# FFMPEG Encoder Interface Reference

# Overview

The IVFFFMPEGEncoder interface provides comprehensive configuration for encoding video and audio to various formats using the FFMPEG library. This powerful encoder supports multiple output formats including Flash Video (FLV), MPEG-1, MPEG-2, VCD, SVCD, DVD, and MPEG-2 Transport Stream.

The encoder uses a structure-based configuration approach where all encoding parameters are set at once, providing a simple yet complete interface for professional video encoding to legacy and streaming formats.

Interface GUID: {17B8FF7D-A67F-45CE-B425-0E4F607D8C60}

Filter CLSID: {554AB365-B293-4C1D-9245-E8DB01F027F7}

Inherits From: IUnknown

# Filter and Interface GUIDs

// FFMPEG Encoder Filter CLSID
public static readonly Guid CLSID_FFMPEGEncoder =
    new Guid("554AB365-B293-4C1D-9245-E8DB01F027F7");

// IVFFFMPEGEncoder Interface IID
public static readonly Guid IID_IVFFFMPEGEncoder =
    new Guid("17B8FF7D-A67F-45CE-B425-0E4F607D8C60");

# Output Formats

# VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat Enumeration

/// <summary>
/// FFMPEG encoder output format options.
/// </summary>
public enum VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Flash Video (.flv) - Web streaming format
    /// </summary>
    FLV = 0,

    /// <summary>
    /// MPEG-1 (.mpg) - Standard MPEG-1 video
    /// </summary>
    MPEG1 = 1,

    /// <summary>
    /// MPEG-1 VCD - Video CD compliant format
    /// Resolution: 352x240 (NTSC) or 352x288 (PAL)
    /// Bitrate: 1150 kbps
    /// </summary>
    MPEG1VCD = 2,

    /// <summary>
    /// MPEG-2 (.mpg) - Standard MPEG-2 video
    /// </summary>
    MPEG2 = 3,

    /// <summary>
    /// MPEG-2 Transport Stream (.ts) - Broadcasting and streaming
    /// </summary>
    MPEG2TS = 4,

    /// <summary>
    /// MPEG-2 SVCD - Super Video CD compliant format
    /// Resolution: 480x480 (NTSC) or 480x576 (PAL)
    /// Bitrate: 2500 kbps
    /// </summary>
    MPEG2SVCD = 5,

    /// <summary>
    /// MPEG-2 DVD - DVD-Video compliant format
    /// Resolution: 720x480 (NTSC) or 720x576 (PAL)
    /// Bitrate: Up to 9800 kbps
    /// </summary>
    MPEG2DVD = 6
}

# TV System Standards

/// <summary>
/// Television system standards for video encoding.
/// </summary>
public enum VFFFMPEGDLLTVSystem
{
    /// <summary>
    /// No specific TV system / Auto-detect
    /// </summary>
    None = 0,

    /// <summary>
    /// PAL (Phase Alternating Line)
    /// 25 fps, 576 lines
    /// Used in: Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa
    /// </summary>
    PAL = 1,

    /// <summary>
    /// NTSC (National Television System Committee)
    /// 29.97 fps, 480 lines
    /// Used in: North America, Japan, South Korea
    /// </summary>
    NTSC = 2,

    /// <summary>
    /// Film standard
    /// 24 fps
    /// Used for: Cinema, film transfers
    /// </summary>
    Film = 3
}

# FFMPEGOutputSettings Structure

/// <summary>
/// Complete configuration structure for FFMPEG encoder.
/// Contains all audio, video, and output format settings.
/// </summary>
[StructLayout(LayoutKind.Sequential)]
public struct FFMPEGOutputSettings
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Output filename with path.
    /// </summary>
    [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)]
    public string Filename;

    /// <summary>
    /// True if audio stream is included in output.
    /// </summary>
    [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.Bool)]
    public bool AudioAvailable;

    /// <summary>
    /// Audio bitrate in bits per second (e.g., 128000 for 128 kbps).
    /// </summary>
    public int AudioBitrate;

