Reenconding xvid to 720x (a fast way to do it?)

[MALditoNica]

I recently bought the Phillips DVP642. For the avi support, of course.

As soon as I got it, I burned a DVD with all my episodes of LOST in xvid format. Then, I found out about the "only 720x? or less rule" (the standalone won't play files over 720 pixels width). So, I had to reencode the episodes at 960 pixls wide. That's how I came across autoGK. I used GK before, but it wat kinda hard to understand (not really a video buff).

I encoded my first files using 2 cds "output size". But then, the autogk files became larger than the originals, even though the have less width. So now I used the "Target quality: 75" option. Perfect, after a few hours, my files are smaller, 720pxl wide and ready to be burned for my new dvd. But then, I can only see green and outlines. Back to autogk. I do a little digging, and I found out that the ESS option is not checked by default. I hit ctrl+f9 and check ESS chipset.

However, now I don't know what option should I use for the output size? (since the "75% quality" option says it won't be playable by my standalone). Is there a faster way to "just" downsize the file from 960 width to 720 width, fast and easiER?

[CWR03]

Is there a faster way to "just" downsize the file from 960 width to 720 width, fast and easiER?Not really, because you'd still have to re-encode. If you click the Advanced options button in AutoGK you can manually set the width; the height will be set automatically.

[MALditoNica]

Let me get this straight, using "target quality" as "output size" option will be faster. However, won't be playable by a standalone EVEN if a check the ESS option?

On the other hand, using "2cds" option will be slower, but with standalone support?
I guess cause it does 2 passes. Right? On that case, what's the fastest and closest to the original file?

[jggimi]

Hello, and welcome to the forum.

You're correct.

A "target quality" encode is a single pass encoding, so it's faster. However, its a quality based encoding, without a bitrate limit. Standalones have bitrate limitations, so a "target quality" encoding cannot be used.

Faster encodings are readily available. All it takes is a faster processor.

"Closest to original" would be easiest if you return to your original DVD, rather than trying to reencode your .avi files.

You *do* have your original DVD, don't you?

[celtic_druid]

Sounds like HR HDTV rips to me.

[jggimi]

Ah, I thought it might have been Disney's DVD. But you're right, 960 would be upscaling from DVD's 720.