MPEG-2 Encoder (Intel)

In the "Advanced Settings", you can make detailed adjustments to the MPEG-2 data flow. The advanced settings are divided into "Video", "Audio", and "Multiplexer".

Open advanced settings: File > Export > Video as MPEG video > Advanced

NOTE The preset values and status of the control element (locked/unlocked) depend on the selected export preset.

Video

Bit rate mode

The bit rate indicates how much data per second is saved in the video (playback speed). This makes the bit rate the deciding parameter with regard to the file size and quality of the video to be encoded. A higher bit rate means better quality, but also a larger file size.

  • Constant: The exact value entered in "Average bit rate" is applied which enables precise calculation of the video size.
  • Variable: The value entered in "Average bit rate" is used as an approximate guideline for the value applied to the video. This means that the size of the video can only be estimated.

Average bit rate (kBit/s)

The values entered here are applied to the video as an average as a guideline. The size of the video to be exported can only be approximated.

Maximum bit rate (kBit/s)

This is the maximum bit rate in the video stream, i.e. maximum number of bits, that may be transferred to the decoder. This parameter only takes effect in the "Variable" bit rate mode.

CPB (coded picture buffer)

The entered value specifies the maximum amount of storage space for an encoded frame. Higher values can improve quality, but might also cause problems during export. If export is aborted, lower this value. The setting "0" means that the encoder has determined the disk space.

Maximum GOP length

Determines the maximum GOP length. High values mean improved compression. Lower values create stronger security protection and enable improved access to individual frames for processing the video.

A general rule: The shorter the GOP, the more compatible the generated video file.

TIP A good rule of thumb is to enter the frame rate as the GOP length.

GOP structure

The GOP structure is the sequence of the various frames. At the beginning of a GOP there is an I-Frame, at the end there are several B-Frames, followed by a P-Frame. The sequence of B-Frames und P-Frames repeats until the end of the GOP.

Example:

A GOP with a length of 20 and the "IBBP" structure will look like this:

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Frame I B B P B B P B B P B B P B B P B B P B

Profile

Profiles define the encoder properties that are supported.

  • Main: This profile was originally intended for the broadcast industry and for backup purposes. It has become less popular since the development of the "high profile" for this purpose.
  • SIMPLE: Intended to be used as the basic profile for applications with limited computational power, e.g. video conferences or mobile phone videos. This profile does not allow B-Frames, which first and foremost means more data traffic, but contributes to better reliability.
  • HIGH: This profile is used for broadcast and backup applications and is also sometimes used in the HDTV industry (High Definition Television). This profile is used for Blu-ray discs.

NOTE You should only change this setting if you experience problems playing back the generated video.

Level

MPEG-2 defines various levels. The level determines which bit rate and resolution are possible for the video. With the "Auto level" option, the encoder determines the level automatically on the basis of the set video format, the specified bit rate and the profile.

Coding quality

This is the easiest way to set the ratio between coding duration and quality. Select the setting which best suits your needs.
Hardware Acceleration

  • CPU hardware: Activate this option if you have a powerful processor installed on your computer and the CPU is more powerful than the graphics processor. The corresponding processing step is performed by the main processor and will be supported by the graphics card, if possible.

  • Software: The encoders provided are used. The complete encoding process takes place on CPU, without graphics card support.

Smart Copy

If this option is activated, unedited MPEG-2 material with hard cuts is transferred without changes. This drastically accelerates the encoding process. The transfer always takes place on the GOP borders is not frame-accurate.

HRD (Hypothetical Reference Decoder)

When this option is activated, a virtual decoder checks the data stream for compatibility with the video standard during the encoding process. This ensures that the generated video is compatible with various playback devices, but it also slows down the encoding process.

Audio

Sample rate (Hz)

Here you can set the sample rate for audio encoding. For DVDs the standard is set to 48 kHz. If you change the settings here, it may result in not being able to play back the sound or the entire video.
Channels

Determines the number of audio channels.

  • Mono: 1 channel, mono sound
  • Stereo: 2 channels, one for left and one for right.

Bit rate (kBit/s)

The desired bit rate is entered here.
Audio Encoder

This is where you define how audio material will be coded, or whether it should be written to the exported file as an uncompressed PCM data. If PCM is used, you can no longer adjust sample rate and bit rate.

Picture

Interlace:

Specifies whether the video is coded in frames or fields (in interlaced scanning, also "Interlaced").

  • Progressive: The video is coded in frames.
  • Bottom field first: The video will be interlaced. The lower lines (Bottom field) are used for the first field and upper lines for the second.
  • Top field first: The video will be interlaced. The upper lines (top field) are used for the first field and the lower lines for the second.