Picking the Best Settings for Encoding DV

[GParent]

I've read so many Guuides, FAQs, and messages that I've developed a memory leak! Ok, here goes.

I have a DV-NTSC video that is now into a 20 hour render using Vegas4. I did so many tests that I think I have the right video filters to make it look good.

When the AVI is complete I will encode using CCE. I have found the following script to be the best one for the results I want:

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LoadPlugin("H:\PROJECT\convolution3d.dll")
AviSource("H:\PROJECT\LIVE_MUSIC_VIDEO.avi")
ConvertToYUY2(interlaced=true)
SeparateFields()
odd=SelectOdd.Convolution3D(1, 16, 32, 16, 24, 2.8, 0)
evn=SelectEven.Convolution3D(1, 16, 32, 16, 24, 2.8, 0)
Interleave(evn,odd)
Weave()

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I have to thank someone who posted the C3D parameters for low light conditions. Geeez, it really works!

QUESTIONS:

(1) I normally just check off the "Upper Field First" flag in CCE to let CCE know its a "bff" video. Yet, some recommend adding a DOUBLE WEAVE statement, after the WEAVE, and unchecking "Upper Field First" flag in CCE. I have read some posts saying this can cause a audio sync problem. What's wrong with the old tried and true method without the DOUBLE WEAVE?

(2) I could care less how big the MPEG-2 file is. Is using a two-pass CBR with 8Mbps for the bitrate worth considering?

NOTE: This is a low action jazz quartet in a TV studio. The most action is from the drummer and accoustic bass player.

(3) I have been doing my tests using the following:

CCE 2.67.00.10

M=3, N/M=4
Add Sequence=on
Offset=1 *** Same as "Upper Filed First being checked" ***
Noise=Off
DCT=10
Alternate=On
Progressive=Off
Quantizer Characteristics=16
Frame 0 => 00 00 00 00
Avg Bitrate=8000
Min=0
Max=9800

The above set of parameters is based on what I have read in guides and posts on DOOM9 for reauthoring DVDs with film based sources. I thought it would be ok to use them for DV sourced material, but I could be wrong.

I really appreciate all of BB's tips, but his recommended settings are far different from what I've been accustomed to using. I think he recommened using: Quantizer=40, DCT=9, Min=500, Avg=8000.

[bb]

Originally posted by GParent
(1) I normally just check off the "Upper Field First" flag in CCE to let CCE know its a "bff" video. Yet, some recommend adding a DOUBLE WEAVE statement, after the WEAVE, and unchecking "Upper Field First" flag in CCE. I have read some posts saying this can cause a audio sync problem. What's wrong with the old tried and true method without the DOUBLE WEAVE?
The difference is that with the "Upper field first" flag on in CCE one line of your video will be dropped, and another one will be doubled throughout the whole video. You probably won't notice this on a TV, because the borders will be cut off a little (TV oversampling). Even on a computer monitor you won't notice it much, but it's there.

(2) I could care less how big the MPEG-2 file is. Is using a two-pass CBR with 8Mbps for the bitrate worth considering?
If you throw that much bitrate at your video, you can safely use single-pass CBR (there's no 2-pass CBR by the way, maybe you wanted to say 2-pass VBR). You may also want to try single-pass VBR with low Q values (like 30 or even less).

(3) I have been doing my tests using the following:

CCE 2.67.00.10

M=3, N/M=4
Add Sequence=on
Offset=1 *** Same as "Upper Filed First being checked" ***
Noise=Off
DCT=10
Alternate=On
Progressive=Off
Quantizer Characteristics=16
Frame 0 => 00 00 00 00
Avg Bitrate=8000
Min=0
Max=9800
Be aware of the fact that 9800 kbps is the maximum TOTAL bitrate for DVDs, this is video + audio + subtitles bitrate all together. So by setting the max. video bitrate to 9800 you'll exceed the maximum total bitrate. CCE's "DVD compliant" flag should override the max bitrate setting, though. Still it's better to use a lower value. E.g. if you have video + 1 audio stream at 224 kbps, and no subtitles, you may choose a maximum bitrate of 9800-224 = 9576. I'd still go lower with the maximum value, because using DVD-R media you might get playback problems with some DVD players if the bitrate is close to the max.

I think he recommened using: Quantizer=40, DCT=9, Min=500, Avg=8000.
I did not recommend an Avg of 8000, but a Max of 8000.

bb

[GParent]

Hi BB,

Thanks for replying.

(1) Ok, DOUBLE WEAVE sounds like a good option, but there is still the comment that someone made about a potential audio sync problem using DOUBLE WEAVE. Sorry, I can't quote the poster or any specifics, and if TRUE, I would rather drop one line off the top of the video than have audio concerns. Have you heard about this?

(2) I can guarantee you that CCE 2.67.00.10 definitely does have a Multi-pass CBR option, up to 9 passes. Also, the Basic version of CCE has 2 pass CBR capability.

(3) I will heed your advice about the MAX being 9800. However, I have to say that all I was doing is following the genral recommendations outlined in the ROBA Guide that says to drop the DVD Compliant option and pick 9800 as the MAX. But I get your point. I guess you don't want even a momentary bitrate of the combined streams to exceed the maximum. Good point and I'll adjust my parameters.

(4) Sorry I misquoted your VBR average as 8000. That's what you said was your maximum.


In summary, most of the CCE parameters that people and Guides recommend seem to be reauthoring DVDs and/or VCD/SVCD creation. That's why I keep repeating myself about the fact I use DV-NTSC as my source and what the material is generally like. I have been unlucky at finding much written about CBR and under what circumstances it's advantageous over VBR. I will ask that in the CCE forum.

I love the DV forum and thanks for saving my skin by recommending the C3D scripting filter!