[MEncoder-users] DVD->mkv. 2pass or CQ?

[Andrew Berg]

C.M. Burns wrote:
> Later I read that encoding using "constant quality" is usually better if
> filesize does not matter...
> Do you have any suggestions?
As far as efficiency (the number of bits needed for a given quality)
goes, 2-pass and CRF are the same. For the same number of bits, you will
get the same quality.
If you need a specific size or average bitrate and are willing to take
whatever quality it gives you, 2-pass is the way to go. If you want a
specific quality and are willing to take whatever size/bitrate it gives
you, CRF is the better choice. You mentioned that you are going for as
little quality loss as possible; CRF is better for that (you'd have to
/guess/ a good bitrate if you used 2-pass). A good CRF value for DVDs is
between 18 and 20 (the lower the value, the higher the quality and
bitrate). You'll have to experiment a bit to find the right value for
yourself, since it depends on your settings and what you consider
acceptable quality. CRF does not need to be adjusted for different types
of content since it will automatically increase or decrease the bitrate
as needed. It does need to be adjusted for different encoder settings
and especially for different resolutions.