newbie appreciates quick start help

[marcus_enbergh]

Hi all

New to the site and also to the DVD -> VCD/SVCD process. Would very much appreciate any help to get me started with backing up DVD´s as VCD´s ...
I won´t play those VCD´s in the computer environment, only from a set top DVD. So, what is the recomended procedure? Which tools and how should they be set up?
(Of course I´ve done some reading on this subject, but could use some help to identify the best way to do it.)

Thanx / Marcus

[setarip]

This is what I do (Others will suggest alternative tools and procedures):

From Ripping through VCD (by me)

1) Rip DVD with Clad v.1.71(not MDEC, the one I use is an older, totally reliable version - not to say that the MDEC version is unreliable)

2) Convert to .AVI using Flask v.0.594PX3 (improved conversion time versus "plain vanilla" 0.594 - and less prone to lockup)
A) Using DivX v.3.11 codec (Fast Motion 910kbps, keyframe every 10 seconds)
B) Using PCM (uncompressed) audio at 48,000Khz (Maintains synchronization of audio and video)

3) Load .AVI into VirtualDub v.1.4D
A) Set "Video" to "Direct Stream Copying"
B) Set "Audio" to "Full Processing Mode"
C) Under "Audio", click on "Conversion", select "44,100Khz"
D) Under "Audio", click on "Compression" select "MP3", "44,100Khz", "96Kbps"
E) Save revised .AVI with new filename

Then, to create a VCD:

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 "MPEG1-VideoCD" (from default of "MPEG1")
5) Click on "Advanced" tab, change "Video arrange method" to "Center (Custom Size"), change dimensions to 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 352x288 or 352x240 (Note: "Video" tab mode of "MPEG1" is okay) - for highest quality set "Motion Search Precision" to "Highest Quality". Change the "Aspect Ratio" to match, as closely as possible, the "Source Aspect Ratio" you set under the "Advanced" tab.
8) Change "Rate Control Mode" to "Automatic VBR (CQ_VBR)
9) Press "Start"

Note that if your video runs longer than 60 minutes, you'll have to subsequently split your VCD-MPG file in two. 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 "MPEG1-Video CD". 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 half, 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 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)

[schadenfreude]

Out of interest setarip, how long does this whole process take? And on what sort of setup?

Cheers

s

[setarip]

I've never paid attention to the time involved for the process - for a couple of reasons. First, I typically set the file up in TMPGEnc, minimize it and go on to other things on the computer (Isn't true multitasking wonderful?). Additionally, I use various systems with greatly differing configuratons.

[schadenfreude]

Thanks setarip.

Another question has occured to me. What is simple MPEG1 as opposed to MPEG1-VideoCD? Why does TMPEnc default to the former, when you always say change it. Wouldn't it be easier to default to the more usually used form? (I know you didn't write the software, this is a kind of rhetorical question really)

Cheers

s

[setarip]

To schadenfreude

One can only speculate that perhaps, as frequently happens in the throes of software creation, when I... I meant to say, the author (Why are you certain that it wasn't me? ;>} ) initially created the program as a tool for modifying/manipulating "plain vanilla" MPEG1 files. After all, VCD is just a mildly modified form of MPEG1 (modified header and perhaps some additional required playback info)...

[schadenfreude]

Thanks again setarip,

You have set my mind to rest.

I guess I just assumed you didn't write it, because the guy who did is Japanese (as far as I can tell), and you don't come over as Japanese yourself .

I apologise for jumping to conclusions



s

[setarip]

To schadenfreude

I didn't write it - I was just having a little fun with you ;>}