TMPGEnc minimum bitrate?
 

Hello, I am currently using TMPGEnc Authoring Works 6 for menu creation and DVD-9 authoring.
Using a the bitrate calculator here http://dvd-hq.info/bitrate_calculator.php

My main problem with the program is that I cannot change the Minimum Bitrate.
It is grayed out and stays at 1.55Mbps
I am able to change the Average Bitrate and Maximum Bitrate.
Using 2 Pass VBR

If I use CBR it changes all the rates and makes them the same.

The material was captured with VirtualDub from S-VHS tapes.
Using Lagarith and going straight into TMPGEnc.
720 x 480 - 4:3 Interlace Bottom Field First

I am concerned about the Minimum Bitrate as the calculator suggests higher rates.
From what I have read TMPGEnc does not allow the adjusting of this and it is automatically
decided upon by the program.

Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you

I've seen encoding programs that firmly set a minimum DVD bitrate of anywhere from 1500 to 2200 kbps, and I recall some years back that 2000 was a suggested minimum to ensure compatibility with the world's set top players. I've always checked the encoding box in one program that says "do not allow bitrate lower than 2000 kbps". Maybe you should thank TMPGenc for prodding you to ensure compatibility.

Low bitrates = low quality. Always. No way around it.

Bottom Field First? The world of VHS and s_VHS and VHS-C and hi8 and laser disc and DVD is, like, universally Top Field first since Day one. I thought only DV was BFF. Why change the field order? Does it play better?

Thanks for your response, I did in fact overlook this about Top Field First.
I think it is probably a good thing like you said about the program forcing a minimum bitrate.
Just when i use the calculator it suggests a higher number for this.
Burning four separate DVDs the suggested minimum rates have been 2150, 2000, 2500 and 1850.
But still locked to 1550 with TMPGEnc. I guess I will have to accept that the value cannot be changed.

Thanks for the information.

The minimum bitrate isn't the same as the target bitrate and max bitrate for VBR encoding. I don't remember what TMPGenc looks like at the moment, my PC is still being moved. Will look that up when I get things going again.