bitrate: general question & PowerDirector

[kvon]

From a newbie, first a general question about bitrate:
Can anyone tell me the relationship between bitrate, fps, resolution etc? I understand that conceptually, if you increase the bitrate in a production, you increase the amount of data which translates to greater resolution (I think). What I don't get is this: If you determine or set a value for frames/sec and resolution, doesn't that determine what the bitrate will be? doesn't one define the other? Is it possible to set the bitrate independently from fps & resolution?

Secondly, can anyone tell me about bitrate & resolution settings in PowerDirector (5.0 Deluxe)? This program has a "production" mode, which seems to be for creating file output for streaming etc, and a "create disc" mode, for burning DVDs. The only resolution settings I've found in the create disc mode is SP, LP & HQ. Burned one at the HQ setting and it looks pretty marginal. Can't find a way to jack up the resolution in "Create Disc" mode.

Thanks!

[drfsupercenter]

Yes it is possible for the first part. Resolution is how big the video is pixelwise. Say you pick 640x480, you could then set the framerate to NTSC 29.97fps and the still be able to change the bitrate.

[kvon]

Thanks, I hear what you're saying but can you tell me how that is?!
I mean, a resolution of 640x480 (or whatever) defines x number of pixels per frame. A framerate of (pick a number) combined with the pixels/frame defined by your resolution defines x number of pixels per second. Doesn't that inherently define the bitrate? How can you change the bitrate without affecting the pixel dimensions (resolution) and/or the framerate?

[paglamon]

Secondly, can anyone tell me about bitrate & resolution settings in PowerDirector (5.0 Deluxe)? This program has a "production" mode, which seems to be for creating file output for streaming etc, and a "create disc" mode, for burning DVDs. The only resolution settings I've found in the create disc mode is SP, LP & HQ. Burned one at the HQ setting and it looks pretty marginal. Can't find a way to jack up the resolution in "Create Disc" mode.

No,u cannot alter the settings in Create Disc mode.But u can do one thing.In the PRODUCE mode u can create mpeg2 files where choosing a Custom Profile u can manipulate ur bitrate,resolution etc.Then u can author this mpeg2 file to a DVD in any authoring software.

[kvon]

Thanks paglamon, that makes sense, 1 question though: In that process of producing an MPEG & authoring it to DVD how to you handle the menu & title pages?