For me, how best to shrink MF4 mpeg files?

[wguru]

In that I separately save/store my captured VHS mpeg file on my external HD and I save/store the project dmz file on my laptop, I¡¦m assuming I¡¦ve not created any file issues. And in that my capture device source lists in MF4 as USB 2820 Video? (Actually World DVD Maker USB 2.0), again this likely isn¡¦t an issue.


Also, I currently don¡¦t make menus and at the preview pane, I¡¦m saving the file (mpeg with 'LHVS' audio?) and then click OK to simply save the projects/individual mpeg2 plus I¡¦m currently ticking only the Record to disc option in the MF4 finish window.

As such, I¡¦m hoping I can still add video files in the add/edit media window for multiples of my separately created MF4 mpeg video files, thereafter go about reducing the files, then burning them onto a DVD, but sure would appreciate any insight, tips or help at this point.

Also, my Ulead MF4SE apparently didn¡¦t come with Quick-Drop or Disc Creator/DVD Tweak and Fit, CD/DVD discs, Ulead DVD Disk Recorder, Label@Once, and for all I know maybe not even the Ulead Data-Add UDF Driver.

Hopefully I won¡¦t need to use DVDDecrypter and DVDShrink (if that¡¦s even possible), but then maybe there could be an advantage to burning my DVD that way (i.e.; better chances the DVD will play on all players).

Any help appreciated.

[DVDDoug]

File size is determined by combined audio & video bitrate and playing time.

Here's an online (free) Bitrate Calculator.

You set the DVD bitrate under Project Settings and Movie Factory will convert your files to those settings. (Note that the project settings will be ignored if you check the box thas says Do Not Convert Compliant MPEGs, and if you feed it DVD-compliant MPEGs.)

For an NTSC DVD (USA) you need to use LPCM or Dolby AC3 audio. With your SE version, you probably don't have the Dolby option. LPCM eats-up more disc space than Dolby (It has a higher bitrate than Dolby), so with LPCM you usually need to use a lower video-bitrate, depending on the playing-time of your video

Higher bitrate = higher quality = bigger file size = lower compression = less playing time.

Lower bitrate = lower quality = smaller file size = higher compression = more playing time.

A good "rule-of-thumb" is 90 minutes per DVD. You can get that with a 6000k bitrate and Dolby AC3 audio. This bitrate is typical of commercal DVDs (The DVD spec allows video bitrates up to about 9800k, and up to about 10,000 kbps combined audio & video.)

Also, my Ulead MF4SE apparently didn't come with Quick-Drop or Disc Creator/DVD Tweak and Fit, CD/DVD discs, Ulead DVD Disk Recorder, Label@Once, and for all I know maybe not even the Ulead Data-Add UDF Driver.

Right. The SE versions come bundled free with hardware and they are feature-limited.

Hopefully I won't need to use DVDDecrypter and DVDShrink (if that's even possible), but then maybe there could be an advantage to burning my DVD that way...

You shouldn't need either of those tools. There is a way to use DVDshrink, but it takes extra time and an extra MPEG re-code (which may reduce the quality). It's better to get the bitrate right the first time.

...(i.e.; better chances the DVD will play on all players).

Actually, Movie Factory does a good job of making compliant DVDs. If a DVD doesn't play properly, it's usually a burning-related issue, or a player compatibility issue. Some DVD players can't play burned DVDs, others can play DVD-R but not DVD+R, or vice-versa. If you don't know what the player "likes', your odds are best with DVD-R. Your odds are worst with dual-layer.