Altering the "batch render" script

Randy Brown wrote on 2/18/2005, 1:16 PM

I was wondering if anyone knows what the Mpeg 2 DVDA NTSC bitrate settings are in the batch render script (as I recall it's the one on Spots site); also if there is a way to alter those settings or create another template in the batch render script if one doesn't know diddly about writing scripts.
TIA,
Randy

Comments

jetdv wrote on 2/18/2005, 1:27 PM

If you open the script in Notepad, you will be able to see which preset it is specifying. That will tell you the information you seek. You can also create your OWN preset with the settings you want and change the script to access that preset instead.

Randy Brown wrote on 2/18/2005, 1:55 PM

You can also create your OWN preset with the settings you want and change the script to access that preset instead.

Yes Edward, that's easy for you to say, someone that DOES know diddly about writing scripts. Where can I find info on adding a custom preset to it....wait a minute I suppose I'll look at the existing script in notepad first...perhaps I can figure it out.
Thanks Edward,
Randy

jetdv wrote on 2/18/2005, 2:13 PM

Yeah, it's not that hard just for changing the preset. You should see a line in the program with the current preset name spelled out. Just change it to your preset name (spelling and case DOES matter).

rcampbel wrote on 2/19/2005, 8:03 AM

Randy,

If you would prefer a full featured and supported batch rendering tool, you should check out the MultiRender tool. It is part of the Veggie Toolkit and provides a lot of features and flexibility for batch rendering. There is a free 15 day, fully functional trial version available for download.

Randall

Randy Brown wrote on 2/19/2005, 8:03 AM

Well hell, I looked and looked (and did a search) for DVDA and architect but found nothing in the script.
But since I never batch render anything but DVDA and ac3 (or .wav) let me ask another question. When selecting "include audio" in a DVDA template why does DVDA want to re-render the audio? This is all I'm trying to do is keep DVDA from re-rendering the audio when I have selected "include audio".
Thanks for your patience,
Randy

rs170a wrote on 2/19/2005, 8:22 AM

...why does DVDA want to re-render the audio?

Randy, it's my understanding that the only time DVDA doesn't re-render the audio is if you're using a separate ac-3 file. When you select "include audio", you're changing things and DVDA will re-render. BTW, this includes rendering the audio as a .wav file.
My usual workflow for DVD prep is to select "DVD NTSC" or "DVD Architect NTSC video stream" for the video and ac-3 for the audio. Save them both (to the same folder) with the same filename (eg. mymovie.mpg & mymovie.ac-3). This way DVDA will automatically import one along with the other. HTH.

Mike

Randy Brown wrote on 2/19/2005, 9:08 AM

My usual workflow for DVD prep is to select "DVD NTSC" or "DVD Architect NTSC video stream" for the video and ac-3 for the audio. Save them both (to the same folder) with the same filename (eg. mymovie.mpg & mymovie.ac-3). This way DVDA will automatically import one along with the other. HTH.
Your workflow is exactly the way I used to do it (except I sometimes would save audio as .wav) and the way Sony recommends doing it; I was just looking for a one-step process of doing it. Altering the batch render script is the only way I know to do that but (since I'm an idiot) I guess I'll just go back to doing it the way you and Sony suggest...I guess it ain't that big a deal anyway but I will check out Randall's suggestion.
Thanks guys,
Randy

rs170a wrote on 2/19/2005, 9:58 AM

Randy;
I looked through the batch render script as well and, like you, didn't see anything like Edward suggested.
It seems to me that what's happening is that the script is looking at all the options you have in your dropdown menu.
I just loaded up and old project and ran the batch render script. If I select the MPEG-2 option, I see the default settings and all of the custom ones I've done as well. For example, I've got a custom setting for 1/2 D1 resolution, a 2-pass setting and one I call Photos-DVDA (video render set to Best instead of Good).
What I'm trying to say is that once you have these presets configured and saved, the batch render script really does become a "one-stop process". I do it all the time and find it a real timesaver.

Mike

Randy Brown wrote on 2/19/2005, 11:26 AM

SEEEE!!!!!!
I told you I was an idiot!
I almost replied stating that my saved, custom settings are not showing but then decided to double check. Sure enough if I scroll to the very bottom they're ALL there grouped together.
What would I do without you guys?
Thanks for your patience!
Randy

rs170a wrote on 2/19/2005, 11:36 AM

I told you I was an idiot!

Not a chance. Like me, you're still learning the software. I read some of the posts here (and see some of the videos) and my brain hurts :-)
There are a lot of folks here who play with Vegas daily and have learned all it's tricks. I'm fortunate enough to have learned a few of them.
Glad it finally worked out for you.

Mike