An Inexpensive and Accurate MPEG Encoder
TMPG is an inexpensive and accurate standard definition MPEG encoder that accepts many formats and provides excellent video quality. It also comes with a mux/demux, and can import audio and video streams from unencrypted DVDs. This article describes how to use TMPG 4.0 to encode MPEG-2 video files compatible with Alcorn McBride players.
After opening the software, select “start a new project” in the “Start” section, then click on “add” at the right of the screen:
At the top of the screen, click on “Format”. The following screen appears:
Select “MPEG file Output.” It is the only parameter you need at this level. Click “Choose” at the bottom right corner of the window. You now have a screen where you can set the parameters for encoding:
In the “Video” tab, set the following parameters:
— Stream Format: MPEG-2 video
— Profile and level: MP @ ML
— Size: Select 704 x 480 for NTSC or 704 x 576 for PAL
— Aspect ratio: you must choose the format that corresponds to your file in the list
— Frame Rate: Select 29.97 fps for NTSC, 25 fps for PAL
— Rate Control Mode: CBR (constant flow)
— VBV Buffer Size: 224KB
— Video System: Select NTSC or PAL
— DC Component Precision: 8-bit
— Display Mode: Interlace
— Frame Order: Top Field First
— Motion Search Precision: Standard
In the boxes located on the right of the screen, check the following parameters:
— Output Stream Type: System (Video + Audio)
— Bitrate / Quality: The maximum depending on your storage available. Our units play at rates up to 15000 kb / s. You can also determine the size of the file you want, which automatically adjusts the bitrate.
In the “Audio” tab, set the following parameters:
— Stream Format: MPEG-1 Audio Layer II
— Sample Rate: 48000 Hz
— Channel Mode: Stereo
— Bitrate: 192 kb / s
Then go to the “GOP” tab:
Accept the default GOP setting (IBBP) and adjust the maximum number of image frames per GOP to 15.
The three boxes at the bottom of the screen must be checked (“Output a sequence header for each GOP, Output bitstream for editing and Detect the scene changes).
You can then proceed directly to “Encode” without worrying about the “Quantisation” and “Other” tabs:
Click on the red button in the lower left corner to start. The duration of this operation will depend on the speed of your computer and the size of your file.
Once this is complete, simply copy the files on your drive (remember that our players are tested with Sandisk cards, and your Compact Flash card must be formatted in the unit’s drive) .
Transfer the card into the unit, and you’re ready to play!