Question about the "Getting the best out of CCE" guide...

Hi Dvd@Best, The final Q value depends on the the file size you choosed, the length of the source and the quality of the source, I think. For example, if you fixed a big file size with a short length of source video, you may get a smaller Q (approximate to the constant bitrate of max bitrate). But if you have a long length of video and choose a small file size, you will find a much bigger Q. Tha's my understanding, also from the experience of my several tests I've done until now.

Bach: Your method looks very intriguing. Personally, I only do DVDs...this is good info for people doing DVDs too and I wonder if many DVD-only people ever wander over into this part of the forum. I have done some initial testing (one movie), and it appears that as the Q increases/decreases, final output size also goes up & down at a constant rate (no curve). If this holds true, it will not be hard for me to modify CCEGuesser to require only one test sample to give a recommended Q to use. This would be much faster than having to do up to six tests. I will call it the "Bach Method" :) . I'll keep you posted on my findings.

High Q Value 

Bach: Yes, I understand what you are saying about Q=60. It actually explains why CCEGuesser works in the first place. My point was that CCEGuesser only claims to be able to predict the size, which it does. It does not offer any theories as to what is the best way to encode. So, I took a small bit of offense when you said CCEGuesser's algorithm is "wrong". Its algorithm is actually, in contrast, pretty accurate for what it does. I think what you were actually saying was that encoding at 60 is wasteful. Right? Regarding the straight line theory, I still plan to collect data. All curves are made of little straight lines, right? Who knows, maybe we'll find that within the workable Q range (say, 20-60), the line is always relatively straight. It's certainly worth exploring. On with the quest to faster encoding! PS thanks again for your "sample" idea. It's a great one.