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eojpek1
06-14-2008, 07:05 AM
Hello Everyone,

I've been browsing around this forum and I haven't seen any info that explains in great detail about Videos/Movies and there counter parts.

So, I figured this would be nice for everyone to know. I hope this Info will be helpful for all the Katz members who are wondering what TELESYNC, CAM, DVDRip, DVDscr, etc... are. I will be sharing info on Video Sources, Formats, Release Files, Scene Tags and various Misc. other Info in here. Enjoy...

Video Sources :

CAM -
A cam is a theater rip usually done with a digital video camera. A mini tripod is sometimes used, but a lot of the time this wont be possible, so the camera may shake. Also seating placement isn't always idle, and it might be filmed from an angle. If cropped properly, this is hard to tell unless there's text on the screen, but a lot of times these are left with triangular borders on the top and bottom of the screen. Sound is taken from the onboard microphone of the camera, and especially in comedies, laughter can often be heard during the film and also screams in horror films. Due to these factors picture and sound quality are usually quite poor, but sometimes you can get lucky, and the theater will be fairly empty and a fairly clear signal will be heard.

Note:CAMs are not the best type of source to download, the video and sound range in quality with each film and with the person who created it. It's always a hit and miss here, so be aware of this.


TELESYNC (TS) -
A telesync is the same spec as a CAM except it uses an external audio source (most likely an audio jack in the chair for hard of hearing people). A direct audio source does not ensure a good quality audio source, as a lot of background noise can interfere. A lot of the times a telesync is filmed in an empty cinema or from the projection booth with a professional camera, giving a better picture quality. Quality ranges drastically, check the sample before downloading the full release. A high percentage of Telesyncs are CAMs that have been mislabeled. When people use the audio source in this mannor it can be really great and it can be just horrid.

Note: Sometimes the video does not sync with the audio and the result is a Telesync that is like one of those old japenese movies. They are usually better than a CAM, but be aware your not always gonna get a good film with this type of source.



TELECINE (TC) -
A telecine machine copies the film digitally from the reels. Sound and picture should be very good, but due to the equipment involved and cost telecines are fairly uncommon. Generally the film will be in correct aspect ratio, although 4:3 telecines have existed. TC should not be confused with TimeCode , which is a visible counter on screen throughout the film.

Note: Although these are rare to come by, if you do come across one it will be very hard to distinguish this type of source from a DVDRip, as the quality is superb.


SCREENER (SCR) -
A pre VHS tape, sent to rental stores, and various other places for promotional use. A screener is supplied on a VHS tape, and is usually in a 4:3 (full screen) a/r, although letterboxed screeners are sometimes found. The main draw back is a "ticker" (a message that scrolls past at the bottom of the screen, with the copyright and anti-copy telephone number). Also, if the tape contains any serial numbers, or any other markings that could lead to the source of the tape, these will have to be blocked, usually with a black mark over the section. This is sometimes only for a few seconds, but unfortunately on some copies this will last for the entire film, and some can be quite big. Depending on the equipment used, screener quality can range from excellent if done from a MASTER copy, to very poor if done on an old VHS recorder thru poor capture equipment on a copied tape. Most screeners are transferred to VCD, but a few attempts at SVCD have occurred, some looking better than others.

Note: Be aware when downloading this type of source, as most will have a watermark that will show up all the time or from time to time.


DVD-SCREENER (DVDscr) -
Same premise as a screener, but transferred off a DVD. Usually letterbox , but without the extras that a DVD retail would contain. The ticker is not usually in the black bars, and will disrupt the viewing. If the ripper has any skill, a DVDscr should be very good. Usually transferred to SVCD or DivX/XviD.

Note: This type of source you should also be aware of as some may have a watermark that shows up from time to time.


DVDRip -
A copy of the final released DVD. If possible this is released PRE retail again, should be excellent quality. DVDrips are released in SVCD and DivX/XviD. The best source and most widely used around.

