I was just wondering why would you encode a dvd to mpg4. I always assumed that your never going to get a video better that the original. If its just to reduce the file size for computer viewing the nero codec deosn't seem any better than any other program reducing the bitrate.
encoding to mpg4 may not be of any good to you. But to other people there are many advantages. I will try to list a few:
1. smaller file size for internet downloading and uploading in much shorter time. The same reason why MP3 was so popular comparing to the WAV format.
2. for storage, some block buster come in at 4 gig and some at 7 gig. imagine how many dvd can u store in a 200 gig harddrive? not much. but if u convert it to mp4, the quality would be a little less, but u could fit 4 to 5 times more.
3. u would be proud of yourself for being one the early adopters of the future. becuase high definition video is using (h.264)which is mp4
What other codec are u comparing it to? these are some popular one: DivX,xivd,wmv,Nero recode. they are all base one h.264(mp4). To me they are all the same, one trade speed for quality and the other trade quality for speed. the other try to balance between speed/quality. hope this is of help.
I can change the bitrate on an mpg-2 and have almost the comparabe compression ratios. Your right mpg4's are the next thing. But until I can buy an HD DVD player or a psp of what use are they.
let me state some facts first.: most dvds are encoded in mpg2 at 4-8 megabits/s thats why they come out to 4-8 gigabyte.
now, u can set the bitrate on both the mpg2 and mpg4 to let say 800kilobits/s and the final size will be similar around 1-2 gigabyte as u have found out. But what about quality??? i doubt that anyone would ever want to watch that encoded mpg2. But!, that small encoded mpg4 will be close to the original huge 4-8 gigabyte dvd.
So, as i said, u can encode 100s or perhaps 1000s of dvds and store them in your computer - have them at your finger tip without breaking your bank account. and the quality if almost as good as the origianl.
