Best settings for encoding anime? [Archive]

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Keyper7

5th October 2005, 00:10

Hi, this is an objective question (or rather asking for an objective answer) but if one does not take into consideration the encoding time what are the best settings quality-wise for encoding anime with a fixed filesize (meaning not looking for the best possible quality overall but the best possible quality given a certain file size (let's say around 200-250 MB for a 25 minute video).

Again, I know this is totally objective but for one that only knows the "general guidelines" of encoding in general the "general guidelines" of encoding anime would be a welcomed addition.

My current binary is XviD-1.1.0-Beta2-04042005.exe from Koepi although I already asked at another thread if there is a newer, better build (especially for this kind of job). Please also tell me which build exactly you mean when/if you give me your (objective and totally personal) answer.

If my system configuration makes any difference I have an Athlon XP 3000+ on an nForce2 ultra 400 chipset and 512 DDR 400 on Dual-DDR mode.

:thanks: a lot for your time!

DeathTheSheep

5th October 2005, 00:33

The good old "best possible anime quality" clause...hm...
1. Use a recent Xvid CVS build with 3dnow extentions (I think I posted in that thread ;))
2. Click on "Load Defaults" (to clear the slate)
3. Click <more...> next to the first box, check "adaptive quantization, Quarter Pixel, Global Motion Compensation)
4. Press OK. In <zone options...>, check "cartoon mode, chroma optimizer"
5. Press OK. In <Advanced Options...>, set VHQ to 4. check "Use VHQ for B-frames too," set maximum I-frame interval to 500 (anime changes scenes fast anyway, and where it doesn't, its usually still or a slow pan, so extra Is will only add bulk).

That's about it, really. You might want to uncheck QPel, depending on your source...you just have to try it and see if it works.

This is what works best for me, and will still encode super-fast on a XP3000+.

Have fun.

Keyper7

5th October 2005, 00:42

Wow, that's almost exactly what I've been doing! I was only hesitant of using VHQ for B-frames and chroma optimizer as I did not know what exactly they do. Now, could you also please tell me which binary because frankly I got completely lost when I visited http://celticdruid.no-ip.com/xvid/. Anything on quantinization or special anime-related matrix? I used the CG-Animation Matrix.txt. I also never touched the B-VOPs as I also don't know what they do but they were activated by default(2, 1.50, 1.00 and enabled packed bitstream).
Thank you so much for your help!

Guest

5th October 2005, 01:05

what are the best settings Please read and follow forum rules, specifically, rule 12: do not ask what's best. Thank you.
:readrule:

DeathTheSheep

5th October 2005, 01:10

OK, either this build: XviD Oct. 15 ICL9 (http://www.aziendeassociate.it/./cd///xvid.cvs.head.2005.09.15ICL9.7z) --may be faster, not sure
or XviD Oct. 25 (http://www.aziendeassociate.it/./cd///xvid.cvs.head.2005.09.25.7z)--more recent, with all latest improvements and bugfixes.

At your bitrate, for anime content, I'd actually suggest you try the standard H263 quantization: it's rather soft and artifact-free, and also performs fairly well at 1mbps bitrates. Of course, if you found a special, anime-specific matrix, do a frame-by-frame comparison of both encodes to see which looks better to you.

B-VOPS are B-frames. If you searched around, you'd find a little more info... basically, they're frames with slightly reduced quality which are placed between certain P-frames (your "normal" frames) to lower bitrate. They are very useful, especially at your bitrates! It generally benefits B-VOPS, like it benefits other frames, to have the efficiency provided by good, high-quality motion prediction, which is essentially what the VHQ modes control. Besides that, the default B-VOP settings are fine ;).

Chroma optimizer reduces edge artifacts and compresses them (a "nicer edge impression") which greatly benefits anime encoding.

Cheers, and happy encoding!

PS: Could I have a copy of that matrix?

DeathTheSheep

5th October 2005, 01:14

Ah, neuron2's right... Maybe if you'd said "Recommended Settings for Anime Encoding" ;)

Oh well, everyone makes mistakes (me especially :D).

Keyper7

5th October 2005, 01:23

Doh, missed that one. Sorry!!! (although I did mention the objectivity factor but it was irrelevant with my (apparent) lack of knowledge of the rules, my bad!) I went with xvid.cvs.head.2005.09.25.7z, let's see what we'll see. I think the matrix was with the Koepi build, not sure though.
I've attached the matrix, I hope it'll help (both you and me... :D )
Again, thank you so much for all your help
Cheers!

Emm, with the fear of sounding completely an idiot where should I put the files (it gives 4 files, the ax the inf, the core and the xvidvfw.dll)

ChronoCross

5th October 2005, 02:30

use H.263. it is through testing usually been the best matrix for anime

Soulhunter

5th October 2005, 15:33

use H.263. it is through testing usually been the best matrix for animeDitto! :)

Bye

Caroliano

5th October 2005, 20:24

I already tested a bit and H.263 is the best matrix for anime IMO. The CG-Animation Matrix produce too much ringing, wich is one of the worst artfacts in high bitrate animes.

And I don't use Adaptative quantization because it is tuned for real fotage. When I use it the darker places like shadows become blocky, and as it is an artificial content you can perceive it very easy. And the efficiency of GMC is also questionable. For me the few bits saved don't worth the speed and headache after.

DeathTheSheep

5th October 2005, 21:37

Good, so I guess I'm right about H263 quant being a bit better, eh?! :D

I've used adaptive quantization for a while now, and I don't seem to get the blockiness you speak of. Maybe its just in the more "unnoticeable" places? Or nearly black areas where its really hard to notice...? But I agree, this is a point of debate (clearly ;)).

As for GMC, its usage can be compared to Qpel--sometimes it helps you, sometimes it hurts you. Qpel, like GMC, also hurts encoding speed and compatibility with pre-gen2 external devices ("DivX/XviD certified"). On completely still scenes (or other random scenes), Qpel can actually hurt your compression efficiency because there is always some bitrate allocated for it, even if it isn't used much (if at all) in a particular frame.

Like I said, Qpel and GMC are the shadier options that slow down your encoding speed and introduce compatibility problems, despite promises to slightly increase compression efficiency sometimes. That's probably why DivX stayed away from them in its "Insane quality" mode ;).

ChronoCross

6th October 2005, 00:23

Well GMC and qpel do have advantages GMC is better in my opinion for anime while trellis is bad(debated many times on this forum). Divx's insane mode is worthless IMO(also mentioned in another thread) Try stiling to the defaults, GMC bframes(2 + BVHQ) VHQ Mode of 4 with trellis.

IgorC

6th October 2005, 01:14

DeathTheSheep

9th October 2005, 17:57

Wooopsies.... Darn, I can't believe I got September and October mixed up.

Yeah, Igor's right... Search and ye shall find, right? ;)

edit (little bit OT):
Divx's insane mode is worthless IMO(also mentioned in another thread)
NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! (Well, ok...but I have PSNRs now for Insane vs Balanced. Insane is over 16% better at quant 4 (by .1db and 16% filesize) for my source. Check it out!