost, as you rightly say, of time. Be aware that VBR is a compromise that only comes into useful play when CBR at a good bit rate cannot be used. Depending on the type of subject matter, the cut-off bit rate may be between 6000 and 7000 to get the best results.

[mits]

Ok guys thanks a lot.