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Patrick R.

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Join date
10-May-2003
Last activity
10-Apr-2016
Posts
229

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Post
#55740
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55740/action/topic#55740
Time
Hey Rikter,

I have one question concerning the Motion Search Precision setting on TMPEnc Plus. I have been used to using Highest Quality (Very Slow), but people have been telling me that High Quality (Slow) is much faster and that they don't see a difference. I loaded up a movie and started an encode just to see how long it would take and notice that the time was almost cut in half. I didn't encode the file though as it still would have taken a few hours. Which setting do you use?

As for Soften Block Noise, I really don't like that because it also softens the picture. I guess a low number in that setting won't hurt too much.

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#55710
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55710/action/topic#55710
Time
Hi Itchy,

If you have some files that are MPEG-2, you should be able to load them into a DVD Authoring program like DVD-Lab or Sonic's MyDVD as long as they are within the DVD specs. This link can give more information on the compliant DVD resolutions. The audio should be at 48000 Kbps.

As far as AVI's go, you will need an encoder like TMPGEnc Plus to convert them to MPEG-2. After that, you could use an authoring program to author the MPEG-2 files to DVD.

Hope that helps.

Patrick
Post
#55699
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/55699/action/topic#55699
Time
Hello,


The link below explains the difference between CAV and CLV Laserdiscs. I prefer The Definitive Collection (DC) LD's which are CAV.
CAV vs CLV
The DC set uses the same masters as the THX Faces CLV LD's which came out sometime later. The only problem is that the Definitive Collection had the problem of the missing Leia footage in the first pressing. I got lucky when I got mine. If you go after the DC set, make sure to ask the person if the footage is there or not. Also, the DC has all of the extras. Now, I have a friend who is using both sets to do their conversion because the DC set is a little tough to IVTC properly because of the pattern getting thrown off during the side breaks. Check the link for more information on IVTC. Also, do a search for Star Wars Conversion on the site and you will see a huge thread at here that discusses how others are doing the conversions.

As far as the C-3PO and the "Close the blastdoors!" lines, I would use the Special Edition LD's for those if you have access to them. It may be a little pain, but you could extract the audio for those two lines from the SE LD's and insert them into your Original Version conversions.

As far as Laserdisc Players go, I would go for one from Pioneer. I have the CLD-D703 which I consider to be second best non Elite LD Player they made. The D704 is exactly the same as the D703, but it features AC-3. However, the D703 can be modified. One of the best LD Players to get is the Elite '97 in my opinion. There is actually a huge argument between Elite '97 and Elite '99 owners over which is the best player. I don't remember where it is at, but someone also had a link to a gold colored LD Player that was something like $5000. That is too much for me though. The Elites are pretty expensive as it is. This link has a large amount of information on various Laserdisc Players divided up by brand.

I have done one conversion myself which I was happy with until I saw how much better others could do. I used the S-Video out of my LD Player and connected it to my ADVC-100 DV Capture device. I noticed there was a lot of dot crawl in the reds and other bright colors. Since LD is a composite format and my player has inferior Y/C separation compared to my capture device, I'm going to use composite instead of S-Video. I may even invest in a WinFast TV2000 Expert card because I believe it can capture in the 4:2:2 colorspace instead of the 4:1:1 colorspace that my ADVC-100 is limited to.

Anyway, I hope this information helps.

Patrick
Post
#54949
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/54949/action/topic#54949
Time
Originally posted by: Obi-Wan Spicoli
Originally posted by: Patrick R.
The Special Edition LD's also have that line. I thought I would like the "Close the blastdoors!" line, but it doesn't sound right.

Hey Patrick, what do you mean it doesn't sound right? That's how it sounded in 1977.


I can't remember the 1977 version that well, but it sounds like two different people saying the close and open blastdoor lines. I was hoping to hear how it sounded on the old Story of Star Wars LP.

Patrick

Post
#54418
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/54418/action/topic#54418
Time

Originally posted by: RATLSNAKE
That would be awesome dude, if you uploaded the missing footage in AVI. Although based on my video editing knowledge, if were were to uncompress the relevant VOB file, add-in the missing footage, then re-export it as an AVI, and then re-encode as a VOB, wouldn't that cause that entire VOB to be "more comnpressed" and hence less video quality thatn before. I may be wrong so that's why I am asking.

