Higest bit rate for DVD? at DVinfo.net

James Binder · June 21st, 2005, 04:34 PM

What's the highest constant bit rate I can render/use? I have a very short program (15 min) to burn to DVD and would like to use the available space for maxium quality. (rendering main concept mpg2)

Or bertter phrased -- what's the higest constant bit rate a consumer DVD player can play back?

thanks --

Am I correct in assuming that a (high) constant bit rate will give better results than a variable rate -- since I have the extra space on the DVD?

Matt Ockenfels · June 21st, 2005, 05:48 PM

I believe that the combined bitrate of the video and all audio streams associated with it can't exceed 9800kbps according to the DVD spec. Because players vary, a good maximum target could be 8000 or so.

Keep in mind this is video and audio. If you AC-3 encode you'll have more space for video.

Cheers,

-Matt

Brad Higerd · June 21st, 2005, 07:10 PM

We use 9800kbps regularly and have never seen or heard of a problem on any player.

Peter Jefferson · June 21st, 2005, 07:28 PM

"Or bertter phrased -- what's the higest constant bit rate a consumer DVD player can play back?"

8000 is a safe and a good bet for decent quality.

as for players playing 9800 constant without a problem, im yet to see this, from high end to low end players. Ive tested on numerous players and each different model performs differently.
For best compatibility, use a figure which will give the player enough headroom to buffer the files before playback. some old players cant even play 8000 so thats another thing to consider..

James Binder · June 21st, 2005, 08:42 PM

thanks guys --

Jeff Baker · July 2nd, 2005, 07:41 AM

What model dvd burner and media combination are you using for your 9800kbps recording?
I often send dvd's to friends who can't play the whole dvd without skipping or errors unless I keep the rate between 6-7500. I am using ac3 audio.

Edward Troxel · July 2nd, 2005, 08:41 AM

Jeff, I think you're doing the right thing. Getting too close to the maximum is asking for problems on many DVD players.

Greg Boston · July 2nd, 2005, 08:51 AM

That's why my vote goes to variable bit rate as opposed to constant. That way, a good multipass encoder can have room to bump up the data rate momentarily to maintain higher visual quality.

-gb-

Jeff Baker · July 2nd, 2005, 11:27 AM

Yes, 2-pass VBR 4 min, 7 avg, 8 max seems to yield very playable DVDs for me at very high mpeg2 quality. Works well with HDV footage conversions as well. Encoder quality set to best.

June 21st, 2005, 04:34 PM	#1
James Binder Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NY, NYC Posts: 367	Higest bit rate for DVD? What's the highest constant bit rate I can render/use? I have a very short program (15 min) to burn to DVD and would like to use the available space for maxium quality. (rendering main concept mpg2) Or bertter phrased -- what's the higest constant bit rate a consumer DVD player can play back? thanks -- Am I correct in assuming that a (high) constant bit rate will give better results than a variable rate -- since I have the extra space on the DVD?

June 21st, 2005, 05:48 PM	#2
Matt Ockenfels Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Issaquah, WA Posts: 62	I believe that the combined bitrate of the video and all audio streams associated with it can't exceed 9800kbps according to the DVD spec. Because players vary, a good maximum target could be 8000 or so. Keep in mind this is video and audio. If you AC-3 encode you'll have more space for video. Cheers, -Matt __________________ Matt Ockenfels a pixel a day keeps boredom at bay

July 2nd, 2005, 07:41 AM	#6
Jeff Baker Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northampton, MA Posts: 184	What model dvd burner and media combination are you using for your 9800kbps recording? I often send dvd's to friends who can't play the whole dvd without skipping or errors unless I keep the rate between 6-7500. I am using ac3 audio. __________________ Canon C100, 5D3

July 2nd, 2005, 08:41 AM	#7
Edward Troxel Sponsor: JET DV Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 7,953	Jeff, I think you're doing the right thing. Getting too close to the maximum is asking for problems on many DVD players. __________________ Edward Troxel [SCVU] JETDV Scripts/Scripting Tutorials/Excalibur/Montage Magic/Newsletters

July 2nd, 2005, 11:27 AM	#9
Jeff Baker Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northampton, MA Posts: 184	Yes, 2-pass VBR 4 min, 7 avg, 8 max seems to yield very playable DVDs for me at very high mpeg2 quality. Works well with HDV footage conversions as well. Encoder quality set to best. __________________ Canon C100, 5D3

June 21st, 2005, 07:10 PM	#3
Brad Higerd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 186	We use 9800kbps regularly and have never seen or heard of a problem on any player.

June 21st, 2005, 07:28 PM	#4
Peter Jefferson Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aus Posts: 3,884	"Or bertter phrased -- what's the higest constant bit rate a consumer DVD player can play back?" 8000 is a safe and a good bet for decent quality. as for players playing 9800 constant without a problem, im yet to see this, from high end to low end players. Ive tested on numerous players and each different model performs differently. For best compatibility, use a figure which will give the player enough headroom to buffer the files before playback. some old players cant even play 8000 so thats another thing to consider..

June 21st, 2005, 08:42 PM	#5
James Binder Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NY, NYC Posts: 367	thanks guys --

July 2nd, 2005, 08:51 AM	#8
Greg Boston Wrangler Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: DFW area, TX Posts: 6,117 Images: 1	That's why my vote goes to variable bit rate as opposed to constant. That way, a good multipass encoder can have room to bump up the data rate momentarily to maintain higher visual quality. -gb-