DVD/TMPGenc

[PilotinCommand]

Hello,

I've decoded an .avi file to a .mpg file with the Program TMPGenc. At first it gave me only the options to convert to the DVD- format. I'd like to know if I can also burn this file to an DVD+ disk with Nero? Or do you recommend another program.

I'm new in this DVD burning stuff, so any help welcome.

Thnx,

PiC

[RJ]

Hi,

I assume you used the wizard. If so, don't worry, the term "4.7 GB DVD-R" doesn't mean it's for DVD- only, it means the MPEG stream will fit on a 4.37 GB blank, no matter whether it's DVD+R/+RW or DVD-R/-RW.

Actually, there aren't any software differences at all for DVD+ or DVD-. There is only DVD Video, and it's your decision whether you burn to DVD+ or DVD-. But the files will be the same.

RJ

[PilotinCommand]

So when I have the .mpg file. I just set nero up to burn a "DVD video" compilation. And then I can just drag and drop files in the main folder?

PiC

[RJ]

No. First you have to author the MPEG file using an authoring program. There are plenty of them out there. With the authoring program you can create menus, set chapters, etc. etc.
Even if you don't want menus and chapters and stuff, you need to author the MPEG file in order to get the VOB, IFO and BUP files. Once you have them, you can drag them into the VIDEO_TS folder of Nero's DVD-Video template and burn.

IFO edit is freeware and with it you can do the simplest authoring: Just create the vob, ifo and bup files out of your MPEG, with no menus and chapters.

RJ

[reboot]

AFAIK, Nero will accept the mpeg, loaded into it's "DVD Video" screen, and should create the necessary vobs etc. This can take many hours, and produce a very poor dvd. Nero may be the best burning tool, but it's mpeg rendering engine is about 4 years out of date.
There are plenty of dvd authoring programs around, most have at least a 30 day demo. My personal preference is DVDLab www.mediachance.com but you may find it too complicated. TMPGEnc has DVD Author, another often-used app, that I find too limiting. Amongst others are Sonic MyDVD, Intervideo WinDVD Creator, etc...
I all honesty, I would rather see you start wtih, and use a GOOD authoring app, than get caught up in something too "play-skool" like, and then be frustrated by it's limitations.
There are some excellent guides on www.videohelp.com for both pieces of software, the DVDLab guide written by yours truly.

[PilotinCommand]

Ow okay, thanks for the help and the link. It's clear to me now.

Just one thing: Is it normal that it takes more or less 10-11 hours to convert an AVI to MPEG on a P4 2,53GHz?

I'm excited to see my first DVD result. And once again I have PCMECH community to thank (Y).

PiC

[PilotinCommand]

Well, I got the file on a DVD. But I don't get sound. I've tried all sorts of settings (PCM, MP2, both VBR and CBR) but every time it seems like TMPGenc encodes the file without sound. Could somebody give me a hint here?

Thanks,

PiC

[reboot]

Again, I refer you to the guides section at www.videohelp.com
There are specific guides, as well as loads of info on the Forum, that address all sorts of tmpgenc problems, including no audio.

10 hours is about right, for a full length dvd, 2pass vbr using tmpgenc's dvd template.
You can cut that down to about 2 hours, by using other software and different settings, but let's try walking before we run

Here's a (very) short "How To" using tmpgenc.

As soon as you open tmpgenc, you get the wizard. If you don't, select File, Project Wizard.
Select DVD, NTSC (or DVD PAL if you're in europe).
Select VBR Mpeg-1 Layer II Audio (MP2), click Next.
Browse for your video file (avi.)
The audio file portion should automatically fill in, with the same file name.
If it does not, then you require more steps, using other software to get the audio out of the file. Look for guides on audio extraction using virtualdub on the videohelp site.
If the audio IS listed with the same filename as the video, click Next, then Next again.
Video resolution should be 720x480.
Average video bitrate should be between 1000 and 8000 (this may change).
Audio bitrate can be between 192 and 384 and I doubt your ears can tell the difference.
Estimated filesize: This MUST be less than 99% of the dvdr, even 97% is a good number, leaving room for menus and chapters.
You can adjust the audio bitrate down, the video bitrate down, or simply adjust the File Size xx % of disk capacity to about 97%.
Hope this helps a bit.

[RJ]

Video resolution should be 720x480.

No. It should be 720x576, and 25fps. Netherlands is in Europe, and uses PAL.

RJ

[reboot]

Absolutely right! I forgot to take notice of PilotinCommand's location.

[PilotinCommand]

Thanks, I'll go try and encode to MPEG with a third party sound encoder.

PiC

[reboot]

Get virtualdub.
Open the avi.
Select Audio, wave audio.
Select Audio, Direct stream.
Select File, save wav
Save the .wav file somewhere.
Encode your video normally.
Open tmpgenc, cancel the wizard.
Beside Audio source, click Browse. Find your .wav
Select ES Audio Only.
Click Setting, Audio tab, make sure it's Mpeg 1 audio layer II, 48000hz, bitrate between 192 and 384 (lower will produce a smaller file).
Click OK.
Click Start.
This will produce the proper audio file, remember where you saved it!
Load the video.mpg and audio.mp2 into your authoring program.

[khaliidk]

good