Outpu Size Versus Quality Question

[s.whiplash]

I am in the process of converting my DVD collection to be played on my HTPC. I am using Auto GK 2.40, because it is easy to use. I have one DVD that I have been testing with. It was ripped with Ripit4me and movie only mode.

I was testing the various output size options trying to get the highest bit rate when viewed with Gspot.

If converted with the output size of DVDR or a custom size of 3000 MB, the file size is ~1.8 G with the video portion being 1.29G. Audio is always left in the original format in all tests. The bitrate when viewed with GSpot is ~ 1240 kbps.

When I convert with the Target Quality output size of 100 the video portion is 963 MB and the bitrate is 905 kbps.

I was trying to determine why the video bitrate is lower when setting the quality to 100%? I also noticed that when using the Target Quality option it performs the conversion in 1 pass, where with the other it performs 2 pass. The 1 pass is nice in terms of saving time, but does it also increase the bitrate?

Thanks,
Mark

[BigDid]

... have one DVD that I have been testing with. It was ripped with Ripit4me and movie only mode.
Hi,

Good and secure way to do it.


If converted with the output size of DVDR or a custom size of 3000 MB, the file size is ~1.8 G with the video portion being 1.29G. Audio is always left in the original format in all tests. The bitrate when viewed with GSpot is ~ 1240 kbps...
When I convert with the Target Quality output size of 100 the video portion is 963 MB and the bitrate is 905 kbps.
Without your logfile I will have to guess so it will need confirmation.
My guess is that, for this particular movie, your avis are undersized because the codec is maxxed/saturated.
The difference between the 2 pass and the quality/1 pass encodes may be due to the fact that AGK could have redone the 1st pass with Bframes disabled. The logfile could confirm that.

Other tips to increase bitrate: Use sharpmatrix (Ctrl/F9), do not enable any standalone support. You don't need it for HTPC but you may need it for future SAP use ... Your choice.

I was trying to determine why the video bitrate is lower when setting the quality to 100%? I also noticed that when using the Target Quality option it performs the conversion in 1 pass, where with the other it performs 2 pass. The 1 pass is nice in terms of saving time, but does it also increase the bitrate?
Anything above 85%* is overkill for quality 1 pass.

What I have tested is for the same final size the 2 pass encode has better quality.
To figure out by yourself, choose a movie , make a 75 to 85%* quality 1 pass encode and keep it. Then take the size of your 1pass avi and make a 2 pass encode with same size. When done compare both and let us what is better for you.

Did
* Insert your minimum % here if you disagree/joke :)
Sidenote for anybody (not to s.whiplash): When asking for tips or help and posting your AGK logfile you give very valuable informations to the community and will encourage/help users willing to answer. This has nothing to do with frustration or other garbled comments.