Help with encoding profile

[scaryjim]

Calling all Hexusites with video encoding knowledge

I've recently downloaded Handbrake so I can encode some of my DVDs (mainly to allow me to set up alternate playlists of Buffy / Angel for the overlap episodes ), and I can't get a decent encoding out of it to save my life - everything has horrific compression artefacts no matter what settings I try.

I'd like to set up 2 profiles: one for encodes to watch on HTPC / Laptop which need to be decent quality and filesize doesn't really matter, and one for sticking on my HTC Magic which should obviously be as small as possible while retaining a decently clear image. So, any advice on getting a good decode from Handbrake, or on what might be causing my issues in the first place?

[kalniel]

Your issues are probably caused by the encryption on the copyright DVDs - it would be illegal to bypass this so Hexus probably wouldn't appreciate discussion on it.

[scaryjim]

I wondered about that, but thought that Handbrake would just spit the video out if it had encryption? Also, there's one particular clip that I encode, where the last few seconds are perfectly clear. What would be the best way to tell if it was anti-copy protection causing the issues?

[kalniel]

I wondered about that, but thought that Handbrake would just spit the video out if it had encryption? Also, there's one particular clip that I encode, where the last few seconds are perfectly clear. What would be the best way to tell if it was anti-copy protection causing the issues?

Try a DVD that either isn't copyright or you have permission to copy and that you know doesn't have protection.

[scaryjim]

It looks like it is the copy protection, I've recoded some other sources without issue. I won't go into my DRM rant here, apart from to say that it's a pain the rear but I understand why they do it *sigh*. Guess I'll just have to keep walking to the HTPC every 45 minutes! At least I get some exercise that way

The music and film industry really need to rethink their business model to meet the needs of digital distribution, though...

[kalniel]

The music and film industry really need to rethink their business model to meet the needs of digital distribution, though...

They didn't make the copyright laws. From their end they do provide lots of films digitally these days - Buffy is downloadable via iTunes for example if you didn't want to change DVDs.

[scaryjim]

They didn't make the copyright laws.

No, but they did utilise the copy protection system. I'm pretty sure that wasn't / isn't required by law However, there is a good general point that perhaps the copyright laws need some rethinking too.

From their end they do provide lots of films digitally these days - Buffy is downloadable via iTunes for example if you didn't want to change DVDs.

Unfortunately we invested in DVD box sets about 4 years ago. I'll just have to leave some beers by the computer to give me an extra incentive to get up every 45 minutes