I don't suppose you could create a tutorial for the entire process. I'm pretty good at video editing, but I've never done anything as far as encoding to burn as a DVD-Video, or encoding Dolby Digital sound tracks.

RATLSNAKE


I'm not sure about being more compressed. I've never done this before, so there is a good chance that it could be. The best thing to happen would be for the person who created the original torrents to take the footage and add it in to their raw captured AVI files and reencode ESB. I have no way of contacting them, but I am hoping that they can do that or that someone with more knowledge than me could accomplish the edit properly and repost the corrected torrent.

I wish I could create a guide, but I have never done this before. I do know that something like DVtoAVI or whatever it is called would need to be used to convert the VOB back to an AVI. I just don't know about the commentary track. I'm still trying to figure out exactly how they added that and synced it up to the video. I didn't have any problem with mine because I only did the regular PCM track. I guess they had to capture each movie twice and save the wav file from each audio track. Beyond that, I'm not sure what they did unless there is some way you can have two audio tracks in Virtual Dub.

Patrick

Post
#54411
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/54411/action/topic#54411
Time
I wonder if it would be worthwhile to upload a torrent of the missing Leia welding footage from ESB. I captured it from the Definitive Collection LD's I have and it only amounts to around 47 megs even with the overlap that I left to make it easier to edit back in. The big problem is that the second VOB is going to have to be converted back to an AVI file and the footage edited back in. Also, there are two audio tracks to worry about. Fortunately, there is no commentary during that part. Is it a lot of trouble to upload a torrent? If not, I would upload it as an AVI, since it is better to edit AVI's together instead of MPEG's.

Patrick
Post
#54076
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/54076/action/topic#54076
Time
Originally posted by: digitalfreaknyc
Just an FYI...

There are problems currently with dual-layer burners.

Apparently it takes a longer amount of time for the laser to realign for the DVD+R DL's than it would for a regular dual-layer disc.

It may be better to let it wait for a bit before jumping.


I agree. Someone posted a link to a review for the Sony DRU-700 which is a DL model and the DVD burned fine. However, the compatibility with set top DVD Players was not encouraging. They tested the disc on 21 different players and many would not even read the disc. Even a lot of DVD-Rom's wouldn't read it. The reviewer said he figured the compatibility percentage was around 43% instead of the over 90% that the + camp touts. Also, the media is expensive and hard to find. The link is here:
Link.

There are tons of questions and battles about which is better between + and -. My personal choice is -, for now because that is what my burner is. So far, I haven't had any problems with it on my DVD-Player. A friend sent me a +R and I was also able to play it in the same DVD-Player. As far as the review goes, it is not encouraging, but that also doesn't mean that it should be taken at 100%. The reviewer even says so. They also say that if the book type could be switched to DVD-Rom, the results would have probably been more encouraging. Also, this is the first player to come along in this format. Another writer brand may work better or even something small like a firmware upgrade or different brand of media may improve results. It is really too early to tell.

I'm waiting on a dual layer writer that can do dual layer + and -. That way, all bases are covered. Dash is behind Plus right now, but they do have a dual layer format in the works. I hope they are behind because they want to make sure they get everything worked out. I may not even buy the first generation dual layer dual format drive. I want to make sure all of the bugs are worked out.

The other thing to keep in mind is that dual layer is a whole new ballgame. Just because my player can play both + and -R's doesn't mean it will play either DL + or - R's.

The other things I want to point out about + and - R's and RW's is that there are a lot of factors that affect compatibility. The first is the media itself. If you buy dirt cheap media of any type, that could be a factor. Someone asked what cheap media could affect. As far as I know, it should only factor in the burning process where you only end up making coasters. However, it could have some playability problems if the media is so cheap that there are a lot of errors in it. Alot of people use a program called DVD Info Pro which checks media for errors. What you put on the media could also have an affect. For some reason, my DVD Player cannot handle AC-3 files made with BeSweet while others can. BeSweet is a good program, but it does produce non standard AC-3 files. I tested one of the Torrents and didn't have a problem with it's AC-3 file. Having a bitrate that goes over spec. could also cause problems. The software used could also be at fault. So, there are a lot of things to consider. That is one reason I always been to an RW first and watch it all the way through before committing to a write once DVD.

