settings for BD9 (Blu-ray compliant HD stream on DVD9)

[moviefan]

Hi guys,

I've searched the forum a lot and read various threads dealing with that topic, but could not come to a clear conclusion what settings comply to the Blu-ray standard for HD content on regular red laser DL-DVDs. (not AVCHD)

What I concluded is that the general encoding settings are the same as for HD content on BD-R(E) media, but the max. bitrate and the buffer seem to be different, apparently because of the lower data transfer rate of DVDs. Also, I'm not absolutely sure about the number of reference frames allowed. Sometimes I read 2, sometimes 3, sometimes 4... And are options like b-pyramid allowed? What I know is that I have so set --nal-hrd and --aud to be compliant + Level 4.1 obviously.

I would very much appreciate if someone could post the maximum quality settings the specs allow for BD9 video streams, so that they work on the PS3 as well as on SA BD-players. Oh, and multiple audio tracks would be nice...

Regards,
moviefan

[Golgot13]

Hi,

@moviefan:
BD9 is a BD on DVD disc with 3X data rate transfer.
On BD specification Rom2 part3, BD9 is like all BD format (on BD disc)
encrypted in AACS (only Rom Mark is not mandatory).

AVCHD and BD9 have same restriction for bitrate and vbv. The big difference are than AVCHD,
because CamCorder (realtime encoding), use generally a long GoP structure.

To simplify:
AVCHD = BD on DVDR without AACS
BD9 = BD on DVD (so with AACS, there is a specific DVDRom LeadIn...)



Regards

[CruNcher]

@Golgot13
AVCREC is the official Spec for AVC on DVD isn't it ? but ok it doesn't support Menus i think (no interactive layer) so for that BD9 seems more suited.

[Golgot13]

@Golgot13
AVCREC is the official Spec for AVC on DVD isn't it ? but ok it doesn't support Menus i think (no interactive layer) so for that BD9 seems more suited.

Yes, I know about specification but you can put menu on AVCHD disc.
And I'm not sure you make lot of test on PS3: you can put BDJ title project
on HDD of PS3 to test it, but the name of folder must be AVCHD...
(today Sony lock this possibility on last firmware)

[Sagittaire]

Hi,

@moviefan:
BD9 is a BD on DVD disc with 3X data rate transfer.
On BD specification Rom2 part3, BD9 is like all BD format (on BD disc)
encrypted in AACS (only Rom Mark is not mandatory).

AVCHD and BD9 have same restriction for bitrate and vbv. The big difference are than AVCHD,
because CamCorder (realtime encoding), use generally a long GoP structure.

To simplify:
AVCHD = BD on DVDR without AACS
BD9 = BD on DVD (so with AACS, there is a specific DVDRom LeadIn...)



Regards



1) Long GOP (2 sec max) is possible for 1080p but only if you use max bitrate at 15 Mbps*.

2) 1 sec is not really a short GOP. There are not big difference between infinite GOP and 1 sec GOP in efficiency term for H264 (less than 10%).

3) Major quality improuvement for x264 could be open gop. In this case with 3 bframes ~1/3 frames of the GOP are potentialy directly refenced on Iframe. IDR frame could be simply for scene change.

*Table 9-25, BD specifications.

[moviefan]

So an HD video with e.g. 2 audio tracks is only BD9, if I have AACS encryption active? Sounds weird... So are you sure that BD9 = AVCHD/AVCREC with AACS? I believe to have read in one big thread here about this topic that AVCHD only supports 1 audio track. What I want is simply the following: 1 video stream in 1080p encoded with x264, >1 audio streams, no menu. What are the correct values for max. bitrate and VBV buffer then to comply to the BD9 specs? And please explicitly state the max. refs and max. b-frames to be sure.

Cheers for you help so far!

[Sagittaire]

So an HD video with e.g. 2 audio tracks is only BD9, if I have AACS encryption active? Sounds weird... So are you sure that BD9 = AVCHD/AVCREC with AACS? I believe to have read in one big thread here about this topic that AVCHD only supports 1 audio track. What I want is simply the following: 1 video stream in 1080p encoded with x264, >1 audio streams, no menu. What are the correct values for max. bitrate and VBV buffer then to comply to the BD9 specs? And please explicitly state the max. refs and max. b-frames to be sure.

Cheers for you help so far!

