DivX DVD players' avi resolution restrictions

[Chabb]

Does anybody now what kind of restriction applies
to frame resolution of avi and mpeg2 files for correct hardware playback using common dvd players
(divx compatible or smth.):
- width <= 720 and height <=576 (25fps)
or
- frame area <= 720x576 pixels (e.g. 848x480, 976x416)

This question arose when I was asked to reencode
some HD (720p) movies from h264 to divx with
maximum possible resolution.

Also there is another question about
maximum overall bitrate for divx encoded avi's
(8Mbps or 9,2Mbps or 9,6Mbps or greater)?

[unskinnyboy]

Depends on the player. Hardware players are getting better, but won't ever be on par with software players. To know what your player can tolerate, make a bunch of test files with different resolutions and bitrates, burn them onto a CD, try to play them in your player and see which ones b0rk and which ones don't. Same process for every other hardware player on which you need to play the files. You really need to make a 8 mbps DivX file? At that bitrate, I highly doubt players can play it without jitters.

[Chabb]

Actually I've made several test files
ranging from 720x304 to 1280x720 (wide and ultrawide)
So we are back to hit-and-miss method :(
I just wanted to know
if there is exact common limit of resolution
As of 8Mbps bitrate I meant not overall but local peak value
(its important when resolution is big and encode mode is vbr)
Is there any option in xvid to force some upper limit?

[unskinnyboy]

There is no exact limit, even though most players have an upper restriction of 720 width.

I never did think that you meant a constant bitrate of 8mbps for your DivX file. You can bet that the point in the video where the bitrate peaks to 8mbps, most players would choke, exhibit spasms and urinate uncontrollably.

Yes, you can limit the bitrate in Xvid using the VBV (Video Buffer Verifier) option available via the Xvid profiles. Also, read this (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=101046)thread and do some more searching/reading in the 'Hardware Players' sub-forum.