Strange increase in file size

[eclipse]

After capturing about 2 hours of Hi-8 home video, the raw mpeg-2 file is a little over 4 GB. After using Video Studio 9 SE to do nothing more than split it into scenes, add a few transitions, and create chapter breaks, the resulting file is over 6 GB, which obviously won't fit onto a single layer DVD. Any idea what causes this and how to prevent it?

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Check the video files properties by right clicking and selecting properties.
OK
After editing your project create a video file, Share Create Video File¡XUse Same as First video clip .

This should render the project to a new file using the original settings.

Use the new file in a NEW project Share Create disc¡XADD video

[eclipse]

Not sure I understood your instructions entirely, but I did try to save the original, unedited, 4 GB mpeg-2 file as a project in a .vsp file. It still comes up in "Share" as well over 6 GB.

[Trevor Andrew]

We need to know the video files properties.

These are the settings you used to capture the video.

Right click a video file in the library or timeline and select properties.

What are they.?????????

[eclipse]

Here are the pertinent properties:

Under "file":
File format: MPEG-2
File size: 4,218,416 KB

Under "Video":
Video type: MPEG-2 video
Attributes: 24 bits, 480x480, 4:3
Data rate : Variable bit rate (max. 8000 kbps)

Under "Audio":
Audio Type: MPEG Audio Layer 2 files
Total samples: 322,754,024 samples
Attributes: 44100 Hz, 16 bit, stereo
Layer: 2
Bit rate: 256 kbps

I should add that the original video was not captured with Video Studio. It was captured into MPEG-2 format with an ADS DVDXpress DX2 hardware encoding device, which requires the use of CapWiz capturing software. VideoStudio 9 SE was the editing software that came with the capture device. Thanks for your help.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

The capture properties are non standard, The frame size should be 720 x 576 if you are to create a DVD.

You will be best to capture again using suitable settings.
I do not use CapWiz but assume it can capture to Mpeg 2 DVD standards.

MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 576, 25 fps
Upper Field First (for analogue capture)
(DVD-PAL), 4:3
Video data rate: ( 4000 kbps) for 2 hours footage.
Audio data rate: 224 kbps
MPEG audio layer 2, 48 KHz, Stereo

Note:- the bit rate controls the size of the video file, as well as quality.
By using 8000 you get 60 minutes to a DVD (4.3 GB)
By using 6000 you get 90 minutes to a DVD (4.3 GB)
By using 4000 you get 120 minutes to a DVD (4.3 GB) (equivalent to good quality VHS)

[Black Lab]

Actually Trevor and Eclipse, since Eclipse is in Cleveland your frame size should be 720 x 480.

[eclipse]

I captured to 480 x 480 because the source material is Hi-8 tape, so I figured 720 by 480 would not be necessary, as Hi-8 has only around 400 horizontal lines of resolution. In any event, I've done other videos in 720 x 480 and sttill had the same issue -- I can only get around an hour and 20 minutes on a DVD. Indeed, the main reason I tried 480 x 480 was to see if it would address the issue I'm having. Also, CapWiz does not compress -- the hardware encoding device (ADS DVD Xpress DX2) compresses the analog source material to the MPEG-2 DVD standard. The DVD Xpress functions only with CapWiz (that's how they designed it). One other question -- is Video Studio 9 SE recompressing the already compressed MPEG-2 file? Thanks.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Sorry for confusion re Pal and Ntsc

If we are intending to burn a DVD then we need a Mpeg 2 compliant file.

A frame size of 480 x 480 is not suitable for creating a DVD and the video file will be converted/recompressed to create the file.

You have a few options to creating the file.

1 / With the video file in the timeline. Go to the burner module (Share Create Disc)
VS will re-code before burning. You will receive a warning that this action will take some time¡K ( I do not recommend this approach¡Xpersonal preference)

2 / With the video file in the timeline. Share Create Video File NTSC-DVD the resultant file being used to burn a DVD, no further conversion in the burner stage.

3 / Capture your video to mpeg 2 compatible properties.
This should create a Mpeg 2 file suitable to burn a DVD. By using the correct bit rate to control the size to 4.3 Gb it will fit to disc. There should be no further conversion.