4 ref max with 3 bframes max at level 4.1 for 1080p. Anyway for coding efficiency 2 or 3 bframes are not really important.

[moviefan]

So if I encode a 1920x1080 video with x264 using 4 refs, 3 b-frames with --nal-hrd and --aud, --mvrange 511 etc., Level 4.1, and author it with TsMuxer to Blu-ray output (SPS/PPS and picture timing info deactivated), will this be BD9 compliant so that it works on SA Blu-ray players as well as PS3?

Is --vbv-maxrate 38000 --vbv-bufsize 30000 stated in http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=134402 correct?

Or rather --vbv-bufsize 22000 --vbv-maxrate 16000 like in http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1177652#post1177652?

[bond]

i would assume the best would be if someone really knowing the stuff would post a complete sample x264 commandline for the different variants each (BD), AVCHD, AVCREC...)

[Sagekilla]

If you're authoring for PS3, it's fairly robust in what it can handle. I've used 1080p with --level 4.1 --crf 19 --keyint 1000 --ref 4 --mixed-refs --b-frames 6 --b-adapt 2 --b-pyramid and had no issues before. SAPs are the only thing you really have to be careful of.

[moviefan]

SAPs? Sorry, but what is that? ;-) I am aiming at encoding (and authoring) to a Blu-ray format that is completely compliant (like professional Blu-ray movies) so that I don't have to care about the decoding device as long as it complies to the Blu-ray specs. So no format for PS3 only etc., simply a compliant Blu-ray burnt on a DVD9. I agree with bond that it would be nice if someone could post a command line with some explanation about what settings can be altered for speed/quality balance at what settings are strict for compliance.

[Sagekilla]

SAP = Stand Alone Player. In other words, exactly the target you're aiming for.

[moviefan]

Of course, sorry, brain failure ;-) So is there someone who can post an x264 command line that complies totally to the Blu-ray specs (so for SAPs and PS3 and everything)?

[G_M_C]

I make BD9's all the time, encoding them through AviSinth with x264. I mux them with tsMuxer, and add subs if needed, and then burn them with IMGBurn to DVD+R (DL), my process works all the time now (since my BD player accepts them correctly now since the after firmware-upgrade, I have even made one with DTS-MA :) ) The player i have is a Panasonic BD30, streaming the audio to a Onkyo TX SR875 for HiRez audio, all my discs have so far also worked on my friends (EU) PS3.

For encoding i sometimes use a simple command-line .BAT, but sometimes i use MeGUI. I'll give the .BAT here, comment on it if you like !

Before that i want to comment on the 3x speed that is claimed for AVCHD / BD9. I think that it has to be 2x speed in stead of 3x speed. If i go higher, my player starts stuttering. Also i have discussed this subject before (with a.o. DS / Sagittaire and jdobbs in the " BD rebuilder & BD backup" tread in the DVD rebuilder part of this forum). There seems to be a difference of opinion, even between several sites that have all the specifications listed (2x vs. 3x). My experience gives that 2x works all the time, going higher gives problems sometimes.

EDIT: I tried starting a thread where all info about the AVCHD / BD could be centralized, but i never took off (too bad: We see separate thread concerning this popping up in all parts of the forum now). Anyway, the TS i made there contains a lot of useful links to/from information about this subject. See the thread here, and maybe we can put some more info there as well :) click (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=141376)


I use this short .BAT for encoding;

I Use a keyframe-interval of max 1 second (so keyframe-interval == framerate, rounded off), min-keyint=1.

@SET IN_TITLE="........"
@SET IN_BITRATE= .....
@set IN_EXTRA= (Extra options, for instance --zones 0,128800,b=1/128801,140153,b=0.5, not between "")

@Echo off
Echo .
Echo .
Echo .
Echo .[ %IN_TITLE% ] [%TIME% ] Encoding Pass 1
Echo .
Echo .
Echo .

