mpeg2 Encoding Questions

[Fred Miller]

I think you need to ask your client more questions. It sounds as if he’s describing a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM with an auto executable file, but that’s just crazy talk. It opens up the “end user” pandora’s box.

COMPRESSOR encodes MPEG video and AIFF audio separately and then you must mux it together. I haven’t done anything like that in years and never with COMPRESSOR files. COMPRESSSOR was designed to make files (audio and video) that would then be brought into a DVD authoring program like DVD studio pro. That’s where the muxing normally happens, when your building the VIDEO TS folder contents before burning to disk.

I would suggest talking your client into a normally authored DVD and then make sure it’s authored to play in the appropriate zones for DVD playback where ever he’s going. A DVD, if authored correctly, will behave exactly the way he describes what he’s asked you to give, but with a lot less hassle.

You need to ask your client to explain EXACTLY (what’s he playing this disc in? Is that device feeding an external monitor? Is it for large group, or will they be huddled around his laptop? Does this device play DVD’s?) how he’s planning on using these files. It’s the only way to understand if that’s what he really needs. If he insists on what you described in your original post, I’m sorry, this has been no help.

[Ray Lane]

Definately ask for more dpecifics, but my first thought was that he wants a DVD with no menus that automaticall plays the video when put into the player.

This would be done by setting the track with your video as the “first play” item.

As for your mpegs, when you export to MPEG2, you will actually get a video file with an .m2v ectension, and an .aiff audio file. Bring both of these into DVD Studio (I assume thats what you are using), and place them in a track.

[Don Greening]

I’m going to have to go with Ray on this one. I actually started this reply before I read Ray’s post but I’ll keep the message the same.

Your client’s request may end up being simpler to satisfy than you think. Ask if what they mean by “self starting MPEG2 disks” actually means they want a DVD to begin playing automatically without having to push the play button on a remote control. If that’s the case then all you need to do (if you’re using DVD Studio Pro) is to connect the “first play” in the connections window to your main movie, which will also be found in the connections window opposite (right side) to the first play connection.

You should also choose to use the audio compression program APack to encode your audio instead of getting Compressor to work with the AIF file. AIF files cause some DVD players to choke on the high bit rates, and although it won’t matter for your 22 min. presentaion, an APack file size represents a significant savings on DVD disk space. APack comes bundled with DVD SP.

To quickly sum up:

Export your movie from the FCP timeline as a self contained movie and leave the “include audio” button UN-checked. Then export the AIF audio from within FCP as a stereo file (no video).

Open the AIF file in APack and encode as a stereo left and right file. Settings are 192 bit rate, normalizing to -31 so the dialogue doesn’t change. Set compression preset to “none”.

Use Compressor to encode your movie to MPEG2 and then import that and the APack 192 bit rate file into DVD Studio Pro. Highlight both files in the DVD SP assets window and drag them to the timeline. They will be automatically be in sync.

– Don

[Walter Biscardi]

[D Phillips] “One request has me puzzled… the client has asked for “self-starting mpeg2 discs” before he travels to India next Tuesday. I’m not sure what this is. “

You simply set the “Start Up” item in DVD Studio Pro to be the video track instead of a menu. When the disc is inserted, the video will automatically start playing the video in a few seconds.

I create looping DVD’s for trade shows in this manner. At the end of the video, the DVD is instructed to jump back to the same video track so the people working the trade show don’t have to even deal with the DVD at all. Just insert the disk and it automatically starts playing and loops.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Creative Genius, Biscardi Creative Media
https://www.biscardicreative.com

Now in Production, “The Rough Cut,” https://www.theroughcutmovie.com

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[David]

I appreciate the input, and yes you are correct… there need to be more questions asked and answered. Unfortunately, there is a producer in-between that is providing the media to the client, and my lack of knowledge has definately led to fewer questions being asked.

The delivered media request includes the following… see if it rings any bells…

1 – beta sp ntsc
1 – beta sp pal
2 – dvd
11 – self starting mpeg2 cd’s

Since he has specified dvd’s and cd’s seperate, is he implying that he needs video cd’s with mpeg2? If so, how would this be achieved?

You stated: “You need to ask your client to explain EXACTLY (what’s he playing this disc in? Is that device feeding an external monitor? Is it for large group, or will they be huddled around his laptop? Does this device play DVD’s?) how he’s planning on using these files. It’s the only way to understand if that’s what he really needs.”

I will do so today with the producer, and see what responses I get.

Time is of the essence… I’m getting sweetened audio this a.m. for layback to the master, and am to provide media for delivery via air courier to client by tomorrow morning.

How do I get myself into these things?

Thanks for your help.

[Ed Dooley]

At the risk of making all this speculation about what they mean even more complicated, it’s possible that the reason they differentiate between dvds and “self-starting” mpeg2 cds is that they want VCDs or SVCDs, which use MPEG-2 compression on CDs instead of DVDs. They were developed in China, with government support and are very common in Asia. They play on lots of DVD players (in Asia), as well as CD players.
Check this out: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/userguides/98177.php
HTH,
Ed

[David] “The delivered media request includes the following… see if it rings any bells…

1 – beta sp ntsc
1 – beta sp pal
2 – dvd
11 – self starting mpeg2 cd’s

Since he has specified dvd’s and cd’s seperate, is he implying that he needs video cd’s with mpeg2? If so, how would this be achieved? “

[David]

Excellent Information…

This helps me understand what the client is asking for. Based on his market(s), the CD and VCD, SVCD formats make sense. My next question would be… how do I make these happen?

My backup would be to export files to a hard drive and travel to the local duplication house– paying them to create the media. But is there another way?

Thanks again for the input. Good stuff.

[Ed Dooley]

Here are a couple of links for making SVCDs:
https://homepage.mac.com/rnc/
https://homepage.mac.com/major4/
https://mac.softpedia.com/get/Video/MissingMpegTools.shtml

ed

[David]

Thanks for the links…

Another question you might be able to offer some expertise on… If you had to encode a 22 minute video, that included fine detail video (i.e. screen-shots of demo, captured through scan converter to beta sp)… what method of encoding would you use? Compressor to make mpeg 2 files? If so… what kind of bit rates, settings do I need to be concious of to make sure I have the highest level of quality?

Obviously, I’m struggling! Any help would be appreciated.

[Ed Dooley]

I don’t use Compressor much. For high quality on Mac I use Bitvice. I use Procoder on PC. Search through the Compression forum for info on both of them, as well as bit-rate and settings info.
Ed