[MEncoder-users] Xvid parameter "cartoon"

[James Hastings-Trew]

Stjepan Brbot wrote:
> Hi,
>
> while encoding anime/cartoons one could use a xvid parameter "cartoon".
> According to documentation (unfortunately not detailed enough) this
> parameter adjusts Xvid encoding algorithm for anime/cartoons (taking
> into account specifics of cartoons). But could we be a little bit more
> specific about that!? There are actually two (different in terms of
> paining technique used) types of cartoons; older cartoons which use
> mostly solid color shapes, have sharp edges (lines) etc. and other new
> ones with full palette of colors, shades, 3D, looking like ordinary
> movies. Maybe it's not good to use "cartoon" parameter for such a
> cartoons although they actually are cartoons.
>   

Totally a guess on my part - I speak with no authority on this matter. :)

The problem with compressing anime isn't the flat colors or the sharp 
edges - it's the lack of natural movement from frame to frame at a 12 
fps frame rate for the hand drawn motion. I imagine that for anime you'd 
have to greatly expand the motion search radius to catch the large frame 
to frame movements of elements. Newer anime has more 24fps motion 
(because of more use of motion controlled cameras and CG elements) so 
the motions are more "movie like".