Mpeg2 encoding problems, compressor 4

Question

When I compress any Quicktime file to mpeg2 using compressor 4.0.7 and/or 3.5 I get intermittent digitially distorted (square pixels) frames. Usually 1-2 frames per location.
I've done multiple Quicktime exports from FCP (all 1920x1080 30P) with the same results.

Answer 1

Trailpro wrote:
FYI, I had the same problem originally with the 1080i export using compressor 4. It was a while ago and I believe I resolved the problem by using compressor 3.5. However that isn't working this time.
AFAIK, 3.5 amd 4.x encode for DVD MPEG the same.
Sounds like you used QuickTime Conversion to go out from FCP7? Generally, the preferred route is to do as little as possible to the sequence in exporting from FCP; which would mean, Export QT Current Settings.
Another general comment: Interlaced material never looks great on a computer display, and if there is much motion, including pans and zooms, it can really look awful. But that doesn't mean you should de-interlace in FCP. A DVD player and/or the TV should be able to handle interlaced perfectly well. In that case, you would not do any software de-interlacing. Other times, one might decide it was still desirable to de-interlace; and in that case, Compressor will d a better job than FCP.
It's also possible that what you're seeing is just artifacts that were introduced in down-scaling (amd changing pixel shape) from 1080 to 480 anamorphic. Setting he Resize Filter in Frame Controls to Best may cure that problem. In the preview window, mark a short section (that you know contains problem frames) with in and out point as a test and see whether that clears up the problem.
Good luck.
Russ