Optiminal TMPGENC settings?

[DaveKlassix]

I've new to encoding/video capturing and am wondering what the best settings for TMpgenc is for re-encoding captured DV video to mpegs for dvd-writing? Also, does the capture app matter. I've used both M$ movie maker and Video Studio 7 to capture with my firewire camcorder.

kthx for the info

[stl]

the capture method doesn't matter, although there are some consumer grade programs that have a 4gb limit even if you use NTFS file system (winnt, win2k, winxp).

As for TMPG, these are the settings I use:

steam type: mpeg-2
size: 720x480
aspect ratio: depends on your location (PAL or NTSC) and the
source
frame rate: 29.97
rate control mode: either CBR or VBR (CBR easier to use, VBR better
quality
bitrate: needs to be calculated, but if you use CBR, then
you can usually be safe with 3000 to 4000
VBV: leave at default
profile & level: leave at default
video format: depends on your location
encode mode: non interlace
YUV: 4:2:0
DC component: either 8 or 9 bit
motion search: motion estimate search (fast)

ADVANCED TAB: leave it all at default
GOP STRUCTURE: change only the "output interval of sequence
header" to 1
and check "output bitstream for edit (closed GOP)
leave the other tabs at default.

Hope you have a fast machine, cause if not then it could be a while before it's done.