"path to x264.exe\x264.exe" --threads auto --thread-input --progress --no-psnr --no-ssim "%IN_TITLE%.AVS" --stats "%IN_TITLE%.stats" --output NUL --pass 1 --bitrate %IN_BITRATE% --vbv-bufsize 22000 --vbv-maxrate 16000 --level 4.1 --keyint set yourself --min-keyint 1 --nal-hrd --aud --sar 1:1 --bframes 3 --b-adapt 2 --b-pyramid --weightb --ref 3 --mixed-refs --no-fast-pskip --ipratio 1.2 --pbratio 1.2 --direct auto --subme 2 --trellis 2 --psy-rd 0.8:0.7 --partitions none --me dia --merange 24 --mvrange 511 --aq-strength 0.9 --cqmfile "path to eqm_avc_hr.cfg\eqm_avc_hr.cfg" %IN_EXTRA%


Echo .
Echo .
Echo .
Echo .[ %IN_TITLE% ] [%TIME% ] Encoding Pass 2
Echo .
Echo .
Echo .


"path to x264.exe\x264.exe" --threads auto --thread-input --progress --no-psnr --no-ssim "%IN_TITLE%.AVS" --stats "%IN_TITLE%.stats" --output "%IN_TITLE%.264" --pass 2 --bitrate %IN_BITRATE% --vbv-bufsize 22000 --vbv-maxrate 16000 --level 4.1 --keyint set yourself --min-keyint 1 --nal-hrd --aud --sar 1:1 --bframes 3 --b-adapt 2 --b-pyramid --weightb --ref 3 --mixed-refs --no-fast-pskip --ipratio 1.2 --pbratio 1.2 --direct auto --subme 9 --trellis 2 --psy-rd 0.8:0.7 --partitions all --8x8dct --me umh --merange 24 --mvrange 511 --aq-strength 0.9 --cqmfile "path to eqm_avc_hr.cfg\eqm_avc_hr.cfg" %IN_EXTRA%

Echo .
Echo .
Echo .
Echo .[ %IN_TITLE% ] [%TIME% ] Encoding Finished !

Pause


PS: Others speak only of keyframe-interval of 24, so try with a DVD-RW to see what works best.

[laserfan]

So is there someone who can post an x264 command line that complies totally to the Blu-ray specs (so for SAPs and PS3 and everything)?
Not possible, so you'll need to find someone you trust e.g. G_M_C or jdobbs etc. and go with their command lines. Not only are there (sometimes wildly) different opinions about compliance, it's my understanding that some of the BD specs are in a way being Guessed-At, i.e. at least one or two of the "BD-compliance" options are assumed, based upon examination of the settings & output of so-called "professional mastering applications".

So make some x264 movies and get them to play for you. If you want/need/insist they be "universally playable" then a mod here might challenge you to explain why, as in most countries sharing-or-selling copyrighted material is illegal, or at least unethical! :p

[Sagittaire]

Before that i want to comment on the 3x speed that is claimed for AVCHD / BD9. I think that it has to be 2x speed in stead of 3x speed. If i go higher, my player starts stuttering. Also i have discussed this subject before (with a.o. DS / Sagittaire and jdobbs in the " BD rebuilder & BD backup" tread in the DVD rebuilder part of this forum). There seems to be a difference of opinion, even between several sites that have all the specifications listed (2x vs. 3x). My experience gives that 2x works all the time, going higher gives problems sometimes.

- Now x264 have really better vbv support. Set simply max bitrate at 3x your max bitrate (it's enought in vaste majority of case) with 24 Mbps limit for BD9 (you must mux audio too ... DVD3x is for complete video/audio/sub mux and m2ts mux is not really optimal).

- GOP must be at 1 sec if you use max bitrate > 15 Mbps and 2 sec for max bitrate < 15 Mbps (24 or 48 frames for 1080p24).

[moviefan]

So "video max bitrate + audio < 24 Mbps" for BD9 correct? Actually: VBV max bitrate = 24 Mbps - total audio bitrate?

[Sagittaire]

So "video max bitrate + audio < 24 Mbps" for BD9 correct? Actually: VBV max bitrate = 24 Mbps - total audio bitrate?

Not exactly ...

DVD1x = 10.08 Mbps
DVD3x = 30.24 Mbps

With 24 Mbps for video you have 6,24 Mbps for other stream (PCM, DD, DTS, TrueHD and subtitles). For BD9 overall bitrates are generaly at 6-8 Mbps and 24 Mbps for max bitrate is 3:1 ratio (generaly good for this overall bitrate).

[laserfan]

Not exactly ...

