Half-D1 versus Steal Space From Extras

[Hubahop]

Hi all, I'm brand new to DVD-RB. Could someone please explain the difference between the options "Half-D1 and Half Space for Extras" versus "Steal Space from Extras"? I can see that if I use both, I get more extra space for the movie than if I use either option alone, so obviously they don't do the same, but what's the difference?

I'm already considering contributing the 10 bucks and getting the Pro version (did I understand this correctly - if I contribute $10, I get the pro version, but I gotta hurry, since this offer is about to expire?). With the Pro version, can I do as with DVD Shrink: select compression for each extra feature individually or, if I don't want a certain extra feature, replace it by a still picture and so maximize the saved space?

Thanks!

[jdobbs]

Half D1/Half Space: It will convert the source to Half D1 -- which is a standard that has (roughly) half as many picture elements (pels). For example, in NTSC a typical DVD picture is 720 x 480 pels, but in Half D1 it is 352 x 480 (one of the DVD compliant resolutions). Since it uses only half as many pels you can half the required space (bitrate) without as much impact as if it were still Full-D1.

Steal Space from Extras: Reduces the amount of space reserved for Extra segments by the amount specified. That, then, would also reduce the bitrate applied (less space/lower bitrate). The resolutions of the original stays the same.

In both of these methods the recovered space is then given to the feature in order improve its available bitrate.

You're exactly right -- your donation of $10 (or more) entitles you to the Pro Version (for its life) during beta testing. But the starting with the next Pro release (v1.00 Final) that deal will go away.

In the Pro Version you won't be able to set bitrates directly (that may come in a later version) -- DVD-RB does that. But you can blank segments or convert segments to slideshow.

[blutach]

And you can use robot1's RB-Opt to set the bit rates on a cell level if you like.

Just check the DVDRB help file.

Regards

[Hubahop]

So, in short, Half-D1 reduces the resolution, Steal Space reduces the bitrate, right?

RB-Opt looks like a smart thing, thanks for the heads-up on that.

And now please don't take this the wrong way, but I just did a comparison between a backup made with DVD Shrink (with Deep Analysis enabled and 90% quality for the main feature) and one made with DVD-RB (with Half-D1 enabled)... and I can't see any difference! I even use that fancy CCS SP thing that should be the very best. On my computer, both versions "flicker" in large surfaces with gradually changing color (a resolution issue?), on my TV neither version does. Large surfaces look fine as do small details... Shouldn't DVD-RB with CCS SP outdo these "one-click programs"?

[jdobbs]

It "outdoes" it every time... but come on... 90%??? That's no challenge -- even the worst transcoders will do well at 90%... Honestly, how many movies are there out that fall into that category? What percentage did DVD-RB have to meet, by the way?

[Hubahop]

Well, I reduced the quality of the extras with DVD Shrink, obviously - but your argument is that with DVDs where the main feature is (much) larger than what can fit on a DVD-R, DVD-RB will do better than a transcoder (ie. DVD Shrink)?

[jdobbs]

The greater the demand, the more obvious the results.

If you have a fast connection (pictures) take a look here:

http://forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?t=55332

I would also argue that CCE (or HC for that matter) does a better job every time. But on sources that are incredibly easy it's just harder to tell.

[Hubahop]

I hear you... I'm so used to either increasing the compression of extras or removing them altogether that I didn't consider that DVD-RB's/CCE's advantage was being able to backup a DVD including the extras, all in good quality. I might try another test with all extras kept... :-)