    /// <summary>
    /// Audio sample rate in Hz (e.g., 44100, 48000).
    /// </summary>
    public int AudioSamplerate;

    /// <summary>
    /// Number of audio channels (1 = mono, 2 = stereo).
    /// </summary>
    public int AudioChannels;

    /// <summary>
    /// Video frame width in pixels.
    /// </summary>
    public int VideoWidth;

    /// <summary>
    /// Video frame height in pixels.
    /// </summary>
    public int VideoHeight;

    /// <summary>
    /// Display aspect ratio width (e.g., 16 for 16:9).
    /// </summary>
    public int AspectRatioW;

    /// <summary>
    /// Display aspect ratio height (e.g., 9 for 16:9).
    /// </summary>
    public int AspectRatioH;

    /// <summary>
    /// Video bitrate in bits per second (e.g., 5000000 for 5 Mbps).
    /// </summary>
    public int VideoBitrate;

    /// <summary>
    /// Maximum video bitrate for VBR encoding (bits per second).
    /// </summary>
    public int VideoMaxRate;

    /// <summary>
    /// Minimum video bitrate for VBR encoding (bits per second).
    /// </summary>
    public int VideoMinRate;

    /// <summary>
    /// Video buffer size in bits (affects latency and smoothness).
    /// </summary>
    public int VideoBufferSize;

    /// <summary>
    /// True to enable interlaced encoding (for broadcast TV).
    /// </summary>
    [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.Bool)]
    public bool Interlace;

    /// <summary>
    /// GOP (Group of Pictures) size - keyframe interval.
    /// Typical: 12-15 for MPEG-2, 30-60 for web video.
    /// </summary>
    public int VideoGopSize;

    /// <summary>
    /// TV system standard (PAL, NTSC, Film, or None).
    /// </summary>
    [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.I4)]
    public VFFFMPEGDLLTVSystem TVSystem;

    /// <summary>
    /// Output format (FLV, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, etc.).
    /// </summary>
    [MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.I4)]
    public VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat OutputFormat;
}

# Interface Definitions

# C# Definition

using System;
using System.Runtime.InteropServices;

namespace VisioForge.DirectShowAPI
{
    /// <summary>
    /// FFMPEG encoder configuration interface.
    /// Provides comprehensive encoding to multiple formats using FFMPEG library.
    /// </summary>
    [ComImport]
    [Guid("17B8FF7D-A67F-45CE-B425-0E4F607D8C60")]
    [InterfaceType(ComInterfaceType.InterfaceIsIUnknown)]
    public interface IVFFFMPEGEncoder
    {
        /// <summary>
        /// Sets the complete FFMPEG encoder configuration.
        /// All encoding parameters must be set at once via this structure.
        /// </summary>
        /// <param name="settings">Complete encoder settings structure</param>
        [PreserveSig]
        void set_settings([In] FFMPEGOutputSettings settings);
    }
}

# C++ Definition

#include <unknwn.h>

// {17B8FF7D-A67F-45CE-B425-0E4F607D8C60}
DEFINE_GUID(IID_IVFFFMPEGEncoder,
    0x17b8ff7d, 0xa67f, 0x45ce, 0xb4, 0x25, 0xe, 0x4f, 0x60, 0x7d, 0x8c, 0x60);

// {554AB365-B293-4C1D-9245-E8DB01F027F7}
DEFINE_GUID(CLSID_FFMPEGEncoder,
    0x554ab365, 0xb293, 0x4c1d, 0x92, 0x45, 0xe8, 0xdb, 0x01, 0xf0, 0x27, 0xf7);

/// <summary>
/// Output format enumeration.
/// </summary>
enum FFOutputFormat
{
    of_FLV = 0,
    of_MPEG1 = 1,
    of_MPEG1VCD = 2,
    of_MPEG2 = 3,
    of_MPEG2TS = 4,
    of_MPEG2SVCD = 5,
    of_MPEG2DVD = 6
};