Note: Too many mislabel other sources as being this type and usually make a downloader of the movie unhappy and just waste there time. So be careful when downloading a movie labeled DVDRip as it might be a different type of source mislabeled. If you do not trust the uploader of the movie, then it's best to ask them or not even download the film from them all together. Just keep this in mind.


High-definition (HD):
High-definition (HD) video generally refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, most commonly at display resolutions of 1280×720 (720p) or 1920×1080 (1080i or 1080p). This article discusses the general concepts of high-definition video, as opposed to its specific applications in television broadcast (HDTV), video recording formats (HDCAM, HDCAM-SR, DVCPRO HD, D5 HD, XDCAM HD, HDV and AVCHD), the optical disc delivery system Blu-ray Disc and the video tape format D-VHS.

A common resolution used in HD Ready LCD TV panels is 1366 × 768 pixels instead of the ATSC Standard 1280 × 720 pixels. This is due to maximization of manufacturing yield and resolution of VGA, VRAM that comes with a 768 pixel format. Hence, LCD manufacturers adopt the 16:9 ratio compatible for the HD Ready 1080p standard. Nevertheless, every HDTV has an overscan processing chipset to fix resolution scaling and color rendering, e.g. LG XD Engine, Sony BRAVIA Engine. Only when viewing 1080i/1080p HD contents under HD Ready 1080p where there is true pixel-for-pixel reproduction, and for HD ready LCD TV, do some signals undergo a scaling process which results in a 3-5% loss of picture. Most HD-ready CRT TVs use 1080i resolution.(Source : Wikipedia)

Note: Though HD is great it requires a lot more hard disk space to store the movies and if you do not have a high connection speed then it will take you forever to download a full movie. If you have a high speed connection and a compatible device to play the movie then by all means, get yourself a HD DVD if not then I suggest you stay away from this type of source.


HDTV :
High-definition television (HDTV) is a digital television broadcasting system with greater resolution than traditional television systems (NTSC, SECAM, PAL). HDTV is digitally broadcast because digital television (DTV) requires less bandwidth if sufficient video compression is used.
(Source : Wikipedia)


VHSRip -
Transferred off a retail VHS, mainly skating/sports videos and XXX releases. The quality can range here.


TVRip -
TV episode that is either from Network (capped using digital cable/satellite boxes are preferable) or PRE-AIR from satellite feeds sending the program around to networks a few days earlier (do not contain "dogs" but sometimes have flickers etc) Some programs contain extra parts, and the "dark matches" and camera/commentary tests are included on the rips. PDTV is capped from a digital TV PCI card, generally giving the best results, and groups tend to release in SVCD for these. VCD/SVCD/DivX/XviD rips are all supported by the TV scene. Now this is a hit and miss with this type of source.

Note: The quality ranges with the device that it was recorded with. I rate the quality of this source from good 5/10 to excellent 9/10. Also note that this source may be ripped from a VHS tape then transfered to a computer and processed.


PDTV :
PDTV is an abbreviation short for Pure Digital Television. Often seen as part of the filename of TV shows shared through P2P systems on the Internet. It is a label given to files that were ripped directly from a purely digital source, having less resolution than HDTV. This is often accomplished by using a TV tuner card capable of receiving Digital Video Broadcasts, or by recording a digital stream onto another device such as a digital video recorder and using the stored data to create the release. As such, they are sometimes labeled DVBRip (or DVB-rip). This alternate term is most often used by European rippers (since DVB is a European standard), but very rarely by those in The Scene.

'PDTV' has also been seen on semi-professional DVD releases found at fan conventions and on the Internet. This instance of "PDTV" is not the same as "Pure Digital Television" described above, as the source material for these DVDs is almost always analog in forms such as VHS. These releases are intended to fill gaps in the current catalog of available DVDs by making material available that has not yet been, or most likely never will be, released on DVD. In the event that a PDTV release is made obsolete by an official DVD, that particular title is pulled by PDTV and no longer offered.(Source : Wikipedia)


WORKPRINT (WP) -
A workprint is a copy of the film that has not been finished. It can be missing scenes, music, and quality can range from excellent to very poor. Some WPs are very different from the final print and others can contain extra scenes. WPs can be nice additions to the collection once a good quality final has been obtained.

