DVD Burn Settings Clarification

[richspicko]

My apologies - I'm sure this is all covered ad nauseam.... That said I've searched and read quite a bit and require some clarification.

For this project, I'm using VS10 to create DVDs of pre-existing MPEG files.
- MPEG2 video LFF
- VBR 8000 kbps max

If I check the box "do not convert compliant MPEG files", do ANY of the setting parameters affect the DVD quality? I'm still learning about video formats so I'm unclear what settings are for rendering the video to MPG vs what if any settings are for converting it to DVD (distinct format, yes?)

So by checking the box, the "two pass conversion" and all the MPEG settings are moot, correct?

I want to produce the best quality DVDs using the existing MPEGs. Are there any settings that will affect the final DVD quality?

Should I NOT check the "do not convert" box?

Again, thanks in advance. This is an awesome forum.

Regards,
Rich

[daniel]

Since you already have MPEG-2 files, and provided you did not modify them (filters, overlays, titles etc) but merely cut and/or rearrange parts, then no, you need not use the share/create video file at all, and VS will only translate your MPEG files as is into the VOB.
Just go to Create disc...

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Rich

The best quality you can have is the quality from capture.

Provided your capture settings are dvd compatible then you should not change a thing.

The ¡¥do not convert option¡¦ is normally selected by default, leave well alone.

Ok

You capture to DVD Mpeg 2 The properties used here should be used through the editing and burning process
Your project properties should be the same as the capture properties.
When you render the project Share-Create Video File select same as first clip.

For more info have a look at my Quick Guide for Mpeg from the link below

[richspicko]

Thanks a ton! Appreciate the quick follow-ups.

Rich

[Ken Berry]

Just one clarificatory footnote on one of your comments. You said:

I'm unclear what settings are for rendering the video to MPG vs what if any settings are for converting it to DVD (distinct format, yes?)

This does not apply to your current situation because it seems from the properties you give (minus audio settings) that you already have DVD-compliant mpeg-2. Hence you follow the advice and leave 'Do not convert' ticked in normal circumstances.

However, as your comment quoted above correctly guesses, not all mpeg-2 files are necessarily DVD-compliant. Some may be used for purposes other than DVDs and have distinct properties that make them non-compliant with the DVD specs. SVCD format, for instance, is one of these. While it is mpeg-2, it has a frame format which is uniquely its own and which tends to make people look squished in preview, but plays back perfectly when burned to CD. (They are not even burned to DVD blanks.)

That is why we tell people, after they have finished their editing and they intend to produce an mpeg-2 destined for DVD, that they choose Share > Create Video File > DVD, rather than 'mpeg-2'.

The default format for the latter, should you choose it, will in fact produce an mpeg-2 for an SVCD -- though you could edit that format should you want to make it DVD-compliant. But why bother when you already have the 'DVD' template already there and waiting to be used?!