/// <summary>
/// TV system enumeration.
/// </summary>
enum video_tv_system_t
{
    video_norm_unknown = 0,
    video_norm_pal = 1,
    video_norm_ntsc = 2,
    video_norm_film = 3
};

/// <summary>
/// FFMPEG encoder output settings structure.
/// </summary>
struct CVFOutputSettings
{
    wchar_t* filename;

    BOOL audioAvailable;
    int audioBitrate;
    int audioSamplerate;
    int audioChannels;

    int videoWidth;
    int videoHeight;
    int aspectRatioW;
    int aspectRatioH;
    int videoBitrate;
    int videoMaxRate;
    int videoMinRate;
    int videoBufferSize;
    BOOL interlace;
    int videoGopSize;
    int tvSystem;

    int outputFormat;
};

/// <summary>
/// FFMPEG encoder configuration interface.
/// </summary>
DECLARE_INTERFACE_(IVFFFMPEGEncoder, IUnknown)
{
    /// <summary>
    /// Sets the complete FFMPEG encoder configuration.
    /// </summary>
    /// <param name="settings">Complete encoder settings structure</param>
    STDMETHOD(set_settings)(THIS_
        CVFOutputSettings settings
        ) PURE;
};

# Delphi Definition

uses
  ActiveX, ComObj;

const
  IID_IVFFFMPEGEncoder: TGUID = '{17B8FF7D-A67F-45CE-B425-0E4F607D8C60}';
  CLSID_FFMPEGEncoder: TGUID = '{554AB365-B293-4C1D-9245-E8DB01F027F7}';

type
  /// <summary>
  /// FFMPEG output format enumeration.
  /// </summary>
  TVFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat = (
    FLV,
    MPEG1,
    MPEG1VCD,
    MPEG2,
    MPEG2TS,
    MPEG2SVCD,
    MPEG2DVD
  );

  /// <summary>
  /// TV system enumeration.
  /// </summary>
  TVFFFMPEGDLLTVSystem = (
    None,
    PAL,
    NTSC,
    Film
  );

  /// <summary>
  /// FFMPEG encoder output settings structure.
  /// </summary>
  TFFMPEGOutputSettings = record
    Filename: PWideChar;
    AudioAvailable: BOOL;
    AudioBitrate: Integer;
    AudioSamplerate: Integer;
    AudioChannels: Integer;
    VideoWidth: Integer;
    VideoHeight: Integer;
    AspectRatioW: Integer;
    AspectRatioH: Integer;
    VideoBitrate: Integer;
    VideoMaxRate: Integer;
    VideoMinRate: Integer;
    VideoBufferSize: Integer;
    Interlace: BOOL;
    VideoGopSize: Integer;
    TVSystem: Integer;
    OutputFormat: Integer;
  end;

  /// <summary>
  /// FFMPEG encoder configuration interface.
  /// </summary>
  IVFFFMPEGEncoder = interface(IUnknown)
    ['{17B8FF7D-A67F-45CE-B425-0E4F607D8C60}']

    /// <summary>
    /// Sets the complete FFMPEG encoder configuration.
    /// </summary>
    procedure set_settings(const settings: TFFMPEGOutputSettings); stdcall;
  end;

# Output Format Specifications

# FLV (Flash Video)

Format: Adobe Flash Video (.flv) Use Cases: Web streaming, legacy Flash content Typical Settings:

Resolution: 640x480, 854x480, 1280x720
Video Bitrate: 500-2500 kbps
Audio: MP3, 64-128 kbps, 44100 Hz
GOP: 30-60 frames

# MPEG-1

Format: MPEG-1 video (.mpg) Use Cases: Basic video, legacy systems, web Typical Settings:

Resolution: 352x240 (NTSC), 352x288 (PAL)
Video Bitrate: 1150 kbps
Audio: MPEG Layer 2, 224 kbps, 44100 Hz
GOP: 12-15 frames

# MPEG-1 VCD (Video CD)

Format: Video CD compliant MPEG-1 (.mpg) Use Cases: VCD authoring, disc distribution Required Settings:

