Newbie Q: Batch encoding of "Episodes" / 1.85:1 Anamorphic

[mdinh]

My apologizes if this has been discussed earlier. I did numerous searches but didn't find exactly the answers I was looking for.

Is it possible with DVD2SVCD to encode all of the "episodes" on a single dvd in one batch? I want to be able to set up DVD2SVCD before I go to bed and have it rip all of the episodes...one episode per SVCD disc.

Another question I have is if there's a way to retain the proper aspect ratio for a 1.85:1 anamorphic movie. I know that the 16:9 ratio is very close to 1.85:1 (somewhere between 3-4%), but it's not exact. My quest to find the answer to this was ultimately unsuccessful, but I did learn about anamorphic dvds, letterbox, and 16:9 movies on a 16:9 tv, etc, etc, etc. Fascinating. Now just to be real clear, I know how to deal with a 1.85:1 letterbox dvd (just use the 4:3 setting). I want to know how to deal with a 1.85:1 _anamorphic_ dvd.

OK...one more question (I'm totally hooked on dvd->svcd. I burned my first SVCD yesterday night. I was amazed at the quality.), how useful is the TemporalSmoother function? Does it make the most impact with any particular type of encoding (multi-pass VBR, single-pass VBR, CBR). I like using the single-pass VBR with the Quality 5 setting and I would like to NOT use TemporalSmoother. (My computer is a Celeron 950Mhz and the dvd I'm encoding, "Sex In The City" doesn't have any great special effects or require high quality in fast motion scenes.)

Thanks a bunch!

[Matthew]

"Is it possible with DVD2SVCD to encode all of the "episodes" on a single dvd in one batch? I want to be able to set up DVD2SVCD before I go to bed and have it rip all of the episodes...one episode per SVCD disc."

It would be nice to be able to save settings file and then start a batch encode (like with tmpgenc) but it's not possible. I believe the only solution is to merge the vobs (although this can be troublesome apparently - haven't tried it myself) and then encode. But cut points is a problem. You could create one massive mpeg and cut at the end of each episode but if you are using VBR this creates a problem because some episodes may be oversized if CCE thinks they need more bitrate than other episodes :(

"Another question I have is if there's a way to retain the proper aspect ratio for a 1.85:1 anamorphic movie. I know that the 16:9 ratio is very close to 1.85:1 (somewhere between 3-4%), but it's not exact. My quest to find the answer to this was ultimately unsuccessful, but I did learn about anamorphic dvds, letterbox, and 16:9 movies on a 16:9 tv, etc, etc, etc. Fascinating. Now just to be real clear, I know how to deal with a 1.85:1 letterbox dvd (just use the 4:3 setting). I want to know how to deal with a 1.85:1 _anamorphic_ dvd."

I'm a little confused - I gather from the sticky about aspect ratios and anamorphic dvds that if you encode at 4:3 on an anamorphic dvd the aspect ratio will be screwed on a 4:3 tv but on a 16:9 tv the aspect ratio will be preserved (with slight black bars up the top and bottom). Same deal with 2.35:1 expect the black bars will be larger. Just like with a dvd.

However, if you encode at 16:9 the black bars are hardcoded in so that while the aspect ratio will be correct on both a 4:3 tv and a 16:9 tv, on the latter the hardcoded black bars mean that for the aspect ratio to be maintained, you get grey bars on the sides of the tv as well.

So if you want the correct aspect ratio on a 4:3 tv then encode at 16:9.

[Raydublin]

When I encodoed with 16:9 anamorphic, all I got was something very similar to 4:3...on a wide screen tv, Is that correct? And is there any way of encoding the compressed dvd video format 16:9, (squashed looking) that I can then play as 16:9 on my wide screen?
I have had a few good hours of reading and can't find exactly the explination that I am looking for.I wake up, look up, sit up, then throw up. EXCELLENT!!! lol

[r6d2]

Originally posted by mdinh
My apologizes if this has been discussed earlier. I did numerous searches but didn't find exactly the answers I was looking for.
Hi, mdinh, and welcome to this forum.

You have a huge bunch of questions, just like everyone here when we first came. :)

I can't cope with them all, you must find your own pace on the learning curve.

But there is indeed a way to encode episodes in a batch. It requires you to prepare each episode as a different movie, with its own folder and DVD2SVCD parameters (use the "Rip & make batch" option). Episodes probably are in different chapters on the DVD, so select one at a time.

Also use the search function, this has, as you said, been discussed before.

One word of advice: don't mess with filters yet. Most DVD sources don't require them. Don't mess with aspect ratios. Use FitCD within DVD2SVCD and let the experts do their stuff. They will keep aspect ratio. Incredible as it may sound, DVD2SVCD defaults are good and work!

You have a modest computer (no offense, just in case), so select CBR (provided you have enough BR) or at most 2 pass VBR.

Encoding episodes I've found that CBR at 2100+ is good quality with minimum time.

Welcome again and hope this helps.