Kkraning and Lacourse,
Suspect you are starting with MPEG-1 files to encode the VCD. If so, your quality will be less than desirable. If you start with a DV (.avi) file, you will be much happier with the product of the VCD. I fought this issue for a long time when all I had to work with was analog capability (capture to MPEG only). I found out that the quality of output will almost never be better than the quality of source clips you are using. Starting with captured DV clips (.avi), the VCD's I've created using VF2.0c are very acceptable (while not commercial grade DVD) even on my 56" big screen TV and I'm pretty critical. Recommend you capture in DV, edit, and then produce the VCD. Hope this helps.
Randy

Thanks Randy - I am already using DV captured directly from my Canon ZR-45 camera, rendering as MPEG-2, then creating a VCD from there. I did some reading about unchecking the "fast video resizing" option and am trying that now.....

Thanks for the input sofar. One thing I need to clarify. I am using a combination of DV and movie clips but mostly digital still shots from a reasonably good quality digital camera. It is the still photos that I am most unhappy with. Do I need to render to avi first, it that the secret? What about Vegas Video or other similar applications?

Kkraning,
I use still pictures in almost every video I produce and have had pretty good results. The photos come from hard copy that I've scanned in using a $29 OneTouch Visioneer set at the highest quality (600dpi) (don't have a digital still camera). To see a sample of the quality, visit Chienworks site at http://www.chienworks.com/media/vidfact/
and stream the stewartr002 Adventures in Saudi Arabia video. The quality of my video on that site is on the low side...256K for web...especially when viewed full screen but is not bad considering it's 15 fps and a medium to low bit rate setting (to keep the file size down). I've produced a VCD of that show and the quality showing on the big screen TV is at least as good as when viewed in the small window of WMV...very little grain showing. I didn't render to avi first. Rather, right to VCD after hitting the produce button. I'm using VF2.0c and my clips are from VHS source that is passed through a Sony Digital8 Handycam TRV-120 and captured as DV (.avi). Hope all this helps you compare quality. It may be that you are really looking for a DVD level quality which will require producing at MPEG-2 and a DVD burner. I've been pretty happy (but not totally estatic) with the VF VCD quality. Of course, I can't wait to get a DVD burner so that I can reach a higher standard. Good luck!
Randy

See my post at:

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=101599&Page=1

Johnmeyer,

Does the TMPGEnc come in the new 2.0c download? I installed that download already but I am not sure If I got the encoder you're referring to. How can I check?

I found that the VCD quality still pixelated with the 2.0c update but maybe I have the older encoder still...not sure.

TMPGEnc (for Tsunami MPG Encoder) is one of the best encoders available. It is made by one Japanese guy who was apparently paying attention in math class when they were talking about algorithms. He also always does his homework, as he constantly improves on his product. Find this gem at http://www.tmpgenc.net/

Yes, as p_I says, this is not a Sonic Foundry product, but a shareware product available at the site he notes.

John

hey, Guys, I got and have used the TMPGEnc plug-in. The quality is muchmuch better.

I used the slowest (highest quality) rendering speed for an uncompressed .avi to .mpeg-1. I even used the settings that are supposed to get rid of pixelation (block noise).

It was better ovreall but still I could see some noise when it was strectched over a 17-inch computer screen. Small size was beautiful.

Do you have any settings using TMPGEnc. you can recommend that have given you high quality results for making VCD's (mpeg-1)viewed on 17 inch to 21 inch screen (basically as little noise sa possible)

After I make the mpeg-1 in the TMPGEnc i burn it to CD-R with Nero 5.5.

Any recommendations?

Thanks for the link and any help.

Hello dhamma, could you "post" your process using TMPGEnc for MPEG-1? I've look at the "How-To" pages for that software and apart from my eyes glazing over and losing the will to live, I am sure it is fathomable - Soooooo do you have "This Idiot's Guide" to that SW avaiable and in a way I could understnad it? Please please yes please!

Tarah

Grazie

What are the mpeg encoders like in VideoWave 5.0? Are they any good? If I use those, will I get back into the old VW "out of sync" problems?

Hi Grazie,

Actually I started in Video Factory by rendering a 30 second video (just for practice). I rendered it as an uncompressed .avi file.

I then open up TMPGEnc which starts with a wizard. The default preset is a VCD. So, I just clicked "Next". I loaded in my uncompressed .avi. I saw at different times filters that I could apply. The filter I was most interested in was the one to get rid of "Block Noise". So, I checked the box for that filter.

Now, what helped me most was to guide the arrow pointer over the various words. That would display a little description tag explaining the function of each filter. Honestly, I just read and thought 'What the hell, I'll try it and see what happens.

Because my video sample was only 30 seconds, I tried many different settings in TMPGEnc. I burned them to a CDRW in Nero and watch it back on my computer screen to see if the rendering was any better. I did notice improvement over the MainConcept plug-in that comes with VF 2.0c

Sorry I can't give you more of a professional answer. I'm new at this,too.

That's why I was writing to find out some settings that JohnMeyer and others were using to get completely rid of the block noise (a.k.a. pixelation)

Good luck!

I do have the TMPGEnc software - but how is it used in conjuction with VF?
Once an original .AVI is edited etc. in VF, how do you get it into TMPGEnc for exporting to .MPG? Or does one have to export it from VF as AVI, then go to TMPGEnc to encode? Or is that a stupid question...?

I had to laugh when I read Grazie's comment about "eyes glazing over and losing the will to live". I often feel the same way when trying to work with these amazing products which often don't have very comprehensive helpfiles. I'm more of a creator than a techie, so all those specs eventually become tiresome.

P.J.

dhamma - thanks for your time in writing this back to the Forum. I'll give it go and make sure there are no small furry soft innocent creatures within my vicinity.


And thanks to pjfarr for the appreciation shown regarding my obviusly well developed sense of humour.


Again thank you.

Tarah

Grazie

pjfarr,

I'm a newbie at VF and TMPGEnc.

I did the following:
1) edit in VF
2) export your creation as an uncompressed .avi in VF (save it in some familar location)
3) open TMPGEnc
4) Load in your uncompressed .avi fle that you created in VF
5) Tweak away
6)The final product should turn your uncompressed .avi into an MPEG-1 with i TMPGEnc

Now, is there a way you can do all of this with in VF...I don't know. It's a two step rendering process for me (1st rendering in VF...second in TMPGEnc)


Anybody got some presets they'd like to share for TMPGEnc that gives lovely VCD results on a big monitor/TV???????????????

Yes there is.

I've just created MPEG-1 clips straight from the VF timeline.

1. Click on "Make Movie" on the toolbar.
2. Select the file format - Main Concept MPEG-1 - all the usual suspects are there
3. Select Template

and voila

Tarah

Grazie