Compression settings when converting files?

[edefosse]

Hello,

 

In converting a DVD to DivX, H.264, or any other file format I don't see any options for setting the compression quality / bits per second at which the encoding will take place. Is there a way to do this?

 

Thanks!

 

-Erin

[Brendon]

Hi Erin,

 

I haven't found a way (yet) to change the bitrate of the output file.

 

You have a handle on menus, 1 or 2-pass encoding, frame rate, output resolution (size), and screen adaptation (shape) using the 'Options" button, but seemingly no way to influence output bitrate.

 

The help file says "DivX and DVE projects can be automatically compressed to fit on a single disc or memory card" so you could presumably compress down to any of the standard disc sizes or 256/512MB but that's not a lot of control, and certainly nothing compared to the control the real DivX codec usually gives you.

 

This might be useable if you want to put one whole DVD onto a CD as an AVI, but it's not very useful for small files. A 27 second "extra" from a DVD came down to 11.2MB at 3364 Kbps, which is a ridiculous bitrate for a DivX file.

 

There needs to be a way to adjust bitrate. I'll keep looking and will come back to you if I find it.

[Brendon]

* * * * * *

 

Hello again Erin,

 

I've found a way. It's a bit crude and takes time, but it will work.

 

When you're in Disc Copier, set up the title you want to convert and the options/profile you want to use, and then go down to Size on the bottom bar of Disc Copier and select Custom.

 

This will allow you to set a custom size, close to what you estimate your output file should be at your desired bitrate.

 

Checking the output file with GSpot or something similar will show the bitrate which was used, and if it's not close enough you can tweak the custom size setting a bit and try again.

 

It's not as nice as setting the bitrate in the codec controls, but it works mostly.

 

Does that help any?

[edefosse]

* * * * * *

 

Hello again Erin,

 

I've found a way. It's a bit crude and takes time, but it will work.

 

When you're in Disc Copier, set up the title you want to convert and the options/profile you want to use, and then go down to Size on the bottom bar of Disc Copier and select Custom.

 

This will allow you to set a custom size, close to what you estimate your output file should be at your desired bitrate.

 

Checking the output file with GSpot or something similar will show the bitrate which was used, and if it's not close enough you can tweak the custom size setting a bit and try again.

 

It's not as nice as setting the bitrate in the codec controls, but it works mostly.

 

Does that help any?

 

Thanks...yes, that does help. Not ideal but it will do the trick for now.

 

-Erin