Resolution: 352x240 (NTSC), 352x288 (PAL)
Video Bitrate: 1150 kbps (fixed)
Audio: MPEG Layer 2, 224 kbps, 44100 Hz
GOP: 12 frames (NTSC), 15 frames (PAL)
TV System: Must match (NTSC or PAL)

# MPEG-2

Format: MPEG-2 video (.mpg) Use Cases: DVD authoring, broadcast, high quality Typical Settings:

Resolution: 720x480 (NTSC), 720x576 (PAL)
Video Bitrate: 4000-9800 kbps
Audio: MPEG Layer 2 or AC-3, 192-448 kbps
GOP: 12-15 frames

# MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream)

Format: MPEG-2 Transport Stream (.ts) Use Cases: Broadcasting, streaming, Blu-ray Typical Settings:

Resolution: 720x480, 1280x720, 1920x1080
Video Bitrate: 3000-15000 kbps
Audio: MPEG Layer 2 or AC-3
GOP: 12-30 frames
Better error resilience than MPEG-2 PS

# MPEG-2 SVCD (Super Video CD)

Format: Super Video CD compliant MPEG-2 (.mpg) Use Cases: SVCD authoring, disc distribution Required Settings:

Resolution: 480x480 (NTSC), 480x576 (PAL)
Video Bitrate: 2500 kbps (typical)
Audio: MPEG Layer 2, 224 kbps, 44100 Hz
GOP: 12-15 frames
TV System: Must match (NTSC or PAL)

# MPEG-2 DVD (DVD-Video)

Format: DVD-Video compliant MPEG-2 (.mpg) Use Cases: DVD authoring, professional distribution Required Settings:

Resolution: 720x480 (NTSC), 720x576 (PAL)
Video Bitrate: 4000-9800 kbps
Audio: AC-3 or PCM, up to 448 kbps
GOP: 12 frames (NTSC), 15 frames (PAL)
TV System: Must match (NTSC or PAL)
Interlaced: Typically enabled for broadcast

# Usage Examples

# C# Example - DVD-Quality MPEG-2 (NTSC)

using System;
using DirectShowLib;
using VisioForge.DirectShowAPI;

public class FFMPEGDVDEncoder
{
    public void ConfigureDVDNTSC(IBaseFilter ffmpegEncoder)
    {
        // Query the FFMPEG encoder interface
        var encoder = ffmpegEncoder as IVFFFMPEGEncoder;
        if (encoder == null)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Error: Filter does not support IVFFFMPEGEncoder");
            return;
        }

        // Configure DVD-compliant MPEG-2 encoding (NTSC)
        var settings = new FFMPEGOutputSettings
        {
            // Output file
            Filename = "C:\\output\\movie.mpg",

            // Audio settings
            AudioAvailable = true,
            AudioBitrate = 224000,      // 224 kbps
            AudioSamplerate = 48000,    // 48 kHz for DVD
            AudioChannels = 2,           // Stereo

            // Video settings - DVD NTSC specs
            VideoWidth = 720,
            VideoHeight = 480,
            AspectRatioW = 16,
            AspectRatioH = 9,
            VideoBitrate = 6000000,     // 6 Mbps
            VideoMaxRate = 9800000,     // 9.8 Mbps max for DVD
            VideoMinRate = 0,
            VideoBufferSize = 1835008,  // Standard DVD buffer
            Interlace = true,           // DVD is interlaced
            VideoGopSize = 12,          // 12 frames for NTSC

            // Format settings
            TVSystem = VFFFMPEGDLLTVSystem.NTSC,
            OutputFormat = VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat.MPEG2DVD
        };

        encoder.set_settings(settings);

        Console.WriteLine("FFMPEG encoder configured for DVD NTSC:");
        Console.WriteLine("  Resolution: 720x480 (16:9)");
        Console.WriteLine("  Video: 6 Mbps MPEG-2, interlaced");
        Console.WriteLine("  Audio: 224 kbps, 48 kHz stereo");
        Console.WriteLine("  GOP: 12 frames");
    }
}

