MPEG2 image softness and color

[Daygola814]

I did a search for this and I couldn't find anything. I've been wondering this for a while... When I render mpg2 files, the image appears a lot softer and the colors have more of a punch or they're more saturated. I'm using the default settings for widescreen mpg2 24p for DVDA. Is there something I'm doing wrong or is this just what mpg2 does? I'm more worried about the soft image. I hope I'm not losing resolution or something...
Thanks,
Paul

 

[David Jimerson]

MPEG-2 is more compressed than DV, so you are most definitely losing information. A good render should be very, very close to the original DV, though.

When you say the image is softer and colors brighter, are you comparing apples to apples? Or are you comparing the DVD shown on a TV to the AVI files on your computer?

 

[Daygola814]

I watch them both on my computer and the mpg2 file is clearly softer and the colors are more saturated. When I get home, I can post some grabs if you like or possibly a clip. Sound okay?
-paul dv