Mpeg2 Source Files @ 5mbps: How To Keep That Way?

[nickesser]

I'm trying to put two, 1 hour-and-a half video-only files captured at 720x480, 5Mbps (from VHS tapes) onto a DVD+R DL disk using the v.7.1 software that came with my DVD burner. The 5Mbps rate is dictated by the "Better" rate for my Adaptec VideOh + MyDVD (the included, and only, app which supports it.) From what I've read in many other places, VHS conversions shouldn't be done at any higher Quality, lest artifacts show up. Together these files are about 7.2GB, but DVD Builder insists that they will take up about 14GB.

 

I've read the suggestion to create an image file, then do a dvd copy which will transcode to fit the disk, but when I start this, it is apparent that the image file being created is first being transcoded to a *higher* data rate. (I can only select either 7 or 8 Mbps, "Good" and "Better," respectively, from the Burn Setup Advanced Settings menu - and both of these are higher than the "Best" quality supported for my Adaptec.) This takes a *very* long time; will produce unwanted artifacts, I'm sure; and I have no faith that a second transcoding back down to a "fittable" data rate will improve that situation.

 

Why can't DVD Builder leave well enough alone and use my 5Mbps files as is? Is there any way around this dilemma?

 

P.S. I've ordered the upgrade to version 8. Would that give me any more suitable options?

[Larry]

I'm trying to put two, 1 hour-and-a half video-only files captured at 720x480, 5Mbps (from VHS tapes) onto a DVD+R DL disk using the v.7.1 software that came with my DVD burner. The 5Mbps rate is dictated by the "Better" rate for my Adaptec VideOh + MyDVD (the included, and only, app which supports it.) From what I've read in many other places, VHS conversions shouldn't be done at any higher Quality, lest artifacts show up. Together these files are about 7.2GB, but DVD Builder insists that they will take up about 14GB.

 

I've read the suggestion to create an image file, then do a dvd copy which will transcode to fit the disk, but when I start this, it is apparent that the image file being created is first being transcoded to a *higher* data rate. (I can only select either 7 or 8 Mbps, "Good" and "Better," respectively, from the Burn Setup Advanced Settings menu - and both of these are higher than the "Best" quality supported for my Adaptec.) This takes a *very* long time; will produce unwanted artifacts, I'm sure; and I have no faith that a second transcoding back down to a "fittable" data rate will improve that situation.

 

Why can't DVD Builder leave well enough alone and use my 5Mbps files as is? Is there any way around this dilemma?

 

P.S. I've ordered the upgrade to version 8. Would that give me any more suitable options?

The reason you don;t have more options, and DVD Builder is re-encoding, is that your version of EMC 7 is a Basic OEM one that has limited functionality. That's the way the 'freebie' ones are that 'come with' hardware. Since you have already ordered EMC8 as a retail product, than yes, that version (8) should allow you to do what you need.

[nickesser]

The reason you don;t have more options, and DVD Builder is re-encoding, is that your version of EMC 7 is a Basic OEM one that has limited functionality. That's the way the 'freebie' ones are that 'come with' hardware. Since you have already ordered EMC8 as a retail product, than yes, that version (8) should allow you to do what you need.

 

OK, thanks. I suspected that might be the reason. I guess I'll just have to wait for my upgrade to be shipped!