DVD Shrink vs DVD ReBuilder?

[Jeff Smith]

I always hesitate to post on Doom9 because I'm not as computer literate as most here, but I have searched and read extensively...I just dont have the knowledge basis to understand all I read.

I still use DVD Decrypter and DVDShrink as my main backup method. When that fails to decode I use DVDFab.

I have a very high end home theater (9'x5' screen, HTPC, 9" CRT projector) so I'm always looking for more quality.

I stumbled across the DVD ReBuilder threads and am still not sure if it basically does what DVDShrink does and which, if either, has higher quality recording.

I want to put just the main movie on a single layer disc...so I usually have to compress some. I have never longed for more quality than I get with DVDShrink, even compressed, in most flics. Those flics I treasure, I put on 2 discs, but most are fine compressed.

Would it be worth my while to go to DVD ReBuilder, or am I mistaken in thinking it does the same function (basically) as Shrink?

My PC is a P4 3.0 with 2GB RAM, GeForce FX5500, no overclocking. It seems to do all I need in a PC (I'm not a gamer, and my HTPC is a different machine,

I appreciate any words of wisdom.

[JohnGalt]

Search the fora for "rebuilder shrink" or something along those lines. You'll find that this question has come up many times in many venues. And yes, RB and Shrink perform similar functions insofar as they are designed to help reduce the size of DVDs (which usually means DVD9 -> DVD5).

Here's a small smattering of what I came up with when I performed the above search:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=123134
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=121992
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=122457
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=122173

[Voodoochild]

Between DVDRB and all other 1 click software like DVDShrink (not that DVDRB is not 1 click :)).

DVDRB use Encoders such as CCE, HC, Quenc, and Procoder...
Those are ENCODERS, they encode the whole DVD segments, while DVDShrink is a TRANSCODER, and it removes some bitrate from the whole DVD and move on. In short Encoder will always give better quality then transcoder.
The more compression needed the more difference you will see between the two.
Apart from that DVDRB let you choose which segments you want compress more like the end credits etc, or you can use filters to sharpen or remove noise and grain from the movie, you can play with encoders and give priorities to motion or static videos and lots lots more.. That you can't do with transcoders.

Believe me I asked the same question my self before using DVDRB 1.5 years ago... I don't ask any more, for me the answer is clear. DVDRB with good encoder is the best choice you have and the best thing you can do for your high end system! :)

[Jeff Smith]

Thanks guys, I will try it. I read all the threads you referred to...some of what they say is over my head, but it explains much more than I got from reading 10x that much on other threads here. Believe me, I tried.

[feedback]

A really good test by Fishman0919 was undertaken a while back and gives RB the win, hands down.
See Link HERE. (http://forum.doom9.org/showpost.php?p=624299&postcount=1)

[Jeff Smith]

I'm on the jdobbs.com site and was going to skip the free and go for the pay version, and decided to read the faq's. It mentions CCE. I read hear and understand (sort of) that its an encoder, but the faq's talk about needing to use EcICCE unless I purchased CCE 2.7 or higher. I dont know if I have to get this first, or is everything I need included in the Pro/pay version of DVDReBuilder?

[Voodoochild]

I'm on the jdobbs.com site and was going to skip the free and go for the pay version, and decided to read the faq's. It mentions CCE. I read hear and understand (sort of) that its an encoder, but the faq's talk about needing to use EcICCE unless I purchased CCE 2.7 or higher. I dont know if I have to get this first, or is everything I need included in the Pro/pay version of DVDReBuilder?

CCE basic cost 57$ or so... you can use HC encoder or quEnc that comes with DVDRB package and they are free, and if you set them to best quality they give the same result even if a bit slower.

[Jeff Smith]

sounds good enough. jdobbs says the basic setup is user friendly, but I couldnt find where I had to choose HC vs quEnc...does it occur automatically?

[jdobbs]

The installer will default to HC. You can select QuEnc from the "Mode" menu.

[Jeff Smith]

I do see where I can order either from jdobbs in an other area of his site. Any preference between the two? I want simple and reliable with good quality. I dont mind slower, but I dont want to fiddle with it too much. I want to find one that works and stick with it.

BTW, DVDShrink has been very good looking with 85% or so compression, even on good films. I look forward to any improvement.

Thanks again guys.

[therat]

Jeff, you won't see much improvement over DVDShrink when the compression is 85% or higher.

The encoders - CCE, HC % QuEnc come into there own when the compression levels get down to 75% and lower.

cheers

[Jeff Smith]

Any thoughts about HC vs QuENC for me to use as a starting point?

[Surf]

"I have a very high end home theater (9'x5' screen, HTPC, 9" CRT projector) so I'm always looking for more quality."

You need a HD-DVD :D

I din say blu-ray...

[blutach]

Any thoughts about HC vs QuENC for me to use as a starting point?Although I have other encoders, I think HC is excellent. I'd try that one.

Regards

[laserfan]

Any thoughts about HC vs QuENC for me to use as a starting point?I heard QuEnc is good but I've been using HC for a long time and see no reason to second-guess it. It's an outstanding encoder, and a wonderful value!!! ;)