Encoding vob files

[robo731]

I've seen several different posts about how to encode vob files, but in specific ways, like with autogk, etc... I'm wondering what a good way to go about encoding vob files from a dvd would be. What's a good method if the files need to be merged? Will there be any other necessary steps to take? I saw someone mention making adjustments for the resolution and aspect ratio, will this be necessary? Should the ifo or bup files be used at all?

[HWK]

It depends what you want final output. Based on that you may have to change parameters or program you plan to use.

[robo731]

Ultimately, I'm planning to encode the video to 10-bit h.264 using x264.

[HWK]

You do know going to 10 bit would not improve quality, especially if it is DVD and will also prove challenge during playback. 10 bit require specialized decoders in order to work and most player don't support it.

[robo731]

I understand that there is not native support for it in many players, but both my mpc-hc setup and mx player (android) are caple of 10-bit playback. Is there a reason that it won't be effective, especially due to it being a DVD? It is animation, just so you know.

[HWK]

Originally Posted by robo731

I understand that there is not native support for it in many players, but both my mpc-hc setup and mx player (android) are caple of 10-bit playback. Is there a reason that it won't be effective, especially due to it being a DVD? It is animation, just so you know.

Animation can be easily compressed in comparison to movie. You can do 10 bit, but I recommended stick to 8 bit which is DVD standard as well. Even blu-ray disk which has quality 6x time higher than dvd is not 10 bit.

Also going from 8 bit to 10 bit will not improve quality but will make file size larger for sure for no gain in quality.

[robo731]

Okay, thanks for the suggestion, I'll just go with 8-bit when I encode. As for a method to do this, what do you suggest?

[HWK]

Originally Posted by robo731

Okay, thanks for the suggestion, I'll just go with 8-bit when I encode. As for the best method to do this, what do you suggest?

Handbrake would be good candidate for your requirement, it also provide lot of flexibility as well to tweak quality of output.

[robo731]

What about DGIndex? I saw that recommended in a few threads.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by robo731

What about DGIndex? I saw that recommended in a few threads.

It's a low-level tool. Therefore, you have to know what you are doing, or be willing to read and follow available documents and guides. It's very widely used both directly and as component of third-party toolsets.

[robo731]

I see, Well, I could demux the streams from the vob file and then encode from the d2v right?

[HWK]

Originally Posted by robo731

What about DGIndex? I saw that recommended in a few threads.

Originally Posted by neuron2

It's a low-level tool. Therefore, you have to know what you are doing, or be willing to read and follow available documents and guides. It's very widely used both directly and as component of third-party toolsets.

Robo731, based on our conversation I suggested a tool which can do job without making it complex than it needs to be. One of the thing I do when posting on forum is to assess understanding and level of knowledge of a person regarding question which is asked and then make recommendation based on finding.

[Guest]

Originally Posted by robo731

I see, Well, I could demux the streams from the vob file and then encode from the d2v right?

You wouldn't need to demux the video.

Just read and follow the Quick Start guide that comes with the tools. Make a project, make a script, and then serve the script into x264.

http://neuron2.net/dgmpgdec/QuickStart.html

And BTW, if you load all the VOBs at once into DGIndex, that is all you need to do to have them merged.

[robo731]

Originally Posted by HWK

Robo731, based on our conversation I suggested a tool which can do job without making it complex than it needs to be. One of the thing I do when posting on forum is to assess understanding and level of knowledge of a person regarding question which is asked and then make recommendation based on finding.

I can understand that HWK, but I'm also trying to expand my own knowledge, explore new options, and achieve the highest quality I can. I will try handbrake as you've suggested and also, DGIndex as I've seen suggested in other threads.

Originally Posted by neuron2

You wouldn't need to demux the video.

Just read and follow the Quick Start guide that comes with the tools. Make a project, make a script, and then serve the script into x264.

And BTW, if you load all the VOBs at once that is all you need to do to have them merged.

Okay, I'll read up on the documentation and post back here or start a new thread.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Guest]

Carry on here in this thread. I'll do my "best" to help you.

[HWK]

Originally Posted by robo731

I can understand that HWK, but I'm also trying to expand my own knowledge, explore new options, and achieve the highest quality I can. I will try handbrake as you've suggested and also, DGIndex as I've seen suggested in other threads.

Thanks for the help guys.

All of us learn in same manner. Feel free to post if you need further help.

[robo731]

Thanks, I will.

[sneaker_ger]

Originally Posted by HWK

Also going from 8 bit to 10 bit will not improve quality but will make file size larger for sure for no gain in quality.

That is completely wrong. 10 Bit encoding is more efficient than 8 Bit encoding, i.e. you can have the same quality with a lower file size or better quality at the same size.

[Ghitulescu]

This may or may not help you.
There is no method to convert VOBs to anything else.
You may want to say convert DVDs to something else.
Because VOBs are simply containers, whose content are indicated by the associated IFO files. Surely, for simple movies, probably a lot of methods would work, but for many it won't work any, as the same VOB may contain promos and stills and a lot of things along with the main movie, let alone the case of interleaved content or multiangles.

[HWK]

Originally Posted by sneaker_ger

That is completely wrong. 10 Bit encoding is more efficient than 8 Bit encoding, i.e. you can have the same quality with a lower file size or better quality at the same size.

You cannot create something out of nothing. If source was not 10bit to begin with, it is not worth it to encode in 10 bit.