I have read some folks in here say any time you convert a file (VOB to MPEG) from one format to another, you are going to have video quality loss. Then, I have read folks saying use MPEG2VCR as a converter and there will be NO loss in video quality. Which is it?
Anytime you re-encode video from one format to another you'll sacrifice quality. But VOB files use the mpeg2 video format so you can convert a VOB file to mpeg2 without re-encoding the video. So, no quality loss. When you convert just make sure your software isn't re-encoding. Software like Mpeg2vcr and VideoRedo can do lossless conversions from VOB to mpeg2.
Thanks, Moonrocks. That makes me feel much better. But now, once I take that converted (VOB to MPEG2) file and use it in an editor, then save it to DVD, is there again going to be no quality loss - because I'll just be converting it back to VOB again (by saving it to a DVD). Or is it by editing it, the editor itself has some kind of encoding that it saves my movie in until I'm ready to save it to DVD? I hope I'm being clear enough. By the way, the editor I'm using is Video Explosion Deluxe - from what I've read it's a retooled version of Vegas.
From what I was able to find out about the software you're using I can tell a few things. 1. It isn't related in any way to Sony Vegas. 2. It uses MyDVD for authoring, which last I knew (version 4) always re-encodes files when authoring, even if it doesn't need to. I'd stick with moonrocks' suggestion to either use one of Womble's products of VideoReDo. I use VideoReDo personally, but either should do the job equally well.
Actually, I was going to use Nero Vision Express to do the DVD authoring. Is that a good one - that is, one that will give me no loss in video quality when I burn the DVD? If not, what is an authoring program that will give me the best results?
As long as you have Nero SmartEncoding set to Automatic it shouldn't re-encode unless the video is either too big for a blank DVD or not DVD compliant (generally meaning not the right resolution). If it came from a DVD it should certainly be DVD compliant. Setting SmartEncoding to Avtivate instead will tell Nero Vision to never encode compliant video, even if it won't fit on a blank disc. Even though it's for a different format, the guide I posted yesterday on encoding to Nero Digital has instructions for setting that option about 2/3 of the way down this page: http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/nero_digital_encoding_page_3.cfm
Hey guys, I just got some converter program (I'm on another computer right now and I don't remember which one) and I converted VOB files to mpeg2 files and they had no audio, or at least no audio that could be read in Vista Windows Media Player, or when I burned these files onto a DVD using the Windows DVD maker that came with Vista. I then converted these mpeg2 files into AVIs and the audio was back, but I'm sure it was less quality than was contained in the original VOB files. I still have all the different file variations of each original VOB file. A VOB, an mpeg2 and an AVI of each. I'm wondering if I even need to make a DVD of the AVIs or if they would just work as a data CD like an mp3 CD that plays in my DVD player. I would still like to create a real DVD with either the VOBs or the mpeg2 files. I just don't understand where the audio went. It is a possibility that because the program is a trial version that it purposely corrupted the mpeg2s, but I doubt it. Also, I didn't know what to do with the .ifo files or the .hub file that came with the full Video VTS folder that all these files came in. This all came from a download from a bit torrent site. I know this is a lot of info, but I'm sure you experienced folks know what I'm dealing with. Thanks
How about if I were to use Adobe Encore DVD 1.5 to author these files? Does Encore re-encode when burning to DVD? Is the Encore video quality good? Great? Perfect?
VOB is a specific 'container' for MPEG files. There is no loss going from VOB to MPEG (think of it as dumping the MPEG out of a bag). MPEG files only have a full picture every 15 frames or so. If you cut it from one of these 'I' frames to another you don't have to re-encode. Anyplace else and you have at least a few frames to encode. Any 'special effects' require encoding also. Video ReDo and Womble are two editors that work with MPEG2 files with minimal encoding. After editing you need to stuff it back into the VOB 'sack' with an authoring program.
Okay, so does an authoring program re-encode or no? Or is it that some authoring programs do and some don't?
A pure authoring program, like DVD-Lab Pro for example, doesn't re-encode. Unfortunately pure authoring programs are the exception and not the rule. Most authoring programs, like Nero, are only a part of larger all-in-one type software packages. This usually means you need to find the right settings to stop them from re-encoding. Other software will re-encode no matter what. That, and the fact that authoring-only software tends to have more features, is why I use DVD-Lab Pro; but that's a personal preference from someone who uses advanced features most people have no use for.