As far as DVD Players go. All of the ones made in the last few years are supposed to play both + and -. My Pioneer from '99 plays both. My Toshiba from '98 won't play anything but Hollywood DVD's. Some older players can play +, but many are supposed to play -.

My personal preference right now is -, but I have no dislike for + either. Each has their own advantages like + single layer R's and RW's not having to be finalized. That is why I want a burner that does dual layer in both formats. Again, I can't say enough that I recommend using an RW to test with before committing to a write once disc unless you have been doing this a long time, have a project you've already been successful with and just copying it to another disc, or you have plenty of write once discs laying around.

As far as which is better. I cannot answer that as everyone has their own preference based on results. One person may have only had good luck with + and another only with -. I only have the means to make -R's and -RW's right now. When I have the means to make both, I will.

Thanks.

Patrick

I had to make a correction. The article I linked to said overall success rate with standalone players was 43% instead of 70%. Also, +R is supposed to be 90% compatible. I don't know what the +R camp says about +R DL.
Post
#54002
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/54002/action/topic#54002
Time
Thanks Scott for the information.

Originally posted by: seventiesfilmnut
Hi Patrick!

I've got the original "close the blast doors" line in addition to all Beru's lines from the mono version of the film on the "Story of Star Wars" LP. Very good sound quality. The Special Editon version of the blastdoors line was re-recorded for some bizarre reason - maybe they lost the original master for the voice on this? I have a high quality record deck and can send you these if you'd like on a CD as WAV files. You could then splice these into the NTSC version of your DVD's. They'de have to speed up by 4% for PAL versions I believe.

PM me if your interested.

Cheers!

- John


Hi John.

I see what you mean by the blast doors line being rerecorded. I just recieved the CD-R from my friend and saw that it was rerecorded and is a different voice than the one that says, "Open the blast doors!". It would be great to have all those lines. Could you turn on your private messaging? We could talk some more.

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#53981
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53981/action/topic#53981
Time
A friend from another board has the SE LD's. I don't know if the video is different in concerning "Close the blast doors!". It may be just the audio that differs.

Speaking of the LD's, has anyone noticed how poor Jedi looks compared to the other two? There seems to be a slight haze on every version of it I have seen (I have not seen the SE LD though). I remember reading bootleg reviews years ago and seeing the reviewers say that it looked the worst of the 3.

Patrick
Post
#53976
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53976/action/topic#53976
Time
I don't mind some of the new scenes, but 99% of them to me where unnecessary. Too much stuff flying around and so forth. I mainly liked how they cleaned up the matte lines during the Battle of Hoth.

Someone is sending me a CD with two small captures on it. One is the 3PO line about the tractor beam and the other is "Close the blast doors.". Can anyone tell me if any version of the movie had both "Close the blast doors." and "Open the blast doors! Open the blast doors!"? So far, I've only scene one or the other.

Patrick
Post
#53872
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53872/action/topic#53872
Time
Can someone do me another favor and check out the size of the VOB file in the Video_TS folder of the Jedi Torrent named VTS_01_1? I'm at 71% of the download and for some reason, I cannot play that VOB, but I can play some of the others. The size of that file in mine is diplayed as being 1,048,382 KB. It appears to be 0.99 GB if you just let the mouse pointer hover over the file. Hopefully, the file isn't damaged. I make sure not to open the file while I'm downloading it because my Torrent Client has it locked where nothing can use it while it is.

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#53866
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53866/action/topic#53866
Time
MeBeJedi,

I don't use Main Concept, but I was wondering if it has a minimum bitrate setting and if you set yours to 0 or 2000. Also, do you use DVD-Lab? I was just wondering because I know some authoring programs hate it when the minimum is set to 0 and didn't know if DVD-Lab was one of them. I ask this because some people I know swear that using 0 is better than using 2000 for the minimum. Also, do you close your GOP or leave them open? Leaving them open is another thing that some authoring programs hate. That GOP setting is another thing that a lot of people debate on.

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#53678
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53678/action/topic#53678
Time
I have a question about the Jedi Torrent and was wondering if anyone with it could check something for me? I have been downloading it and noticed that the Video_TS folder only has 10 files in it, but Hope and Empire's Video_TS folders each have 13 files in them. Does your Video_TS folder of Jedi have 13 files or 10?

