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DVD Flick or VSO ConvertXtoDVD
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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9. April 2009 @ 06:25 |
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I'm currently using DVD Flick to re-encode my avi, mpeg, mov, etc files to DVD format. DVD Flick works fine, but it's very time consuming. Would VSO ConvertXtoDVD be better? What about AVItoDVD? How would they all compare speed and picture quality wise? Anyone?
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MilesAhed
Member
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9. April 2009 @ 13:25 |
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What are you running on? If you have a multi-core system I'd give FAVC a try. Set it to use as many video converter instances as you have cores. Only thing I've found with FAVC is it can crap out if you set the bitrate too high. I usually set the max to 4000, whether using QuEnc or HC encoders.
It's good to have a bunch of encoders because they all seem to have different strengths afa input formats. AviDemux is good for messing with .avi but I think every .wmv I loaded into it caused it to crash. So different tools for different jobs. With FAVC all my cores run at 100% during the video encoding, so whatever else it may be, it's fast!
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AfterDawn Addict
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9. April 2009 @ 18:34 |
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Quote:
I'd give FAVC a try. Set it to use as many video converter instances as you have cores. Only thing I've found with FAVC is it can crap out if you set the bitrate too high. I usually set the max to 4000, whether using QuEnc or HC encoders.
Might as well stick to DVD Flick then, there is no advantage to using a better encoder if you limit it to 4000 kb/s. Plus it appears the OP is concerned about speed.
To the OP, the other free solutions that use HCenc will take longer to encode. Quality will be slightly better on longer run times as long as you don't cripple them with a low max bitrate. Also note DVD Flick is a mature program that works well right out of the box while the others will take some codec fiddling.
CXD3 is probably the fastest of the bunch and is both stable and mature. It has many useful functions for cropping/padding and audio choices.
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MilesAhed
Member
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10. April 2009 @ 22:53 |
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You don't have to use a better encoder. If you want speed, QuEnc single pass running 4 copies gets it done. If you want maximal quality that's something else. You seem to straddle the fence between the 2. Although "stick with flick" sounds pretty cool I have to admit. :)
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Moderator
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11. April 2009 @ 05:55 |
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I have a few other programs but i personally swear by both DVD Flick and ConvertXtoDVD (version 2.x).
Silly as it sounds I haven't checked the runtime of DVD Flick for ages, version 1.3.0.6 seems to run quicker than previous versions. I only use Flick for joining 2part AVI's, haven't used it for single AVI conversions. No reason, other than i use ConvertXtoDVD for ALL single AVI conversions - i really like ConvertXtoDVD's batch mode, i queue up loads of conversions, hit Convert and leave it to it.
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AfterDawn Addict
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11. April 2009 @ 12:34 |
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Originally posted by creaky:
I have a few other programs but i personally swear by both DVD Flick and ConvertXtoDVD (version 2.x).
Silly as it sounds I haven't checked the runtime of DVD Flick for ages, version 1.3.0.6 seems to run quicker than previous versions. I only use Flick for joining 2part AVI's, haven't used it for single AVI conversions. No reason, other than i use ConvertXtoDVD for ALL single AVI conversions - i really like ConvertXtoDVD's batch mode, i queue up loads of conversions, hit Convert and leave it to it.
You gotta move up to version 3, it's a great upgrade. It now truly merges (almost anything, subtitles too). The new Video Processing options are great as are it's new audio capabilities. All it needs now is the option to manually set the video bitrate manually when desired.
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Moderator
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11. April 2009 @ 14:44 |
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It's on my list when i can get around to it, i must admit, i get a little wary of changing versions when something just keeps working. At the moment though i'm spending most of my time on converting the other way around ie from DVD to AVI. Cheers for the suggestion though, i'll bear it in mind.
Main PC ~ Intel C2Q Q6600 (G0 Stepping)/Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3/2GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec 900/Corsair HX 620W
Network ~ DD-WRT ~ 2node WDS-WPA2/AES ~ Buffalo WHR-G54S. 3node WPA2/AES ~ WRT54GS v6 (inc. WEP BSSID), WRT54G v2, WRT54G2 v1. *** Forum Rules ***
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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12. April 2009 @ 18:37 |
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So I've tried convertxtoDVD and while the speed is faster than DVD Flick the quality doesn't seem as good. Why is the video TS folder so small after conversion with convertx compared to DVD flick? I like the menu options on Convertx. That's the only think flick doesn't do as well. DVD flick's menu options are really weak. I guess I'll stick with DVD flick then.
