Does re-encoding result in loss? If so, how much

[johnstac]

Not even sure if it's called re-encoding. That last step in creating a disk. That step that takes hours. At least it does for me. I start with mpeg format from my camcorders HDD. Then edit and add chapters. Then that encoding or whatever it is. I just notice that the video on my tv isn't quite as sharp as the original. Actually, it's not even close to being as sharp as the original. Is this to be expected? Is there anything I can do to improve the quality?

[Ken Berry]

Johnstac -- I don't know whether this post of yours came after or before you reported success in your other post.

If after, then all I can say is that if the burning process is taking literally hours, as you say it is, then something is wrong. Obviously the mpeg-2 you are creating after editing is not DVD-compliant -- and the burning module is having to encode it once again (with consequent loss of quality) -- or else you have not ticked the box against 'Do not convert compliant mpeg files' which is in the Options cogwheel icon in the bottom left hand corner of the burning page. Having it ticked means there will be no further re-encoding if the mpeg file you inserted in the burning module was DVD-compliant to start with.

If this post came before you reported success, then ignore the foregoing.