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#53368
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53368/action/topic#53368
Time
Originally posted by: Obi-Wan Spicoli
Originally posted by: Patrick R.
Thanks Obi-Wan Spicoli. I really hope torrents of From Star Wars to Jedi and The Making of Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back come out too.
I found a torrent for the extras disc. If you want it I'll PM you the link. The Making of Star Wars and SPFX: The Empire Strikes Back are available on laserdisc, which, of course, would make for an excellent conversion. There's also a Japanese laserdisc sourced collection known as Star Wars: The Making of a Trilogy which includes both titles above plus Classic Creatures: Return of the Jedi and From Star Wars to Jedi. But they have hard coded subtitles. This collection has already made the binary rounds but I have yet to see a torrent.

Originally posted by: Patrick R.
I'll stick to my Canopus ADVC-100 instead of the GeForce4 card I have. I like not having to worry about audio sync. The only bad thing about the Canopus is that it captures at 4:1:1 instead of 4:2:2 like the Targa can.

I've been considering a capture device for a while now. One choice is the ADVC-100. How do you like yours and do you recommend it? I'm also considering a Hauppage PVR-250. Any experience there?

Scott


Scott,

That would be great if a torrent of that stuff surfaces. As far as my ADVC-100, I am very pleased with it. It is an external DV Capture bridge that uses it's own power source. You do have to have a Firewire Card in your PC to use it. Unfortunately, it comes with no software whatsoever. However, there is a free program I use called WinDV that works great. Since I've used this card, I have had no dropped frames and no audio sync issues like I did when I used the GeForce4. The sync issues may have been caused by my built-in soundchip. I have since disabled it and installed a regular sound card. I like the ADVC-100 over the 50 and 1394 (don't need a firewire card for this one and comes with software and cheaper) because it has inputs and outputs so you can make a tape for someone without a VCR. That really is a small reason now since almost everyone seems to have DVD Players now.

You may want to consider the ADVC-300 or 500 as well. Here is a link to Video Help's capture card list.
Capture Card Lists

I have also provided links to reviews for each of the cards you asked about, but I'll start with the Targa Laserman mentioned.

Targa 2000

It sounds very good since it can capture 4:2:2. However, it is not supported by Pinnacle anymore and the last Windows OS it is known to work with is NT. Some have said they have gotten it to work with Win2K, but mileage may very. You'll notice the reviews are from 2001.



Hauppauge WinPVR-250

This cards seems to be rated pretty well. However, it appears that those with AMD processors and chipsets have trouble with it.

ADVC-100

Here is the ADVC-100. I've had no problems with mine. There was some mention that it would not work or XP would not work with some Firewire cards based on a Texas Instruments chipsets. That was a few years ago. That problem has been sorted out, so if you have a newer Firewire card, you shouldn't have an issue. My cheap Firewire card has a TI chipset and I have had no problems. The only thing to consider is that this is a DV capture device and Laserman has mentioned DV has color loss because of the compression to 4:1:1 during capture. I really haven't had any color problems except when I had one of the jumpers set to capture at IRE 0 (Pal) instead of IRE 7.5 (NTSC). Since I switched it to 7.5, I've had much better colors. The last thing I will say is that this device works with both PC's and Mac's which a lot of products do now days.

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#53330
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53330/action/topic#53330
Time
Thanks Obi-Wan Spicoli. I really hope torrents of From Star Wars to Jedi and The Making of Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back come out too.

Thanks for all of the information Laserman. I've looked up some information on Targa and really like the 2000 Pro since it has component inputs as well as serial, S-video, and composite. I wish I could buy one, but I can't afford it right now.

I'll stick to my Canopus ADVC-100 instead of the GeForce4 card I have. I like not having to worry about audio sync. The only bad thing about the Canopus is that it captures at 4:1:1 instead of 4:2:2 like the Targa can.

My LD Player is the Pioneer CLD-D703. It is a pretty good player. It has S-Video and composite video outputs and composite, digital coaxial and digital optical audio outputs. The only thing it doesn't have is AC-3, but it can be modified pretty easily. I never saw a need for that though since none of my LD's have AC-3 sound. I'm guessing by what you were saying that my LD Player's comb filter isn't as good as that of my capturing device. That does make sense.

