Re-Encoding Audio for DVD-RB

[mnfesq]

I have lots of DVDs that I want to back up. I have elected to keep the output size as 2.4 gigs, which is about the same as a 3-cd svcd rip. However, DVD-RB allows me to keep the menus and extras, which is a very nice feature. Because I have limited my output size significantly, I would like to reduce the bitrate of the audio from the native 224 kb (sometimes only 192 kb) down to 128 kb, so that I can devote the remainder of the space to improve the video quality.

Does anyone have a fairly easy method to do this that is not too labor-intensive? Can I de-mux the vob files with tmpgenc, re-encode in batch mode with besweet from 224 kb ac3 down to 128 kb ac3, and then re-mux back to vobs before using DVD-RB? If not, what works?

[TheSeeker]

Hey there, actually dvd audio is usually 448 kb but that is beside the point. Yes theoretically you can do a demux then re encode the ac3 stream with be sweet or something similar, then remux. As far as remuxing im not sure what you would use. I know that an authoring program such as dvd lab would work or scenarist. But i dont know if Tmpegenc can remux them into correct dvd file structure.

[Rockas]

You can use IfoEdit to re-author the DVD. Check out my GUIDE (how to insert subtitles on a DVD) (http://dvd-rb.dvd2go.org/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=3) and refer to the re-author section.

[Redmist]

I assume that you lose menus etc when re-authoring with ifoedit? Kinda defeats the purpose. I have a number of old DVDs made by a certain company that have errors in the AC3 stream causing slight skips when played on some players (including mine!). It's possible to fix the AC3 streams by using AC3fix but I'd then like to be able to rebuild the DVD with all the menus, extras etc in tact with the fixed ac3 stream.

[Rockas]

assuming that you mantain all the properties of the Video and Audio I think (not tested, maybe some MasterMinds can clear this up for you... and me) that you can replace the "source" files with the resulting VTS and VOB files (don't forget to give them the same name)... as I said, I don't know is that works this way... but I think you can try :p