Comments

guns1inger wrote on 6/22/2004, 9:31 PM
I haven't loaded 5b yet, but I'm assuming it's just a template for 2-pass VBR.

Variable Bit Rate encoding is used to more efficiently allocate data where it's needed most. This means that less data may be used for talking heads, and more for a car chase. Overall you should get a more efficient uses of space and a better quality image.

2-pass (or multi-pass, as some encoders allow for more than just the 2 passes) improves on this by doing an analysis pass of the video before encoding. This analysis pass allows the encoder to more accurately allocate data during the encoding pass. The trade off is that this pass can be as long at the encoding pass, therefore effectively doubling the encoding time.

Why do it ? Quality. With scriptable encoders such as CinemaCraft, it is possible to allocate extra passes to specific sections of the clip to ensure things like cross fades or high action sequences get extra analysis.

I was surprised that the standard mpeg-2 templates shipped with 5 didn't have 2-pass set by default, even for the DVD templates. The first thing I did was create templates with 2-pass set by default, and adjust the bit rates as well (If I have less than an hours footage I like to have higher Low bit rates than the default).
wolfbass wrote on 6/22/2004, 9:55 PM
Thanks for the reply. Sounds like a great tool, the extra time isn't a problem for me, I just go to bed :)

How do I set up a 2 pass encode?

(I'm not at Vegas, I'm at work killing time, so I can't go and investigate myself.

If you have time to out line the proceedure I'd appreciate it.

Andy
guns1inger wrote on 6/22/2004, 10:16 PM
Unless something has changed, or the 2-pass that was there didn't actually work, all I did was open one of the DVD templates, hit Custom, and then tick the 2-pass checkbox on the Video tab.

I can only assume it works, as when I then render it does a full pass through the timeline (or region) while the progress metre approaches 50%, then a second pass as it moves on to 100%.
farss wrote on 6/22/2004, 10:40 PM
Seems to run better (faster?) in 5.0b.
Grazie wrote on 6/22/2004, 11:16 PM
So, let's get this right .. Is the new V5b 2-pass making my default DVD MPEG format now been made 2-pass? OR is the 2-pass made better AND is another template to choose OTHER than the default? See, there IS a difference . . . and I'm confused ..

Wolfbass - Thanks for asking the original question.

Grazie
guns1inger wrote on 6/22/2004, 11:34 PM
I hope to install it tonight, so I'll know more then. Check the default DVD mpeg-2 output template. Hit custom, and check the video tab. There is a 2-pass checkbox which was unchecked by default in 5a. If this is now checked, then 2 -pass is enabled. There may also be a new template for 2-pass ?
Grazie wrote on 6/22/2004, 11:37 PM
Yeah, that's what I thought. I was wandering why this would be such a Barnstormer, if it was "only" a check mark being putin by the "new" update .. . OR is there something quite different and BETTER with this "new" 2-pass option being designed in to the update?

Grazie