DVD1x = 10.08 Mbps
DVD3x = 30.24 Mbps

With 24 Mbps for video you have 6,24 Mbps for other stream (PCM, DD, DTS, TrueHD and subtitles). For BD9 overall bitrates are generaly at 6-8 Mbps and 24 Mbps for max bitrate is 3:1 ratio (generaly good for this overall bitrate).Funny you would jump-in here Sagittaire (thanks for this), I was going to refer moviefan to your thread here (http://forum.doom9.org/archive/index.php/t-137569.html) for addt'l good info on BR compatibility! :)

[moviefan]

So to exhaust the given boundaries for Blu-ray compatibility, could I calculate the VBV max bitrate with

VBV max bitrate = 30.24 Mbps - total audio bitrate?

[Comatose]

I would round down to 30Mbps so you have a little head room, just to be safe.

[Sagittaire]

So to exhaust the given boundaries for Blu-ray compatibility, could I calculate the VBV max bitrate with

VBV max bitrate = 30.24 Mbps - total audio bitrate?

For BD9 use always 24 Mbps. Use more than with overall bitrate at 6-8 Mbps with 30 KB buffer is simply useless and potentialy bad for compliance at the mux.

[G_M_C]

For BD9 use always 24 Mbps. Use more than with overall bitrate at 6-8 Mbps with 30 KB buffer is simply useless and potentialy bad for compliance at the mux.

OK; Let define the --max-rate as: "30000 (kbps) -/- audio bitrate (kbps), with a maximum of 24000 (kbps)". (given that some highres audio streams might have higher bitrates than 6 mbps).

What do we set as definition / calculation for the vbv-bufsize ? Is there a specification set for bluray players for the minimum required vbv-bufsize ? Or is it best to leave it set to "auto" while encoding with x264 ?

PS: I want to test these new settings first, before I consider them as "correct"; Especially because my current settings work all the time !

EDIT:
OOps, I read now that you speak of a buffer of 30000 (30 KB), is that the value we best use for VBV-bufsize ?

[rack04]

So what is a safe vbv-maxrate for DVD 5/9 using 640kbps audio?

Also, should min-keyint be set to 2 sec for max bitrate < 15 Mbps for DVD 5/9?

[Dark Shikari]

So what is a safe vbv-maxrate for DVD 5/9 using 640kbps audio?

Also, should min-keyint be set to 2 sec for max bitrate < 15 Mbps for DVD 5/9?The Blu-ray spec does say that if VBV maxrate is <= 15 mbps, you can use a 2-second GOP.

[G_M_C]

So what is a safe vbv-maxrate for DVD 5/9 using 640kbps audio?

Also, should min-keyint be set to 2 sec for max bitrate < 15 Mbps for DVD 5/9?

30000 - 640 is still larger than 24000, so use 24000 (the max Sagittaire advises). If you do that and it works, could you report back to confirm these settings are correct ?

[rack04]

So what is the max bitrate for a DVD?

According to jdobbs:

The rules for BD on DVD-5/9 is to have a maximum that doesn't exceed 2x disc speed. That would mean the total read bitrate available is somewhere slightly under 20,000

If you do that and it works, could you report back to confirm these settings are correct ?

Only way I can test is using the Blu-ray drive I have installed on my computer. So it will play almost everything. Though, I do have a Panasonic BD-35 siting under the Christmas tree. :rolleyes:

[G_M_C]

So what is the max bitrate for a DVD?

According to jdobbs:





Only way I can test is using the Blu-ray drive I have installed on my computer. So it will play almost everything. Though, I do have a Panasonic BD-35 siting under the Christmas tree. :rolleyes:

Yep, the setting i use in my .BAT were made based on those figures from jdobbs. That why i'm not sure 3x speed is true, and i ask for confirmation.

[moviefan]

Hm, what exactly is the difference between --VBV-maxrate and --VBV-bufsize? I assume --VBV-maxrate sets the maximum bitrate for the video stream, right? And which option depends on the disc speed/data transfer rate of a DVD? Can someone please clarify this?

[shon3i]

We can't use same settings as we use for normal BD 25/50 disc's and probalby is better idea to follow AVCHD specs which clearly show that 18mbps are max for BD9/BD5, and buffer should never exceed 16000.

I aslo found i Unlead Video Studio 11.5 in their BD5/9 profiles (not AVCHD) maxrate is 15000 and buffer is on 8000, i cheched their forums and saw that these settings are 100% working on sap's, most people's don't have any trouble with their encoder and profiles.

Anyway i started to use these settings and i don't have any problem with any bitrate.