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N2DVD
Senior Member
1 product review
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13. April 2009 @ 00:01 |
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ConvertXtoDVD...is easy to use for converting AVI/DIVX...even DVD to DVD....too easy. Hey I drag and drop files right into this program....remove the My DVD title option, Select Image Wall as my menu option, Open title parameters, select title poster art from my personal files and use them as my menu background, Select video option, then re-size method, set my aspect ratio to 16:9 @ user defined symmetric pad & crop 20/70, select OK then convert. Works perfect every time. I can even add music to my menus if needed.....ConvertXtoDVD the best. Remember ease of use....this program is it.
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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13. April 2009 @ 15:30 |
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DVD Flick is really easy to use too. Plus it seems to convert the files at a better quality.
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AfterDawn Addict
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13. April 2009 @ 17:59 |
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Originally posted by Hieuly77:
DVD Flick is really easy to use too. Plus it seems to convert the files at a better quality.
Not really, it seems rather dyslexic in it's button placement.
Do you have CXD set at 'High quality --> Slow encoding time'?
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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13. April 2009 @ 19:59 |
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No I don't should I?
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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13. April 2009 @ 20:00 |
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I just started using ConvertXtoDVD so I still need to fiddle around with it a little more. Not too proficient in it yet. Ok you guys got me convinced, I'll give it a chance before deciding which converter to use.
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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14. April 2009 @ 00:09 |
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I tried CXD set at 'High quality --> Slow encoding time and the video TS file is still pretty small. Am I doing something wrong? I figure if it's a whole movie plus menus the file shouldn't be that small. It's only like 2 gigs. Shouldn't a whole movie backup with menus be at least 4 gigs?
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N2DVD
Senior Member
1 product review
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14. April 2009 @ 12:53 |
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2 gigs is average (compressed)....used the steps I listed above...aspect ratio set as mentioned will increase picture quality.:)
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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14. April 2009 @ 15:16 |
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Originally posted by N2DVD:
2 gigs is average (compressed)....used the steps I listed above...aspect ratio set as mentioned will increase picture quality.:)
I tried using those steps you mentioned and no dice. It's still only 2.64 gigs on disc. I even did the high quality slow encoding. Set the aspect ratio to 20/70 and still the video ts file is small. Any other advice?
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AfterDawn Addict
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14. April 2009 @ 15:58 |
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Try another file. CXD is pretty good at figuring out what is needed, which is different than simply filling the disc. I often find dark movies come out smaller.
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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14. April 2009 @ 16:35 |
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Originally posted by MysticE:
Try another file. CXD is pretty good at figuring out what is needed, which is different than simply filling the disc. I often find dark movies come out smaller.
So file size on disc has nothing to do with quality? Cause I've tried converting the same file with both DVD Flick and CXD. Flick's video TS files are always bigger than CXD. So am I doing something wrong? Or is that just how CXD works?
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CAGal
Member
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13. May 2009 @ 08:56 |
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ConvertXtoDVD uses variable bitrate to encode video. If your target output size is not reached (ie you are not converting files big enough to fill the disk or output size defined) no compression will be applied during the conversion (as none would be necessary) and ConvertXtoDVD can therefore attribute as much bitrate necessary for different scenes. For scenes that do not need much bitrate little will be applied, therefore leaving enough for complexe scenes requiring more bitrate. I guess you could have "left over"/ extra bitrate, but appling it throughout the video will not increase the quality if each scene already received as much bitrate as it would have liked.
The size and quality of the original file will have an impact on how much bitrate is used and provided by ConvertXtoDVD. In the case of ConvertXtoDVD the size of the output is not the best way to determine quality, watch the result to see if it is good or not.
*This explanation is only valid if you are not filling the disk. In the log file you an entry you can read:
Info Total size 521 Mb., Target size DVD5 4300 Mb., Occupation 12,14%
DVD Flick is using variable bitrate too, no?