R5 (bootleg) :

An R5 is a warez release, made with a telecine machine from an analog source. Unlike a TC the digitalization is done by the studio itself with very professional (and expensive) equipment and usually from the original source. The purpose of it is to create a high quality digital copy (usually for a later dvd release). But unlike a DVD, an R5 is released before the digital post-processing is finished.

Note: The quality of the rips can differ, but it can be even indistinguishable from a DVDRip since many movies are published on dvd with minimal editing.

The name also refers to a specific format of dvd released in the Former-Soviet Union, the Indian subcontinent, and much of Africa, which are in DVD Region 5.
In an effort to compete with movie piracy, the movie industry chose to create a new format for DVD releases that could be produced more quickly and less expensively than traditional DVD releases. R5 releases differ from normal releases in that they are usually a direct Telecine transfer of the film without any of the image processing common on DVD releases, and without any special features. This allows the film to be released for sale at the same time that DVD Screeners are released. Since DVD Screeners are the chief source of high-quality pre-DVD release pirated movies, this allows the movie studios to beat the pirates to market. Bootlegged copies of these releases are often distributed on the Internet.(Source : Wikipedia)


DivX Re-Enc -
A DivX re-enc is a film that has been taken from its original VCD source, and re-encoded into a small DivX file. Most commonly found on file sharers, these are usually labeled something like Film.Name.Group(1of2) etc. Common groups are SMR and TND. These aren't really worth downloading, unless you're that unsure about a film you only want a 200mb copy of it.

Note: Generally avoid this type of source.



Watermarks -
A lot of films come from Asian Silvers/PDVD (see below) and these are tagged by the people responsible. Usually with a letter/initials or a little logo, generally in one of the corners. Most famous are the "Z" "A" and "Globe" watermarks.

Note: Some of these may also pop up from time to time in the middle of the screen or on the bottom as well. Be aware that certain software applications may include one of these if you do not have a full version for example ConvertXtoDVD.


Asian Silvers / PDVD -
These are films put out by eastern bootleggers, and these are usually bought by some groups to put out as their own. Silvers are very cheap and easily available in a lot of countries, and its easy to put out a release, which is why there are so many in the scene at the moment, mainly from smaller groups who don't last more than a few releases. PDVDs are the same thing pressed onto a DVD. They have removable subtitles, and the quality is usually better than the silvers. These are ripped like a normal DVD, but usually released as VCD.

eojpek1
06-14-2008, 07:09 AM
Video & Audio Formats :


VCD -
VCD is an mpeg1 based format, with a constant bitrate of 1150kbit at a resolution of 352x240 (NTCS). VCDs are generally used for lower quality transfers (CAM/TS/TC/Screener(VHS)/TVrip(analogue) in order to make smaller file sizes, and fit as much on a single disc as possible. Both VCDs and SVCDs are timed in minutes, rather than MB, so when looking at an mpeg, it may appear larger than the disc capacity, and in reality u can fit 74min on a CDR74.


SVCD -
SVCD is an mpeg2 based (same as DVD) which allows variable bit-rates of up to 2500kbits at a resolution of 480x480 (NTSC) which is then decompressed into a 4:3 aspect ratio when played back. Due to the variable bit-rate, the length you can fit on a single CDR is not fixed, but generally between 35-60 Mins are the most common. To get a better SVCD encode using variable bit-rates, it is important to use multiple "passes". this takes a lot longer, but the results are far clearer.


XVCD/XSVCD -
These are basically VCD/SVCD that don't obey the "rules". They are both capable of much higher resolutions and bit-rates, but it all depends on the player to whether the disc can be played. X(S)VCD are total non-standards, and are usually for home-ripping by people who don't intend to release them.



