Easiest method for reencoding video

[teddykgb]

I'm fairly new to DVD burning. I've done a number of movies in which I stripped everything and just kept the main movie but I'm having problems doing movies where even after all possible stripping it's still too large. I tried re-encoding as per Doom9's guide with TMPG but I ended up having a bigger video stream than when I started! I'm just curious if there's an easier way.

Also, how do you all afford all these authoring programs?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Arky]

Originally posted by teddykgb
...I tried re-encoding as per Doom9's guide with TMPG but I ended up having a bigger video stream than when I started! I'm just curious if there's an easier way.

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Simply put, size is fundamentally the result of the bitrate you encoded at - there is always a quality/filesize tradeoff, and the art of MPEG encoding is to manipulate your limited bitrate as skillfully and efficiently as possible, in order to allocate it to the places that need it most. This is where Variable Bit Rate (VBR) encoding is useful, since it takes a look at the file BEFORE encoding it (think of this as a kind of "Reconnaisance mission" for the encoder).

Unfortunately, TMPGEnc is notorious for exceeding the bitrate limits you set it, so the only real answer is to re-encode with a lower bitrate, and wait to see what the final file size will be. In this way you can adjust the bitrate to suit. Obviously, it is more ideal if you can accurately calculate this beforehand, so after a few encodes, you will find you get used to an encoder's behaviour, and you learn to more accurately make allowances when you are deciding upon your bitrate settings. Be aware that *relatively-speaking*, TMPGEnc is probably more likely to exceed a bitrate setting if it is being asked to encode very fast-moving, or complex footage, since this will place greater demands upon bitrate allocation. Cinemacraft is more accurate with it's bitrate settings, and adheres to them more closely than TMPGEnc does. In an ideal world, you would get precisely what you asked for, but this doesn't happen with TMPGEnc, so a bit of time-consuming trial and error is unfortunately required! :( The best advice I can give you is that, if you are unsure of whether or not you are going to exceed the space you have available, then you should err on the side of caution, since the file MAY end up at an acceptable quality level, even if it is smaller than it needed to be, and in this instance, you will have the OPTION to, but not be FORCED to, re-encode to fit the available space.

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Originally posted by teddykgb
...Also, how do you all afford all these authoring programs?

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Not all of us CaN afford these authoring programs. Doom9 draws it's members from a wide audience, some of whom use these programs professionally, on a day-to-day basis. Other members have to be more resourceful, since they do not have access to such programs at work, and do not make commercial gain from these programs in order to be able to justify, or afford, the licensing fees.


I hope a little of what I said makes some sencse, if not all of it! ;)


Arky ;o)

[HomerJ]

teddykgb,

Glad to read you have not given up.

Why not give ReMPEG2 a try, instead of TMPGEnc ?? I guarentee you'll like the price (it's free).

I have used it 6 times to date (only been ripping for a month or so) I do use a bitrate calculator (very necessary, then drop by a couple of % points just to make sure).

I've not had a movie go over the limit yet (touch wood)

With one small exception, I have found the quality to be very good (but try to keep it over 80%).

Worth a try.

HomerJ :)

[p3distxii]

Originally posted by teddykgb
Also, how do you all afford all these authoring programs?



We all make lots o' money!

[jdobbs]

We all make lots o' money!

I guess that's the advantage of a good color printer.

[Arky]

lol @ jdobbs - SHHHHHhhh!!!

(if you need to know how to make money with a colour printer, :readfaq: )

(and don't ask me where the FAQ is..!)


Arky ;o)

[Cayne]

I think for private use everything you can find everything you need in SpruceUP. And its also affordable.