I guess I could stick with the composite cables for now as I didn't see any noticeable quality loss. The dot crawl on happens when I capture using S-Video. If only I had more money, I would buy better equipment. I think my project will turn out pretty decent as it is. I'm not going to say it is the best, but I hope I can at least match the quality of the Anamorphic Torrents. I don't think it will be a problem once dual layered writers become practical. I'll really have to study if I plan to include the commentary track and other bells and whistles that the creator of the Anamorphic set did. If only they would make a dual layered set and use the ESB LD that isn't missing 7 seconds of Leia welding, they would be good enough for me not to even attempt doing this project.

Thanks.

Patrick

Post
#53309
Topic
Link to page and position in thread from e-mail
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53309/action/topic#53309
Time
I hope I'm posting this in the right section.

If it isn't a lot of trouble, I was wondering if a change can be made to the forum that you can be taken to the latest page in a thread when you click on the link you get in your e-mail for a thread you subscribe to instead of it linking to the beginning of the thread. I don't know how everyone else feels, but I would really like that feature as that is how many other forums I'm a member of link to subscribed threads.

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#53254
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53254/action/topic#53254
Time
Laserman,

You seem to be the most knowledgeable here with the best equipment available. Could you give some kind of a rundown on the hardware and software you would use?

I have a strange problem. Others I have talked to have the same. Whenever we capture using S-Video cables, we get dot crawl. It appears mostly in the reds but shows up in other colors as well. If you check this link and scroll down to the pictures posted by Mythos, you will see the dot crawl effect on the red planet in the background. That is the same problem I and others have. The strange thing is that this does not occur using composite cables.

Others have tried using more expensive S-Video cables designed to eliminate dot crawl, but the problem persists. I think the conclusion was that the y/c comb filter in the LD Player is not as good as the one in the capturing device. I've tried using a GeForce4 Ti4200 and an ADVC-100 with the same results and using several capture programs. When I made a test DVD, the dot crawl was a lot less noticeable on the TV, but it was still there.

There is an undot filter for Virtual Dub that eliminates the dot crawl, but I don't know if there are any adverse side effects like those of some other noise reduction filters. I did a test with the filter and compared it to a capture made using composite cables. I couldn't really tell a difference. So, I'm wondering if it would be best for me just to capture the LD's using composite cables.

I have a couple of questions relating to the torrents. Where can the extras disc torrent be found and what is on there? Is The Making of Star Wars and Empire or From Star Wars to Jedi on there or is it just the same stuff that is on The Definitive Collection LD's? I only ask because I already own The Definitive Collection LD's and was hoping to find some other extras not found in that set. IMHO, the DC LD's are extremely light on extras considering they costed $250.00 when they came out.

Thanks.

Patrick
Post
#53089
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/53089/action/topic#53089
Time
I wish they would fix the missing 7 seconds from the ESB Torrent. I may try to edit it back in there, but I know it will be a pain and I don't know how the results will be.

I think DVDToAVI will convert VOBs to AVI files where they can be edited and reencoded. Not sure though as I've never done that before.

Patrick
Post
#52144
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/52144/action/topic#52144
Time
Have they corrected the ESB Torrent yet? I remember that someone here posted that a small piece of Leia welding is missing. The reason for this is that the first Definitive Collection LD set had this flaw. Subsequent pressings did not have the flaw and those with the first pressing could have their's exchanged.

I guess I may attempt to get the ESB Torrent to see for myself.

Patrick
Post
#52046
Topic
Info: OT Bootleg DVDs
Link
https://originaltrilogy.com/post/id/52046/action/topic#52046
Time
Some strange things going on here. First DigitalFreakNY offers the sets for free and gets threatened and then Rikter gets threatened for offering them cheap. If I didn't know any better, I would swear that someone else doesn't want their business interrupted, and that they would go to great lengths to make sure it isn't. I'm not sure why there is all of this cutthroat activity going on.

I'm redoing my project and it won't be ready for some time. But now, I'm a little leary of offering it for fear of some hammer coming down on my head because I'm interrupting someone's profit margins.

Maybe the official releases will be out and include the Original Versions so that hopefully, all of the nonsense will stop.

Patrick