NTSC DVD vs. MPEG2

[ando775]

In the compression tab of the Video Save Options dialog box (Create Video), there are a number of Media Type options available from a drop down menu: MPEG1, MPEG2, NTSC DVD, PAL DVD, etc...

As I am in America and obviously most concerned with NTSC, what is the difference between selecting NTSC DVD and MPEG-2. Isn't DVD always in MPEG-2? The only thing I see that changes are the audio settings. NTSC DVD allows you to choose from MPEG, LPCM, and Dolby audio formats, while MPEG-2 forces you to choose MPEG audio. Is this the only difference?

Sorry if this is a dumb question.

[GeorgeW]

That's not a dumb question at all...

You are correct that DVD uses mpeg2 compression (mpeg1 is also allowed).

The NTSC DVD template makes sure you are using proper encoding options for DVD -- while the mpeg2 option lets you create files that might not fully be DVD compliant (such as video resolution, audio type and sampling rate, etc...).

So, if you stick with the NTSC DVD option, you can rest easy that chances are you will be creating a valid mpeg file for DVD Authoring...

Regards,
George

[ando775]

Great! Thanks for the help.

[tgill]

What is the atvantage of mpeg-2 then?

[heinz-oz]

What is the atvantage of mpeg-2 then?

Read the above Seriously though, once you go to NTSC DVD, you end up with an mpeg2 file packaged as VOB file. Try playing that on any media player However, the mpeg2 file, essentially the same as the VOB file, can be played on any media player, provided it has the mpeg2 codec available. You can also archive your different mpeg2 files and combine them later on into DVD projects where you could change the content of your DVD just by selecting which of the mpeg2 segments you want for this one.

[rwernyei]

Heinz,
I believe this poster is wanting to know the differences between the supplied MPEG encode options in MSP. Nothing about building a working folder with VOB files. As stated by George the advantage of using the stock template, Example: (NTSC DVD) is to ensure one of encoding a DVD full-compliant MPEG2 file which can be later used in any DVD authoring program. Then as you said be packaged in a working folder and authored to disc.

As for the MPEG-2 option in MSP, there are some advantages if the user knows how to use them. One can manipulate the settings for their desired need; whether it be for computer playback, set-top playback, archiving or web streaming. Also, as a correction to the original poster, one can still use all the same audio formats offered in the NTSC DVD template with the ADVANCED encoding option enabled. Another advantage is the choice of frame rate. Example: 24FPS. Hope this helps.

[Devil]

Put it this way: all grass is green, all that is green is not grass.

all compliant DVD files are MPEG, all MPEG files are not compliant DVD. In fact, the rules are quite strict and much narrower than what can be done in MPEG.