DivX / XviD -
DivX is a format designed for multimedia platforms. It uses two codecs, one low motion, one high motion. most older films were encoded in low motion only, and they have problems with high motion too. A method known as SBC (Smart Bit-rate Control) was developed which switches codecs at the encoding stage, making a much better print. The format is Ana morphic and the bit-rate/resolution are interchangeable. Due to the higher processing power required, and the different codecs for playback, its unlikely we'll see a DVD player capable of playing DivX for quite a while, if at all. There have been players in development which are supposedly capable, but nothing has ever arisen. The majority of PROPER DivX rips (not Re-Encs) are taken from DVDs, and generally up to 2hours in good quality is possible per disc. Various codecs exist, most popular being the original Divx3.11a and the new XviD codecs.

Note: These formats are widely used and most likely a video you download online will have been coded using this type of format. You can easily find software that will convert this type of format to a DVD format so you can play the video on a DVD player. Example: ConvertXtoDVD


CVD -
CVD is a combination of VCD and SVCD formats, and is generally supported by a majority of DVD players. It supports MPEG2 bit-rates of SVCD, but uses a resolution of 352x480(ntsc) as the horizontal resolution is generally less important. Currently no groups release in CVD.


DVD-R -
Is the recordable DVD solution that seems to be the most popular (out of DVD-RAM, DVD-R and DVD+R). it holds 4.7gb of data per side, and double sided discs are available, so discs can hold nearly 10gb in some circumstances. SVCD mpeg2 images must be converted before they can be burnt to DVD-R and played successfully. DVD>DVDR copies are possible, but sometimes extras/languages have to be removed to stick within the available 4.7gb.

Note: When someone posts a DVD-R video, you are getting or should be getting all of the menus and bonus content that was originally posted when the movie was first released. These videos tend to be very large in size (around 4 to 10GB). A person with a slow internet connection should stay away from these.


MiniDVD -
MiniDVD/cDVD is the same format as DVD but on a standard CDR/CDRW. Because of the high resolution/bit-rates, its only possible to fit about 18-21 mins of footage per disc, and the format is only compatible with a few players.


Release Files :


RARset -
The movies are all supplied in RAR form, whether its v2 (rar>.rxx) or v3 (part01.rar > partxx.rar) form. Many movies or whatever will be in this type of form.

Note: You will need all parts of the movie and an application called WinRar to extract the video file or files, it also may be required to have a password, so make sure wherever you get the video from if there is a password or not and take note of it.

PART files
The movies are supplied in a PART form, whether it's (avi.001, avi.002) or (avi.__a, avi.****__b) form.

Note: You will need all parts of the movie or file in the same folder and you will need either HJsplit or FFSJ to join these type of files.

BIN/CUE -
VCD and SVCD films will extract to give a BIN/CUE. Load the .CUE into notepad and make sure the first line contains only a filename, and no path information. Then load the cue into Nero/CDRWin etc and this will burn the VCD/SVCD correctly. TV rips are released as MPEG. DivX files are just the plain DivX - .AVI


NFO -
An NFO file is supplied with each movie to promote the group, and give general iNFOrmation about the release, such as format, source, size, and any notes that may be of use. They are also used to recruit members and acquire hardware for the group.

Note: To view an NFO right click on it and select open with notepad. Thats all there is to it!


SFV -
Also supplied for each disc is an SFV file. These are mainly used on site level to check each file has been uploaded correctly, but are also handy for people downloading to check they have all the files, and the CRC is correct. A program such as pdSFV or hkSFV is required to use these files.


Scene Tags :



PROPER -
Due to scene rules, whoever releases the first Telesync has won that race (for example). But if the quality of that release is fairly poor, if another group has another telesync (or the same source in higher quality) then the tag PROPER is added to the folder to avoid being duped. PROPER is the most subjective tag in the scene, and a lot of people will generally argue whether the PROPER is better than the original release. A lot of groups release PROPERS just out of desperation due to losing the race. A reason for the PROPER should always be included in the NFO.

