How to build SVCD

[lupusinfabula]

Hi there,
I used TMPGEnc to encode a movie in SVCD standard and the result is OK on the PC. Keep in mind that the original ratio of the material is 4:3 PAL.
I used Nero 5.5.9.17 to author/burn the SVCD.

- On the PC the SVCD is ok; PowerDVD plays it with the right aspect ratio.

- With the DVD Player (Pioneer 454) the ratio is wrong, 2 black bands appear on the top and on the bottom and the image is compressed but if I configure the player selecting TV 16:9 (my TV is 4:3 instead) the ratio is ok and the image is correct.

What's wrong?
I made several test (always with Nero) but the result is always the same. I read that you can select the ratio with Nero but I don't find anything useful in the program.

Thanks
Rob

[setarip]

"I used Nero 5.5.9.17 to author/burn the SVCD."

If you've already used TMPGEnc to create the file in conforming SVCD format, you should only be using NERO to burn as SVCD. If, in fact, this is the procedure you're following (NERO to burn only),

1) As long as you have the means to play it back in proper ratio, by changing your standalone's setting, be happy!

OR

2) Post here, ALL of the settings you're using under TMPGEnc's "Video" and "Advanced" tabs...

[lupusinfabula]

OK, I used TMPGEnc to create a SVCD streaming with the Wizard. I made also several tests changing same settings in the Advanced tabs (keep aspect ratio, an so on...) but the result is always the same. The SVCD is "encoded" like if it was a 16:9 and the only way to view if with the right ratio is to tell the player that you have a 16:9 TV (having a 4:3). Not a big deal, you're right...

Maybe if I had another software to burn a SVCD I could understand if the problem is in the streming endoded through TMPGEnc (I don't think so, PowerDVD play it right!) or in the authoring program (Nero).

Thanks
Rob

[setarip]

Try the following (without the "wizard"/template):

To create an SVCD:

1) Load .AVI file into TMPGEnc
2) Set to "System Video and Audio" (lower right side)
3) Click on "Setting" radio button
4) Click on "System" tab, change mode to "MPEG2-SuperVideoCD (VBR)" (from default of "MPEG1")
5) Click on "Advanced" tab, change "Video arrange method" to "Center (Custom Size"), change dimensions to 480x480, 352x288 or 352x240.
6) Change "Source aspect ratio" to either "4:3 525 line (NTSC 704x480)", "4:3 525 line (NTSC)", or "16:9 525 line (NTSC)" - If you're in the PAL world choose either of the two similar PAL settings instead
7) Under the "Video" tab, change the dimensions to 480x480, 352x288 or 352x240(Note: "Video" tab mode of "MPEG2" is okay) - set "Motion Search Precision" to "Normal Quality".
8) Change "Rate Control Mode" to "Automatic VBR (CQ_VBR)"
9) Press "Start"

Note that if your video runs longer than approximately 35 minutes, you'll have to subsequently split your MPEG2-SuperVideo CD file into two or three (or more) parts. This too can be easily and precisely accomplished using TMPGEnc. Under the "Files" dropdown menu, click on "MPEG Tools" and select the "Merge & Cut" tab. Once again, make sure to change the mode to "MPEG2-Super VideoCD (VBR)". Load your file and enter a new (.MPG) name in the "Output file" box. Then doubleclick on the ORIGINAL file's name in the window, which will bring you to the cutting area. Select your desired start and end points for the first portion, click on "Okay" which will bring you back to the first window and generate (in a sequence of three automated steps) the first new file. To create the second (and third, if necessary) new file, repeat the steps starting with "Then doubleclick on the ORIGINAL..." (be extra patient with the second half, as the program has to do more seeking to establish the beginning of the new file).

Then use NERO only to burn the SVCD (not to create it, which you've already done).

[lupusinfabula]

First of all, thanks!
I'll make the tests later and I'll let you know.

Bye, from PAL world

Rob

[setarip]

"First of all, thanks!"

My pleasure ;>}

[lupusinfabula]

Tried. Same result. I used all the settings you suggested.
The only difference is that I start from a .D2V project file and not from a .AVI.
I used Nero to burn the CD, importing the .MPG in the folder.

I remember a post (I don't know where!) that explained how to set the SVCD project in Nero in 16:9 or 4:3 (through right-click ->, properties, -> etc.). My version of Nero doesn't have any options to modify this settings. Maybe the post I read was for an older version?

Bye
Rob