[Sagittaire]

We can't use same settings as we use for normal BD 25/50 disc's and probalby is better idea to follow AVCHD specs which clearly show that 18mbps are max for BD9/BD5, and buffer should never exceed 16000.

I aslo found i Unlead Video Studio 11.5 in their BD5/9 profiles (not AVCHD) maxrate is 15000 and buffer is on 8000, i cheched their forums and saw that these settings are 100% working on sap's, most people's don't have any trouble with their encoder and profiles.

Anyway i started to use these settings and i don't have any problem with any bitrate.


Certainely but AVCHD is not BD9 ... and spec come directly from BD specification. Anyway it's never an obligation to use the limit value.

[shon3i]

Certainely but AVCHD is not BD9 ... Agree, but aslo BD 5/9 are not same as BD25/50, and we can't use same settings (-vbv-buffer 30000, -vbv-maxrate 40000) , so it is logical to follow the standard that is at least on the same medium

[ajp_anton]

Hm, what exactly is the difference between --VBV-maxrate and --VBV-bufsize? I assume --VBV-maxrate sets the maximum bitrate for the video stream, right? And which option depends on the disc speed/data transfer rate of a DVD? Can someone please clarify this?This is just what I figured out only from the names, someone correct me if I'm wrong:
For each interval of [bufsize] bits, the average bitrate must not exceed [maxrate] bits/s.
Which means that the decoder will never have to decode [bufsize] bits in less than [bufsize/maxrate] seconds.

[moviefan]

@ G_M_C: Is there a special reason, why you don't use --filter in your encoding batch file posted in https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1222262#post1222262? I started a test encode using your settings and I am very content with the results so far (in terms of quality - I cannot test compatibility yet since I have no BD SA player).

[nm]

@ G_M_C: Is there a special reason, why you don't use --filter in your encoding batch file
Maybe he's fine with the default inloop deblocking settings.

[G_M_C]

@ G_M_C: Is there a special reason, why you don't use --filter in your encoding batch file posted in https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1222262#post1222262? [...]


Maybe he's fine with the default inloop deblocking settings.

Yes, i leave it to x264's default settings (--filter == --deblock, default according to --longhelp is 0,0).


[...]
I started a test encode using your settings and I am very content with the results so far (in terms of quality - I cannot test compatibility yet since I have no BD SA player).

Thx, glad you like it :)

[lexor]

The Blu-ray spec does say that if VBV maxrate is <= 15 mbps, you can use a 2-second GOP.

you have the actual blu-ray spec at hand? could you forward relevant parts to the nal-hrd devs so they can re-make that patch using the official spec as opposed to guess work, so aku will withdraw his objection to have it committed?

I think one of doom9's mods is main dev on that (Tbarry? /speeling), or at least he wrote it.

[Dark Shikari]

you have the actual blu-ray spec at hand? could you forward relevant parts to the nal-hrd devs so they can re-make that patch using the official spec as opposed to guess work, so aku will withdraw his objection to have it committed?"Type 2" HRD conformance is what is required... which is specified in the H.264 spec itself (Annex C)

I can't confirm or deny having the Blu-ray spec ;)

[Sharktooth]

and it is so controversial it seems it was written by someone with a very bad mental disorder...

[Sagekilla]

A simple google brought this up if it helps any:
http://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-H.264-200711-I/en

[Fishman0919]

So what is the max bitrate for a DVD?

According to jdobbs:

The rules for BD on DVD-5/9 is to have a maximum that doesn't exceed 2x disc speed. That would mean the total read bitrate available is somewhere slightly under 20,000



Only way I can test is using the Blu-ray drive I have installed on my computer. So it will play almost everything. Though, I do have a Panasonic BD-35 siting under the Christmas tree. :rolleyes:


From Wikipedia BD9/BD5 Blu-ray Disc

BD9 and BD5 are lower capacity variants of the Blu-ray Disc that contain Blu-ray compatible video and audio streams contained on a conventional DVD (650 nm wavelength / red laser) optical disc. Such discs offer the use of the same advanced compression technologies available to Blu-ray discs (including H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, VC-1 and MPEG-2) while using lower cost legacy media. BD9 uses a standard 8152MB DVD9 dual-layer disc while BD5 uses a standard 4482MB DVD5 single-layer disc.[87]

BD9/BD5 discs can be authored using home computers for private showing using standard DVD±R recorders. AACS digital rights management is optional.[88] The BD9/BD5 format was originally proposed by Warner Home Video, as a cost-effective alternative to regular Blu-ray Discs.[89] It was adopted as part of the BD-ROM basic format, file system, and AV specifications. BD9/BD5 is similar to 3× DVD for HD DVD.