# C# Example - Web Streaming FLV

public class FFMPEGWebStreaming
{
    public void ConfigureFLV(IBaseFilter ffmpegEncoder)
    {
        var encoder = ffmpegEncoder as IVFFFMPEGEncoder;
        if (encoder == null)
            return;

        // Configure Flash Video for web streaming
        var settings = new FFMPEGOutputSettings
        {
            Filename = "C:\\output\\video.flv",

            // Audio settings
            AudioAvailable = true,
            AudioBitrate = 96000,       // 96 kbps
            AudioSamplerate = 44100,
            AudioChannels = 2,

            // Video settings - 720p web streaming
            VideoWidth = 1280,
            VideoHeight = 720,
            AspectRatioW = 16,
            AspectRatioH = 9,
            VideoBitrate = 2000000,     // 2 Mbps
            VideoMaxRate = 2500000,     // 2.5 Mbps max
            VideoMinRate = 1500000,     // 1.5 Mbps min
            VideoBufferSize = 2000000,
            Interlace = false,          // Progressive for web
            VideoGopSize = 60,          // 2 seconds at 30fps

            TVSystem = VFFFMPEGDLLTVSystem.None,
            OutputFormat = VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat.FLV
        };

        encoder.set_settings(settings);

        Console.WriteLine("FFMPEG encoder configured for FLV web streaming:");
        Console.WriteLine("  720p @ 2 Mbps, progressive");
    }
}

# C# Example - VCD Compliant MPEG-1 (PAL)

public class FFMPEGVCDEncoder
{
    public void ConfigureVCDPAL(IBaseFilter ffmpegEncoder)
    {
        var encoder = ffmpegEncoder as IVFFFMPEGEncoder;
        if (encoder == null)
            return;

        // Configure VCD-compliant MPEG-1 (PAL)
        var settings = new FFMPEGOutputSettings
        {
            Filename = "C:\\output\\vcd.mpg",

            // Audio settings - VCD spec
            AudioAvailable = true,
            AudioBitrate = 224000,      // 224 kbps required
            AudioSamplerate = 44100,    // 44.1 kHz required
            AudioChannels = 2,

            // Video settings - VCD PAL specs
            VideoWidth = 352,
            VideoHeight = 288,          // PAL resolution
            AspectRatioW = 4,
            AspectRatioH = 3,
            VideoBitrate = 1150000,     // 1150 kbps required
            VideoMaxRate = 1150000,
            VideoMinRate = 1150000,
            VideoBufferSize = 327680,   // VCD buffer size
            Interlace = false,
            VideoGopSize = 15,          // 15 frames for PAL

            TVSystem = VFFFMPEGDLLTVSystem.PAL,
            OutputFormat = VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat.MPEG1VCD
        };

        encoder.set_settings(settings);

        Console.WriteLine("FFMPEG encoder configured for VCD PAL:");
        Console.WriteLine("  352x288 @ 1150 kbps");
    }
}

# C# Example - MPEG-2 Transport Stream

public class FFMPEGMPEG2TS
{
    public void ConfigureMPEG2TS(IBaseFilter ffmpegEncoder)
    {
        var encoder = ffmpegEncoder as IVFFFMPEGEncoder;
        if (encoder == null)
            return;

        // Configure MPEG-2 Transport Stream for broadcasting
        var settings = new FFMPEGOutputSettings
        {
            Filename = "C:\\output\\stream.ts",

            // Audio settings
            AudioAvailable = true,
            AudioBitrate = 192000,
            AudioSamplerate = 48000,
            AudioChannels = 2,

            // Video settings - 1080i HD broadcast
            VideoWidth = 1920,
            VideoHeight = 1080,
            AspectRatioW = 16,
            AspectRatioH = 9,
            VideoBitrate = 12000000,    // 12 Mbps
            VideoMaxRate = 15000000,    // 15 Mbps max
            VideoMinRate = 8000000,     // 8 Mbps min
            VideoBufferSize = 8000000,
            Interlace = true,           // Broadcast is interlaced
            VideoGopSize = 15,