Note: Be aware that even though a movie is labeled PROPER doesn't necessary mean that it is a PROPER Scene Tag, as the person posting the movie may have included it in the title description does not mean that it is PROPER and you have no idea sometimes when posting some films how many people changed the title or changed it to PROPER when in fact the original movie may not be a original PROPER. Thats when a NFO comes in handy if there even is one included with the movie. A lot of people will remove these in fact they might at times even change the info inside of the NFO to whatever they want. So be wary...



SUBBED -
In the case of a VCD, if a release is subbed, it usually means it has hard encoded subtitles burnt throughout the movie. These are generally in malaysian/chinese/thai etc, and sometimes there are two different languages, which can take up quite a large amount of the screen. SVCD supports switch able subtitles, so some DVDRips are released with switch able subs.

Note: This will be mentioned in the NFO file if included.


UNSUBBED -
When a film has had a subbed release in the past, an Unsubbed release may be released.

LIMITED -
A limited movie means it has had a limited theater run, generally opening in less than 250 theaters, generally smaller films (such as art house films) are released as limited.


INTERNAL -
An internal release is done for several reasons. Classic DVD groups do a lot of .INTERNAL. releases, as they wont be dupe'd on it. Also lower quality theater rips are done INTERNAL so not to lower the reputation of the group, or due to the amount of rips done already. An INTERNAL release is available as normal on the groups affiliate sites, but they can't be traded to other sites without request from the site ops. Some INTERNAL releases still trickle down to IRC/Newsgroups, it usually depends on the title and the popularity. Earlier in the year people referred to Centropy going "internal". This meant the group were only releasing the movies to their members and site ops. This is in a different context to the usual definition.


STV -
Straight To Video. Was never released in theaters, and therefore a lot of sites do not allow these.


ASPECT RATIO TAGS -
These are *WS* for widescreen (letterbox) and *FS* for Fullscreen.

Note: I think many people should properly label these when posting a video, but it just doesn't happen. You can find the aspect ratio to the video on the box that came with it.


RECODE -
A recode is a previously released version, usually filtered through TMPGenc to remove subtitles, fix color etc. Whilst they can look better, its not looked upon highly as groups are expected to obtain their own sources.


REPACK -
If a group releases a bad rip, they will release a Repack which will fix the problems.


NUKED -
A film can be nuked for various reasons. Individual sites will nuke for breaking their rules (such as "No Telesyncs") but if the film has something extremely wrong with it (no soundtrack for 20mins, CD2 is incorrect film/game etc) then a global nuke will occur, and people trading it across sites will lose their credits. Nuked films can still reach other sources such as p2p/usenet, but its a good idea to check why it was nuked first in case. If a group realises there is something wrong, they can request a nuke.

NUKE REASONS :: this is a list of common reasons a film can be nuked for (generally DVDRip)

** BAD A/R ** :: bad aspect ratio, ie people appear too fat/thin
** BAD IVTC ** :: bad inverse telecine. process of converting framerates was incorrect.
** INTERLACED ** :: black lines on movement as the field order is incorrect.



DUPE -
Dupe is quite simply, if something exists already, then theres no reason for it to exist again without proper reason.


Misc Info :



Regional Coding -
This was designed to stop people buying American DVDs and watching them earlier in other countries, or for older films where world distribution is handled by different companies. A lot of players can either be hacked with a chip, or via a remote to disable this.

Note: There is several software applications you can use to change the region code to the format of the DVD player you are using.


RCE -
RCE (Regional Coding Enhancement) was designed to overcome "Multiregion" players, but it had a lot of faults and was overcome. Very few titles are RCE encoded now, and it was very unpopular.


Macrovision -
Macrovision is the copy protection employed on most commercial DVDs. Its a system that will display lines and darken the images of copies that are made by sending the VHS signals it can't understand. Certain DVD players (for example the Dansai 852 from Tescos) have a secret menu where you can disable the macrovision, or a "video stabaliser" costs about 30UKP from Maplin.