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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13. May 2009 @ 15:18 |
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I went ahead and started using ConvertxtoDvd. There are just so many more options. I love that they split the movie into chapters. DVD Flick does not do this and Convert X has way better menu options. I guess I just had to play with it a little. I just set it to best quality and time critical and it seems to work just fine. Thanks everybody for you help.
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AfterDawn Addict
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13. May 2009 @ 18:00 |
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Originally posted by Hieuly77:
I went ahead and started using ConvertxtoDvd. There are just so many more options. I love that they split the movie into chapters. DVD Flick does not do this and Convert X has way better menu options. I guess I just had to play with it a little. I just set it to best quality and time critical and it seems to work just fine. Thanks everybody for you help.
Do note that CXD encoding works a bit differently than most apps when it comes to filling a DVD. If using 'High Quality - Slow' with a movie with a lot of high action you actually don't want a full disc, >95% occupancy, in this case the 'Medium' setting will produce a smaller output but CXD will have more bitrate available to assign to the complex scenes. It is usually the complex scenes where we notice problems/artifacts. The 'Quality' settings in CXD should be viewed as 'Profiles'. Also with longer run times (say a 150+ minute movie with 1/2 action) the 'Medium' setting should produce the best quality. Let your eyes be your guide.
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Hieuly77
Junior Member
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13. May 2009 @ 21:29 |
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Ok thanks. I didn't realize that. I just assumed that if you put high quality then the conversion would be better.
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CAGal
Member
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14. May 2009 @ 04:07 |
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It is normal you thought that Hieuly77, everyone does, and I did for a very long time, because the wording used for these setting is rather very poor and inaccurate of the their actual behavior.
In addition to what MysticE said:
ConvertXtoDVD has its own automatic and rather accurate method of calculating how to distribute bitrate based on the length in time of a total project.
Here is a good rule of thumb to follow:
0-80 minutes select high setting
80-160 minutes medium setting
over 160 minutes low setting
(low and medium doesn't mean really low quality- but start will low base in order to be able to attribute bitrate nicely throughout entire movie-especially complex scenes)
The average level for bitrate is higher or lower based on the high, medium, or lower settings. That way, depending on the length of the file, more bitrate will be available for complex scenes (and attribute less to "simple" scenes. Setting at medium generally will insure that for average long conversions (1 movie) the engine will have sufficient bitrate to distribute throughout the whole file will providing sufficient amount to complex scenes (as not to see a drop in quality). 2 pass encoding is a good way avoid problem encoders can have with such bitrate distribution. 2 pass when integrated into ConvertXtoDVD will probably not show much of a difference as it already has a "smart" way of calculating bitrate distribution based on length of project conversions.
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taisho
Newbie
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25. October 2009 @ 17:29 |
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Hieuly77
All the tech stuff aside. DVD Flick is a great program for the price, and for the picture is gives you. An last, for the interaction.
Many say it is a must because CX2DVD has so many more options. I have both of them and I say to that-so what! Do you want to spend your time watching great movies or playing with "shadow effects".
I will give CX2DVD credit it is faster at processing. My thing right now is putting titles on the DVDs. CX2DVD let me down in that dept(have question on another thread). Where as Flick has a very easy and interactive subtitle area. The folks at VSO even said they are working on CX2DVD, making that area better.
I say, if your working and can afford VSO, buy it for the speed. It is good and reliable. It has even greater potential. But, you cant beat D Flick,a great price. Personally, I like that you get a look at the movie with it subtitles before you record. VSO, said that a feature like that is too difficult. That is a can do spirit! Where as, DVD Flick appears to be Human led, rather than Engineer led software. Yes, and it is the Pit Bull of conversion Software.
Taisho
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Senior Member
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26. October 2009 @ 03:42 |
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I stopped using dvd flick a while back, when during a conversion of "Benjamin Buttons" the audio was off by quite a bit. ConvertX2DVD was able to put it back in sync easily.
Also, I had problems with converting other types of files to dvd (mp4, mpg, mpeg) and it would not allow alot of the subtitle files, where as CXD did.
AVItoDVD did a very good job converting, but it was very picky on the type of files it would convert, and would take several hours to complete.
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