            TVSystem = VFFFMPEGDLLTVSystem.NTSC,
            OutputFormat = VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat.MPEG2TS
        };

        encoder.set_settings(settings);

        Console.WriteLine("FFMPEG encoder configured for MPEG-2 TS:");
        Console.WriteLine("  1080i HD broadcast stream");
    }
}

# C++ Example - DVD NTSC

#include <dshow.h>
#include <iostream>
#include "InterfaceDefine.h"

void ConfigureFFMPEGDVD(IBaseFilter* pFFMPEGEncoder)
{
    IVFFFMPEGEncoder* pEncoder = NULL;
    HRESULT hr = S_OK;

    // Query the FFMPEG encoder interface
    hr = pFFMPEGEncoder->QueryInterface(IID_IVFFFMPEGEncoder,
                                        (void**)&pEncoder);
    if (FAILED(hr) || !pEncoder)
    {
        std::cout << "Error: Filter does not support IVFFFMPEGEncoder" << std::endl;
        return;
    }

    // Configure DVD-compliant MPEG-2 encoding (NTSC)
    CVFOutputSettings settings;
    ZeroMemory(&settings, sizeof(settings));

    settings.filename = L"C:\\output\\movie.mpg";

    // Audio settings
    settings.audioAvailable = TRUE;
    settings.audioBitrate = 224000;
    settings.audioSamplerate = 48000;
    settings.audioChannels = 2;

    // Video settings - DVD NTSC specs
    settings.videoWidth = 720;
    settings.videoHeight = 480;
    settings.aspectRatioW = 16;
    settings.aspectRatioH = 9;
    settings.videoBitrate = 6000000;
    settings.videoMaxRate = 9800000;
    settings.videoMinRate = 0;
    settings.videoBufferSize = 1835008;
    settings.interlace = TRUE;
    settings.videoGopSize = 12;

    settings.tvSystem = video_norm_ntsc;
    settings.outputFormat = of_MPEG2DVD;

    pEncoder->set_settings(settings);

    std::cout << "FFMPEG encoder configured for DVD NTSC" << std::endl;

    pEncoder->Release();
}

# C++ Example - FLV Web Streaming

void ConfigureFFMPEGFLV(IBaseFilter* pFFMPEGEncoder)
{
    IVFFFMPEGEncoder* pEncoder = NULL;
    HRESULT hr = pFFMPEGEncoder->QueryInterface(IID_IVFFFMPEGEncoder,
                                                (void**)&pEncoder);
    if (SUCCEEDED(hr) && pEncoder)
    {
        CVFOutputSettings settings;
        ZeroMemory(&settings, sizeof(settings));

        settings.filename = L"C:\\output\\video.flv";

        // Audio settings
        settings.audioAvailable = TRUE;
        settings.audioBitrate = 96000;
        settings.audioSamplerate = 44100;
        settings.audioChannels = 2;

        // Video settings - 720p web
        settings.videoWidth = 1280;
        settings.videoHeight = 720;
        settings.aspectRatioW = 16;
        settings.aspectRatioH = 9;
        settings.videoBitrate = 2000000;
        settings.videoMaxRate = 2500000;
        settings.videoMinRate = 1500000;
        settings.videoBufferSize = 2000000;
        settings.interlace = FALSE;
        settings.videoGopSize = 60;

        settings.tvSystem = video_norm_unknown;
        settings.outputFormat = of_FLV;

        pEncoder->set_settings(settings);

        std::cout << "FFMPEG FLV encoder configured" << std::endl;

        pEncoder->Release();
    }
}

# Delphi Example - DVD PAL

uses
  DirectShow9, ActiveX;

procedure ConfigureFFMPEGDVDPAL(FFMPEGEncoder: IBaseFilter);
var
  Encoder: IVFFFMPEGEncoder;
  Settings: TFFMPEGOutputSettings;
  hr: HRESULT;
begin
  hr := FFMPEGEncoder.QueryInterface(IID_IVFFFMPEGEncoder, Encoder);
  if Failed(hr) or (Encoder = nil) then
  begin
    WriteLn('Error: Filter does not support IVFFFMPEGEncoder');
    Exit;
  end;

  try
    ZeroMemory(@Settings, SizeOf(Settings));