Part1: There is several applications that you can use to remove copy protection. A prime example woud be DVD Shrink that of course is if you have a ISO image of the video.

NTSC/PAL -
NTSC and PAL are the two main standards used across the world. NTSC has a higher frame rate than pal (29fps compared to 25fps) but PAL has an increased resolution, and gives off a generally sharper picture. Playing NTSC discs on PAL systems seems a lot easier than vice-versa, which is good news for the Brits An RGB enabled scart lead will play an NTSC picture in full colour on most modern tv sets, but to record this to a VHS tape, you will need to convert it to PAL50 (not PAL60 as the majority of DVD players do.) This is either achieved by an expensive converter box (in the regions of ?200+) an onboard converter (such as the Dansai 852 / certain Daewoos / Samsung 709 ) or using a World Standards VCR which can record in any format.

Note: When burning a video always make sure to select the right standard for the DVD player you plan on using. NTSC=USA,JAP ect.. PAL=Europe ect..



Well, that just about covers everything...Credit goes to all of those people who wrote all of this Very Helpful Info. I got this info from several different source's and added some other info myself. I hope this helps you understand Movie Releases...

I Hope You Enjoyed
eojpek1

Baz
06-14-2008, 08:19 AM
Thanks alot i didn't know what telesync was when i downloaded IRONMAN today = ] very useful thanks!

eojpek1
06-14-2008, 08:40 AM
Yeah no problem, glad this helped you out...

Thanks for the reply as well,
eojpek1

hereward
06-14-2008, 08:44 AM
Given the relatively small size of this forum most of this stuff will never be seen here. Extremely useful though if you're having a WTF moment in a part of the web you've never been to before. Good stuff.

Hereward

cheaker2
06-14-2008, 08:47 AM
Me too Thanks alot i didn't know what CAM was

eojpek1
06-14-2008, 09:00 AM
Given the relatively small size of this forum most of this stuff will never be seen here. Extremely useful though if you're having a WTF moment in a part of the web you've never been to before. Good stuff.

Hereward

Yeah, I know a lot of it is not going to be seen here, but it may come in handy somewhere down the line. It makes a great reference.

Me too Thanks alot i didn't know what CAM was

Well, glad I could help.

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far, it's greatly appreciated and glad your finding this info helpful.

eojpek1

czar70
06-14-2008, 12:17 PM
bro eojpek1
thanks for a great info post.....leart a lot from this post of urs....keep the good work going

eojpek1
06-14-2008, 01:09 PM
bro eojpek1
thanks for a great info post.....leart a lot from this post of urs....keep the good work going

Oh, I plan on it...Thanks for the response it's greatly appreciated...

Tars
06-14-2008, 02:06 PM
Very informative. Screener and watermark answered the questions i always wondered but never asked and i agree with your hd dvd note. Thank you.

eojpek1
06-14-2008, 02:13 PM
Well, I'm glad you found this info useful. I tried to make this as complete as possible, I was thinking about adding some other stuff possibly, but I think that info is just better to do on a new thread.

Anyways, thanks for the response it's greatly appreciated,
eojpek1

eyesonyouu
06-14-2008, 02:16 PM
thnx....

zero
06-14-2008, 03:01 PM
This is very useful can i use this for my forum? Or did you hand write it?

eojpek1
06-14-2008, 03:20 PM
First off thanks for the response. Second yeah I don't see why not, if you could give some props to me in the thread you post on your forum that would be great. Or you could tell me where your forum is and I could join up and post it myself. Been looking to post at some other forums as well for a while now. I think I'll hop over there in a bit and post it myself.

Did I hand write this? A lot of it I did write, but I have collected some info over some time from various people and sources as I noted in the description. And have included that info along with a good chunk of my handwriting skill and knowledge in this thread.

Well, thanks everyone so far for responding it is greatly appreciated,
eojpek1