Does anyone offer a "fit to DVD" option that actua

arateus · Post by **arateus** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:16 am

I'm searching for video editing/producing/burning software and have been frustrated by a high-want feature, "fit to dvd." I've downloaded trial versions of Cyberlink's PowerDirector 5 and Ulead's VideoStudio 10. I'm new to this video stuff, but am learning fast. I've had no problems capturing data, editing it, and producing (though I still stumble though producing), but burning has been a major headache.

PD5 offers a "Smart Fit" option that should be just the ticket, except when I use it, it tells me the file fits (4.58 GB of 4.7 GB), but when I move to actually burn, it warns it the file will not fit (4.48 GB free), then burning aborts once it apparently exceeds disc capacity. I'm using new store-bought discs and have tried different discs. If I manually select the video quality, SP will compress the file to 3.5 GB, but why should I give up the extra quality if I don't have to and shouldn't the option actually work if they offer it? I've found online product reviews where other users have expressed the same frustration so it seems to be more than just me.

If Ulead VS10 offers a fit to dvd option, I've yet to find it anywhere in the trial version. Can someone please tell me if VS10 offers this feature and if so, does it actually work (unlike PD5's)? Also, is it available on the trial version and where I can find it in the maze of menus? I prefer VS10's interface to PD5's and this would help determine if I buy soon or keep shopping. I'd much appreciate any help -- thanks!

heinz-oz · Post by **heinz-oz** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 4:54 am

I usually render my DVDs to a DVD folder on my HDD. Because my videos often contain fast moving action as well as slow or stationary sequences, I use 2 pass VBR. This makes it almost impossible to estimate correct bit rate to fit the final file to DVD. Afterwards, I check the file size and aim around 4.3 GB (that includes all menus etc.) 4.48 GB will not fit on a DVD blank.

If my bitrate estimations were out and the file is too big, this happens very often because, like yourself, I aim for the best possible quality, I use DVDShrink to downsize the file to fit on a DVD blank.

Shrink does an excellent job at this and can be downloaded from the web.

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Mon Jul 17, 2006 11:47 am

You can use either a bit rate calculator or the guide here:
What Bit Rate Settings etc Should I use?

Get as close as possible to the target size using the above method.
If you're still slightly over then as Heinz said finish off with DVDShrink.

arateus · Post by **arateus** » Tue Jul 18, 2006 4:24 pm

Thanks. That helps a lot and I will try it out.

Btw, I downloaded the user's manual for VS and saw where it said to limit file size to 4.37 GB (if I remember right), but it didn't offer any guidance on how to accomplish this. I think a "fit to DVD" feature that actually worked would be a very nice add to your product. While DVDShrink is a great suggestion (and something I did not know about), it would be nice if a new user such as myself could find a single all-inclusive package where I don't have to look elsewhere. Right now it does not appear to exist on the market so it sounds like an opportunity for you!

Thanks again!