Posted by Bob on 01/15/31 11:57

On Mon, 04 Sep 2006 16:54:27 GMT, Mark <mark@nothere.com> wrote:

>I think there are dvd
>players that will play mpeg-4 (although I'm not positive).

Yes, many of the newest player/recorder units can play MPG4s in one
form or the other. One of the more popular encodings is DivX/Xvid
AVIs. My ILO DVDR05MU1/6.10 can play XviDs. But I am no longer
recommending that unit because it appears Cyberhome who makes it may
go out of business. Anyway, a year later the unit is getting old.

All you can do is try it out at the store or buy a unit at WalMart so
you can take it back. Or you can call or email tech support at the
manufacturer to find out in advance.

>Now can you record mpeg-4 on a dvd-r and play it?

Auto Gordian Knot will convert DVD to AVI, which is the wrapper used
for DivX and Xvid MPG-4 encodings.

I find for medium resolution (19" viewscreen) that 1/2 CD size (350
MB) works fine for 42 minutes TV episodes. That's about 720x480
framesize, or close to it, and 1,000 kb/s bitrate. That's about 5
times smaller in size than an MP2 encoding. You can get 12 of those
files on a DVD, which is a half season of episodes. IOW, you can store
an entire season of 42 min episodes at good resolution on just 2 DVDs.

> I'm interested in knowing
>specifically about mpeg-4 H.264 which is the best quality.

Maltby is the acknowledged expert on that.

--

"There is no distinctly native American criminal class save Congress."
--Mark Twain

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