TMPGEnc Error

[LT. Columbo]

i've been using TMPGEnc for a few years now. i like it. it suits all my needs. i also use a variety of other freeware tools to satisfy it when needed. like changing the audio stream for example. it's one of the best encoders out there. when used with dvd shrink quality is outstanding. as a general rule i'd let no more than 2 1/2 hours of video on a dvd-5. anymore then you need to use a high bitrate and shrink later with quality settings enabled. for us to proceed you need to decide what else will go on this dvd. and yes i'd support your buying this excellent software

[mac53]

Alright... Let's proceed...

I download various sizes of Avi files, these sizes range from 150 - 700mbs.

I want to convert these to a format that I am able to compile a full dvd using
multiple files to accomplish this. I thought I said this in the beginning!!! I have dvd shrink... What I'm trying to learn here, is to take these file and a dvd out of them... simple as that! I already have three folders with m2v's & mp2's, I'm hoping that are ready to use. I don't know how to set this software up to accomplish my task!!! With your experience with this type of file conversion, I'm hoping to learn something!

[LT. Columbo]

you need to decide what files you want on one dvd to set the bitrates correctly. i said this before too. if you use the guide right you shouldn't have m2v and mp2 files. they are not needed.

[mac53]

I downloaded two plugins, they are ac3acm & ac3fix. Do they go into TMPGenc's program folder? I also install the ac3 filter.

[LT. Columbo]

that's ok, but not needed for this file at least, leave them though.

MPEG Layer-3,

only for ac3 audio encoded files.

[mac53]

Ok... I think I'm ready to do a multi file dvd... are willing to help me through it? I'd appreciate it.

[LT. Columbo]

i always am, but you have left out information.

[mac53]

i always am, but you have left out information.

Like what LT? What do you need to know? I'll answer the best as I can.

Do I need to process each individual avi first before I start even considering compiling the dvd?

In other words "L" "T", I have roughly 7.5 gigs of data avi files needing processing... each one, about thirty or so of them, is either
a full length movie or a partial that I have to join with hjsplit, still leaving them as partial features. I'm not finished adding to the collection, but I would like to get a handle on making my dvds out them

[LT. Columbo]

Do I need to process each individual avi first before I start even considering compiling the dvd?

yes!

i can't help you set bitrates untill we know what you want to put on each dvd. this is to eliminate the need to use dvd shrink later.

[mac53]

Ok... I get you now... going to started and I'll get back to you when the mpgs are made.

LT... I have theory about bitrates and correct me if I'm wrong... right now I'm about ready to process an Avi movie that is approximately
71 min and ?? secs long. Through my experiences with movies, a two hour movie [movie only] will fit on a dvd-5 without compression. Taking this 71. min. movie, I will move the slider approximately up to about 60 - 65% of the scale and this should set a pretty good quality bitrate! Shouldn't it? Is this a good way to judge the bitrate? or no! Waiting to hear from you before getting started.

[LT. Columbo]

TMPGEnc by default sets the highest birate. that seems good , but what value does it say for video bitrate?

[mac53]

When I loaded the seventy one min avi TMPGEnc had it at full scale...4.35 gig! I have never seen a 71 min. movie use the whole dvd-5 before, so that's when I contacted you about the theory I have. What do you mean, when you asked, "what value does it say for video bitrate?"?

Now, I know what you meant... it had it up to like 9,??? or something like that. I know the rate
was sky-high... ridiculous!!

Besides... what is a good bitrate average I can shoot for?

This is what AviCodec said about the file... Video : 403 MB, 790 Kbps, 29.970 fps, 720*480 (4:3), DX50 = DivXNetworks Divx v5, Supported

[LT. Columbo]

8000 is max, like i said it takes max as default. for a 71 min clip i'd adjust the bitrate so it takes 50-60% of disc space. (notice the blue bar at bottom will moved when you do this) it's very accurate too. generally with CBR encoding anything above 4000 is very good to me and 5-6000 is excellent.

so if this file is set to fill 60% of a disc, the next file you do should be set to 38% (leave 2-3% space always for menus etc)

[mac53]

Ok... Thanks

I'm searching for a good avi file fix utility... I don't mind paying for one...
Free ones are ok, but I need something that I can depend on...
Any recommendations?

[LT. Columbo]

none i can offer. all i have used was divfix and don't have the need for these anymore. maybe someone else can suggest one - sorry