    Settings.Filename := 'C:\output\movie.mpg';

    // Audio settings
    Settings.AudioAvailable := True;
    Settings.AudioBitrate := 224000;
    Settings.AudioSamplerate := 48000;
    Settings.AudioChannels := 2;

    // Video settings - DVD PAL specs
    Settings.VideoWidth := 720;
    Settings.VideoHeight := 576;
    Settings.AspectRatioW := 16;
    Settings.AspectRatioH := 9;
    Settings.VideoBitrate := 6000000;
    Settings.VideoMaxRate := 9800000;
    Settings.VideoMinRate := 0;
    Settings.VideoBufferSize := 1835008;
    Settings.Interlace := True;
    Settings.VideoGopSize := 15;

    Settings.TVSystem := Ord(PAL);
    Settings.OutputFormat := Ord(MPEG2DVD);

    Encoder.set_settings(Settings);

    WriteLn('FFMPEG encoder configured for DVD PAL');
  finally
    Encoder := nil;
  end;
end;

# Best Practices

# Format-Specific Recommendations

For DVD Authoring (MPEG2DVD):

Always match TV system to target region (NTSC for Americas/Japan, PAL for Europe/Asia)
Use 720x480 for NTSC, 720x576 for PAL
Enable interlacing for broadcast compatibility
GOP: 12 frames (NTSC), 15 frames (PAL)
Video bitrate: 4-9.8 Mbps
Audio: 48 kHz, 224-448 kbps

For VCD/SVCD (MPEG1VCD, MPEG2SVCD):

Strictly follow format specifications (resolution, bitrate)
Match TV system to target region
Use exact specified bitrates for best compatibility
Test on target hardware (standalone VCD/SVCD players)

For Web Streaming (FLV):

Use progressive (non-interlaced) encoding
Lower bitrates for broader reach (500-2500 kbps)
GOP: 30-60 frames for seek points every 1-2 seconds
Consider modern alternatives (MP4/H.264) for better quality

For Broadcasting (MPEG2TS):

Transport Stream has better error resilience
Use for live streaming and broadcast applications
Higher bitrates acceptable (10-15 Mbps for HD)
Match interlacing to broadcast standard

# Resolution and Aspect Ratio

Standard Resolutions by Format:

Format	NTSC Resolution	PAL Resolution	Aspect Ratio
VCD	352x240	352x288	4:3
SVCD	480x480	480x576	4:3 or 16:9
DVD	720x480	720x576	4:3 or 16:9
FLV/MPEG-2	Any	Any	Any

Aspect Ratio Settings:

4:3 standard: AspectRatioW = 4, AspectRatioH = 3
16:9 widescreen: AspectRatioW = 16, AspectRatioH = 9
Ensure display aspect ratio matches pixel aspect ratio

# GOP Size Guidelines

VCD/SVCD/DVD:

NTSC: 12 frames (0.4 seconds at 29.97 fps)
PAL: 15 frames (0.6 seconds at 25 fps)
Required for format compliance

Web Streaming:

30-60 frames (1-2 seconds)
Shorter GOP: Better seeking, larger file
Longer GOP: Smaller file, slower seeking

Broadcast:

12-15 frames for high quality
Match to TV system standard

# Bitrate Configuration

VBR (Variable Bitrate):

Set VideoBitrate (average), VideoMinRate, VideoMaxRate
Better quality for same average bitrate
Use for file-based encoding

CBR (Constant Bitrate):

Set all three bitrates to the same value
Predictable file size and bandwidth
Use for streaming and broadcasting

