Optimum format / template selection for slideshow

jmcginnes wrote on 2/3/2009, 3:43 PM

Several very basic rendering / DVD production questions with VMSP 8.0:

When rendering with intent to burn DVDs for TV viewing I'm selecting "MainConcept MPEG-2" format with the "DVD NTSC" template. VMSP 'help' does not provide any direction regarding format / template selection. I am seeking optimum resolution for viewing the images.

1. The DVD NTSC template yields files sizes 10% larger than the "Default" template for MPEG 2. What's the difference between the two templates? Should I care?

2.When I burn a multi-program (slide show) DVD (with NeroVision Express 3) there is essentially no difference in the amount of space used on the DVD, regardless of whether I use MPEG 1 versus using MPEG 2, even though individual program ( .mpg) file sizes are twice as large using MPEG 2. (I get about 2 hours of total program length regardless of format.) Does this negate the advantage of MPEG 2? Can you explain this? Would there be a distinct advantage to switching from Nero to DVD Architect?

3. Since I will view these DVDs on a wide-screen HD TV, should I consider using a different template (e.g., HDV 720-30p or HDV 1080-60p)? Will I have an aspect ratio viewing problem? What happens if I were to view one of these DVDs on an analog TV?

4. I also create 'home movie' DVDs with VMSP 8.0. My DV camcorder produces 4:3 aspect ratio video. Again, I use MPEG 2 with DVD NTSC settings to render these movies. Image resolution isn't as critical as with the 'slide shows'. Any comments regarding rendering and DVD production in this regard would be appreciated as well.

Comments

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 2/3/2009, 9:52 PM

Mpg2 is far superior to mpg1 in image and sound quality. When you burn a dvd with nerovision, it will convert mpg1 to mpg2. That is why you get the same size.
To play HD movies on your HD tv, you need a HD movie player. Many people use the PS3 to do this, but you also have dedicated HD players, if you're not into gaming.
For dvds you must use mpeg2. That is the standard. VMSP does not allow customizing the templates.

jmcginnes wrote on 2/4/2009, 12:55 PM

Thanks much.... I get it, except: VMSP 8's "Make a Movie" tool allows the user to select from a variety of rendering 'templates' all under the MPEG 2 format, including one labeled 'default' and a separate one called 'DVD NTSC' (the latter creating files 10% larger than the former). Not knowing a heck of a lot, I'd have assumed that 'DVD NTSC' would actually be the default template, but apparently it's not. So...What's the difference between the two templates - other than a slightly larger file size?? Both are with an MPEG 2 format. ( I made short clips using both templates, created a DVD and could not see any significant difference between them on my HD TV.)

Ivan Lietaert wrote on 2/4/2009, 1:42 PM

Some mpg2 templates render video only. You have to render the audio separately and then join the two together in DVDA. That may explain the 10 per cent difference in file size. Or the bitrate may be different.
Nero and DVDA basically do the same. If you stick to Nero, of course choose a template that both renders audio and video.

Concerning your 4x3 camcorder: are you aware that you can create 16:9 in two ways: either use trackmotion (affects the whole video track) or use pan/crop (affects the video event). You will loose some resolution because you basically zoom in on the video, but the result will still be nice, and better looking on your widescreen tv because the black bars left and right will be gone. Give it a try!

jmcginnes wrote on 2/4/2009, 3:08 PM

thanks again.....