SageTV vs. GBPVR

[jwthirty]

I recently switched from SageTV to GBPVR.

I love the GBPVR app. One problem - my recordings at the same kps are not as good.

I used to use SageTV with the 3gb per hour setting. It was a 6000kps constant bitrate. My recordings were DVD quality.

When I use the same settings with GBPVR, it produes a blocky result.

Does anyone know if there are any other settings that I need to look at? My encoding card (PVR350 Hauppauge) has not changed. The only difference is the app I use (GBPVR vs. Sage).

And if anyone is able to produce DVD quality MPEGS with GBPVR, please let me know your settings (CBR vs. VBR and bitrates).

Thanks. I have posted a lot in the past couple of days. All just trying to understand better the program.

[sub]

The theory goes that since the MPEG encoding is all done hardware (with the same hardware), then the same bitrate/CBR-VBR/Resolution should result in an identical quality file. GB-PVR does not manipulate the file in anyway and its saved straight to disc.

It may relate more to the playback side of things. Are you using the same MPEG2 decoder?

[jwthirty]

Sub, thanks for the quick reply. I agree with the theory, just looking at the result. Anyway, can you suggest the best decoder? I believe I currently use Intervideo. I recall it was the same under Sage.

Also, do you produce DVD quiality, non blocky MPEGs? If so, what are your settings?

And do you know what the defaults are for GBPVR? I screwed with them so much I don't recall.

[pcostanza]

I have the same card and the only minor difference I can see if live tv on my lcd monitor. I don't use tv out but my dvd's of the recordings and my use of the MediaMVP show GB-PVR produced excellent results. I even had a friend moving into an apartment who offered me his Sage and I said 'no thank you'. GB-PVR is too good to forget about.

[jwthirty]

pcostanza thanks for the comment. I agree, I love GBPVR, just trying to get the same quality.

What settings do you use? CBR/VBR and bitrates to get DVD quality?

[sub]

Quote[/b] ]Also, do you produce DVD quiality, non blocky MPEGs?  If so, what are your settings?

Considering I'm recording using a composite connection to my stone-age cablebox, I couldnt claim DVD quality, but I'd say its nearly identical to what I see through regular TV. I dont get any blockiness.

I just use the defaults.

Quote[/b] ]And do you know what the defaults are for GBPVR?  I screwed with them so much I don't recall.

I'm at work at the moment, so cant tell you the settings but I'm sure some one else can email you the direct.ini file.

[jwthirty]

if anyone can either email or copy the text of the default direct.ini file, that would be great.

Sub, I actually also have composites from a cable box, but I get pretty good quality with Sage. Basically, my issue is the blockiness, which I can't stand.

[sub]

Quote[/b] ]Sub, I actually also have composites from a cable box, but I get pretty good quality with Sage. Basically, my issue is the blockiness, which I can't stand

I definitely dont get any blockiness.

[jwthirty]

sub, I assume you go with the High quality default?

If so, I just need to find out what that is.

I understand you are at work, so thanks for noting.

[sub]

Quote[/b] ]sub, I assume you go with the High quality default?

No, I usually just use the default 'Medium' settings.