# Audio Settings

Sample Rates:

44100 Hz: CD quality, VCD/SVCD
48000 Hz: DVD, professional broadcast
Match source when possible

Bitrates:

Mono speech: 64-96 kbps
Stereo music: 128-224 kbps
DVD audio: 192-448 kbps

# Troubleshooting

# Encoder Initialization Fails

Symptoms: set_settings call fails or crashes

Possible Causes:

Invalid filename or path
Incorrect format specifications
Unsupported resolution/bitrate combination

Solutions:

Ensure output directory exists and is writable
Verify resolution matches format requirements
Check bitrate is within format limits
For VCD/SVCD/DVD, strictly follow specifications

# Output File Won't Play

Symptoms: Encoded file doesn't play or has errors

Possible Causes:

Format specifications not met
Wrong TV system for format
Interlacing mismatch
GOP size issues

Solutions:

For DVD/VCD/SVCD: Use exact specification parameters
Match TV system to target region
Enable interlacing for DVD/broadcast
Use standard GOP sizes (12 for NTSC, 15 for PAL)

# Poor Video Quality

Symptoms: Blocky, blurry, or artifact-laden video

Possible Causes:

Bitrate too low for resolution
Incorrect GOP size
Bitrate range too restrictive

Solutions:

Increase video bitrate (see format recommendations)
For VBR, widen min/max bitrate range
Use appropriate GOP size for format
Ensure resolution matches format specifications

# A/V Sync Issues

Symptoms: Audio and video drift out of sync

Possible Causes:

Incorrect sample rate
Wrong frame rate for TV system
Buffer size issues

Solutions:

Use 48000 Hz for DVD, 44100 Hz for VCD
Ensure TV system matches source frame rate
Increase VideoBufferSize for complex content
Verify source audio/video are synchronized

# DVD/VCD Won't Play on Hardware

Symptoms: File plays on computer but not on standalone player

Possible Causes:

Format specifications not strictly followed
Wrong TV system
Non-compliant GOP size or bitrate

Solutions:

Critical: Use exact format specifications
VCD: 352x240/288, 1150 kbps, GOP 12/15
DVD: 720x480/576, max 9.8 Mbps, GOP 12/15
Match TV system to player region
Enable interlacing for DVD
Test with software DVD/VCD player first

# Large File Sizes

Symptoms: Output files larger than expected

Possible Causes:

Bitrate too high
CBR instead of VBR
Small GOP size

Solutions:

Reduce video bitrate
Use VBR with appropriate min/max range
Increase GOP size (for non-DVD/VCD formats)
Consider more efficient formats (H.264/MP4 instead of MPEG-2)

# FFMPEG Encoder Interface Reference

# Overview

# Filter and Interface GUIDs

# Output Formats

# VFFFMPEGDLLOutputFormat Enumeration

# TV System Standards

# FFMPEGOutputSettings Structure

# Interface Definitions

# C# Definition

# C++ Definition

# Delphi Definition

# Output Format Specifications

# FLV (Flash Video)

# MPEG-1

# MPEG-1 VCD (Video CD)

# MPEG-2

# MPEG-2 TS (Transport Stream)

# MPEG-2 SVCD (Super Video CD)

# MPEG-2 DVD (DVD-Video)

# Usage Examples

# C# Example - DVD-Quality MPEG-2 (NTSC)

# C# Example - Web Streaming FLV

# C# Example - VCD Compliant MPEG-1 (PAL)

# C# Example - MPEG-2 Transport Stream

# C++ Example - DVD NTSC

# C++ Example - FLV Web Streaming

# Delphi Example - DVD PAL

# Best Practices

# Format-Specific Recommendations

# Resolution and Aspect Ratio

# GOP Size Guidelines

# Bitrate Configuration

# Audio Settings

# Troubleshooting

# Encoder Initialization Fails

# Output File Won't Play

# Poor Video Quality

# A/V Sync Issues

# DVD/VCD Won't Play on Hardware

# Large File Sizes

# See Also