3x spin speed would give you about 30000 Max bitrate

[laserfan]

3x spin speed would give you about 30000 Max bitrateWhich is what Sagittaire has been saying right along, and seems clearly correct.

As for AVCHD, that spec is for other hardware e.g. camcorders, and while encodings which meet that lesser spec should work, no reason to limit ourselves wrt BD5/9.

I use 24000 for max (video-only) bitrate and 30000 for vbv.

[G_M_C]

Which is what Sagittaire has been saying right along, and seems clearly correct.

As for AVCHD, that spec is for other hardware e.g. camcorders, and while encodings which meet that lesser spec should work, no reason to limit ourselves wrt BD5/9.

I use 24000 for max (video-only) bitrate and 30000 for vbv.

That would be good enough i think;

Look at this site; http://handbrake.dynaflashtech.net/cgi-bin/vbv_calculator.cgi

And fill this in:
A video encoded with an avg. bitrate of 10000 kbps (doesnt really matter), 24 fps, max-rate 24000 and vbv-bufsize 30000.

The calculation then gives a peak bitrate of 54000 for a duration of 1 second. And i seem to remember that value from somewhere in the specs (or am i missing something, i.e missing the point here ?)

[Atak_Snajpera]

AVCHD camcorders (Canon for example) use High Profile level 4.0 so according to wiki maximum bitrate should not be higher than 25000 kbps

[ajp_anton]

BTW, what are the supported resolutions/framerates? I have a PAL source that needs to be put on DVD5s. It's well over 3 hours plus extras so mpeg2 would suck without going to dual-discs.

[moviefan]

Maybe this helps: https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1116120#post1116120

[moviefan]

What can I do against banding? I know this is an x264 issue... I have 1080p footage filtered with MCTemporalDenoise so that it is pretty clean and temporal stable. After the filtering there is no banding but also almost no grain (really clean). I have raised the --aq-strength to 1.2, but there's still banding visible. Any suggestions? I have a bitrate of about 6800 kbit/s average.

[Dark Shikari]

What can I do against banding? I know this is an x264 issue... I have 1080p footage filtered with MCTemporalDenoise so that it is pretty clean and temporal stable. After the filtering there is no banding but also almost no grain (really clean). I have raised the --aq-strength to 1.2, but there's still banding visible. Any suggestions? I have a bitrate of about 6800 kbit/s average.You can use lower deadzones, higher psy-rd, and/or psy trellis.

[moviefan]

What happens, if I lower the deadzones with detailed areas since I don't change the average bitrate. So I think more bits are allocated to the flat areas (which have more detail now), but what is the impact on detailed parts of the image?

[G_M_C]

What happens, if I lower the deadzones with detailed areas since I don't change the average bitrate. So I think more bits are allocated to the flat areas (which have more detail now), but what is the impact on detailed parts of the image?

I think you might try working with the psy-rd settings;

Warning: I have no exact understanding, if any understandig at all about AQ /psy-rd and such. What I write here is only the way I think it works (correct me if i'm wrong, so I can understand better).

AQ moves bits from frames with less need to frames with more need (more movement for instance). So bits can be taken from frames where a blue sky is prominent, and moved to somewhere else ... leaving the sky with not enough bits to avoid banding. Lowering AQ makes this effect less, and moves less bits (and thus loweres the chance for banding).

I've allready lowered AQ to 0.9 (1.0 is standard) in my .BAT, so it is allready a bit lower, and it might not be the first place to look.

But as I understand it, psy-RD works more-or-less the other way around than AQ does. It tries to leave more bits in areas like the sky mentioned above, so as to give the impression of more details in the frame.

I've lowered psy-rd to 0.8 because I allready have lowered AQ, trying to balance out the two. After looking at a few of my encodes, I think i'll put it back to 0.9 cause I see slight banding also.

I've put psy-rd on b-frames on 0.7, cause i find it gives the impression of a slightly sharper image. But that effect sharpening could also cause the image show banding. You could try to lower it a bit.