4:3 movie encoding: resolution vs compressiblity

[francisroy]

Gordian Knot is a very powerfull software, thanks to the author.

I need some advice for a 4:3 movie. The spec are 23.976 fps NTSC non anamorphic (4:3) movie lenght : 99min. I choose an average bitrate of 1050kps and 112 kps for the audio.

I did a 5% compressiblity test and now I have to choose a resolution. If I choose 512x384 I have 44.9% in the compressiblity test window. And if I choose a higher % like 66.9% the resolution goes down to 416x304. So, what should I choose ? Higher resolution or higher % of compressibility :confused: .

Thanks for your help !
Francis

[jggimi]

You have a third choice. More space.

4:3 movies have a LOT of pixels. You should consider a 2 CD rip -- and if needed, even 3 CDs. You'll be able to get a much higher bitrate, and, if needed, you can increase the bitrate of the sound, also.

If you don't believe me, try a simple test:[list=1]
Make a test .d2v project from a very short scene -- 30 seconds worth ought to do it. (Use the "[" and "]" buttons.)
Set "Calculate AVI File Size" on the Bitrate tab.
Set your resolutions and bitrates to what you'd get with a single CD encoding
Do a couple of encodings and view the results.
Now DOUBLE the bitrate, and do the same tests again.
[/list=1]You will find that the quality improves, and you may also want to experiment with larger resolutions.

[francisroy]

thanks for the tips jggimi !

But if I still want to hold the movie on 1 cd, what it the best choice for me: A higher resolution or a higher % of compressiblity ????

thanks
Francis

[jggimi]

I believe there is no answer to your "Which is best?" question, as the results will depend on the content, whether you display on a TV-out or a monitor, whether your TV-out is S-video or composite video, whether your monitor is CRT or LCD... and your own subjective interpretation of "quality".

I recommend you do a test, using the method I outlined, at several different resolutions and bitrates -- even if you don't take my advice and go for a multi-CD encoding. You can then pick what looks best to you. 30 seconds worth of video will only take a few minutes to encode.