Request Video Quality settings to watch on 43" LCD

[Boogittty]

I would like for someone to give me their video settings that they are happy with. I am recording from Directtv and using VideoRedo Suite for requantizing but when I watch the DVD on my 43" 1080P LCD tv, the picture is not as sharp as I thought it would be. I know it will be SD and that is OK, but I think I have something set wrong. I would also like to keep the file to a size that will fit on a single dvd. Here are my settings:


Name: 2.5GB/Hour DVD Long Play
Type: MPEG-2
Audio Frequency: 48000
Audio Bitrate: 224000
Frames per second: 29.970
Dimensions (pixels): Custom 720 x 480
Video Bitrate: 5750
Variable Bitrate Encoding Enable: Not Checked
MPEG2 Stream Type: Program Stream
Bidirectional (Interpolative) Frames Per Group: 2
Predictive Frames Per Group: 4
I found these settings from a previous post but they are quite old according to the date of the post.
Thanks,
Boogity

[Bigbird999]

Try enabling vbr at 4000 base 9000 max gives a file size about 1.9GB/hr. I think you can go all the way to 6000 base 12000 max with about 4 GB/hr.


Experiment and see if you are happier with the PQ

BB

Edit: Select show more options in the settings/recording preferences/list all qualities/edit screen of the web admin.

BB

[Boogittty]

Bigbird999,
I have changed to the settings you recommended and have a recording set for tonight. I will post back tomorrow and give you an update. I appreciate your quick response.
Boogity

[Bigbird999]

I assumed that you are using cable or STB as source. What is your video source? What tuner? You should also be aware that SD on that 43" LCD may never be sharp, especially if you are comparing to HD. 720x480 may not have enough pixels to give you the PQ you want, but the VBR settings should be better than the CBR you were using

BB

[Boogittty]

yes, I am using Directtv satellite with Svideo and Hauppauge 150MCE tuner card.
Yes I know SD will not ever be as sharp as HD but what I was seeing is more like being out of focus. I am looking forward to the new recording with your settings. I went with 4000/9000.
Thanks,
Boogity

[Boogittty]

Bigbird999,
That definately made a BIG difference! Question? Would you raise the resolution or increase the VBR to make it even better, or adjust both without getting the file size too big?
Thanks,
Boogity

[Bigbird999]

Don't change the resolution. For one thing it has to be 720x480 to be video DVD compliant. The law of diminishing returns applies, but give a higher bitrate a try. If you double the average bitrate the file size doubles. In web admin, it shows you what the approx file will be for your default settings. The settings I gave you will give a 2 GB/hr file . 6000 - 12000 might give you 4 GB/hr with some, but not a lot of PQ improvement. Like I said above, experiment, and find the sweet spot for your setup. You also might want to experiment with the recording settings for the Hauppauge card. Search the forums there is a lengthy thread about tweaking your Hauppauge card to maximize PQ, but if it is pretty good already, any improvements willbe marginal.

BB

[Boogittty]

That's why I asked, I was thinking the resolution change would be a mistake. I left it alone and changed to 5000/10000 vbr. I will seach for tweaking my Huppauge card just in case I have something wrong but I may be a the best right now. I have another one scheduled for tonight and will see. It is already so much better.....



I really appreciate your help and will keep you posted.
Thanks,
Boogity