High-Res DVD Authoring?

[Astyanax]

I have some 1080i and 720p recordings that I would like to convert to standard DVD format WITHOUT SIZING DOWN.

Why? The DVD format is awfully easy to play, I can embed chapters and subtitles as I like. The problem is, every authoring program I come across wants to reduce the screen size down to 720x480, as all DVDs are.

So is there a DVD authoring tool or methodology out there that would allow me to convert my MPG files to VOB files, without having to reduce the screen size, plus allow me to insert chapter breaks and subtitles and have a fully compliant DVD disc, the only exception being that the screen size is high-def?

I know that Ulead MovieFactory makes HD-DVD files, but I don't have the means to play or share EVOBs, and I really want these to be 1GB VOB chunks.

Thanks!

[BigCondor]

720x480 (or 720x576 for PAL) is the standard resolution for DVD, it couldn't get higher. I don't think any authoring tools will handle your situation.

[Adub]

No. You can not have a DVD compliant stream without sticking to the size limitations. You won't be able to play on a standalone period.

[Astyanax]

Well, I have no desire to play on a standalone, this would play back on an HTPC, so full compliance is not the goal. But, I guess, since authoring programs are all about meeting the compliance, I won't be able to circumvent this.

But thank you for the feedback!

[mpucoder]

You should look into HD-DVD. There are several authoring tools emerging now, and more to come.

[SeeMoreDigital]

Authoring applications, even muxing applications for hi-definition video (with associated audio) streams are sadly rather thin on the ground.

If you don't require fancy menu's, maybe you could get away with muxing your streams into the MKV (Matroska) container. Or even the .MP4 container (which can store MPEG-2 with either MP2, MP3 or AAC audio)....

Obviously, you will not be able to play "high-def" (resolution) video sources on a standard DVD player!


Cheers

[nwg]

One way you can do it is to create a Data DVD with the mpegs on it. Then use a DVD player that plays raw mpegs off a DVD.

There are some HD DVD packages that can put the HD content on the disc. It limits to something like 15 minutes though.

[Astyanax]

Thanks very much!

The files would be played back on a Media Center HTPC, but the big MPG files seemed too unwieldy without chapter breaks. However, it seems once I cleaned up the MPG with VideoReDo, it plays back in a quite stable fashion, with nice 30-second quick-jumps when I hit the chapter button. Works even better for me!

As for the HD-DVD format, I would love to work with this, I just can't get the authored EVOBs to play on MCE just yet. Any recommendations on that would be most appreciated!

[SeeMoreDigital]

It would seem you are asking about the same sorts of things in this thread too!

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=121011

[Astyanax]

Yes, I was trying two different tacts. I'm all set, and thank you!

[auenf]

last i heard DVDLab could create a 'DVD" using HD MPEG2 assets, of course you'd only be able to watch the result on your computer

Enf...

[SeeMoreDigital]

last i heard DVDLab could create a 'DVD" using HD MPEG2 assets, of course you'd only be able to watch the result on your computerInteresting....

I would not mind testing a high-def MPEG-2 DVD with my HD compatible player.... to see what happens ;)

[Borbus]

You could author a HD DVD with Scenarist and if it's small enough I don't see why the ISO can't be burnt to DVD and played in a PC.