If you do not intend to edit the captured file, then you can burn a DVD without further conversion. New project--Share Create Disc-Add video

If you edit the video file using VS then the project has to be converted to a Mpeg 2
As the original file is compatible, Share Create Video File¡XSame as First Video----the render process would be relatively quick being able to use smart render.

These are typical settings that I would use for 2 hours of video for Ntsc

NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 Bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Upper Field First (analogue capture)
(DVD-NTSC), 4:3
Video data rate: 4000 kbps
LPCM Audio, 48000 Hz, Stereo (Digital Dolby If CapWis support this option.)

[eclipse]

No problem on the PAL/NTSC. Let me make sure I understand. (Really, I'm not stupid -- but this issue is driving me to distraction, I want to get it resolved, and have a feeling that the solution is something simple) First, the capture software I use (which is the only software that works with the hardware encoder) utilizes a variable bit rate over which I do not have control, other than by selecting "quality" selections of "good," "better" and "best." I cannot select a specific numerical bit rate, nor can I make the bit rate constant rather than variable. But I can control the resolution. So what is captured onto the hard drive is an MPEG-2 file created with a variable bit rate. Let us assume that I instruct the capture software to capture at "best" quality at 720 x 480 (which is what I've done with all prior projects except the most recent one, when I tried 480 x480 in an attempt to address the file size issue). So when I begin a new project in VS, I am working with an MPEG-2 file in 720 x 480 resolution. If I undertand you correctly, if I want to edit it with VS (rather than just burn the unedited file), then I have no choice but to allow VS to re-encode the project, even though the original file being edited is already in a DVD compliant MPEG-2 format. Is that correct?

[Black Lab]

That is partly correct. If you have Smart Render enabled it will render the parts that have been edited. If it is disabled it will render the entire thing.

To reduce the size of the project you want to reduce the bitrate at the burning stage, not the capturing stage.

[Trevor Andrew]

if I want to edit it with VS (rather than just burn the unedited file), then I have no choice but to allow VS to re-encode the project, even though the original file being edited is already in a DVD compliant MPEG-2 format. Is that correct?

Exactly-----Yes

Once you place the captured video in the timeline you are working with a VSP a Video Studio Project.
You edit by adding or removing frames, adding titles, add audio etc.
This project has to be converted to a single NEW Mpeg-2 file in order to burn a DVD.

You can do this by:-

Share Create Video File saved to a folder of your choice.
Or
Allowing VS do render in the burner module, (share create disc) ( saved to the burner working folder) ( this file may be automatically deleted after use)
The process continues to burn a DVD.

Either way an Mpeg 2 file is created.

The resultant file is used to burn a DVD.

OK

If you have captured a compliant video file, the only other reason to re-code (other than editing) is if the file is above 4.3Gb, Its to big to fit to disc.

Only option is to re-code to a lower bit rate or reduce the length of the video (and thats editing)

[eclipse]

Thanks. I never knew one could adjust the bitrate at the burning stage. (Does this mean the bit rate only for what is being re-encoded, assuming Smart Render is enabled?) Now I think we're nearing the anwser. Where does one adjust this bitrate? And how does one check to be sure that Smart Render is enabled? I've never seen these options (although I have seen a box checked that says something like "do not render compliant video files"). Are they in the options within Share/Create Disc? (I'm not at my PC right now) Does it matter that I have only the SE Version of VS9? (Sorry for all the question marks.)

[Trevor Andrew]

CapWiz

The quality settings of good," "better" and "best." Probably change the bit rate of the captured video allowing you to capture more minutes per 4.3 GB.
Do a test capture on each level. ( a few seconds will do) Insert to VS library to check the properties. How do the bit rates compare?
All options should use 720 x 480.

Variable to Constant bit-rate is not a problem, although I use constant (personal preference)

Again as a guide
For single layer discs.
A bit rate of 8000kbps will allow 60 minutes of video per DVD
A bit rate of 6000kbps will allow 90 minutes of video per DVD
A bit rate of 4000kbps will allow 120 minutes of video per DVD

This is just a guide you will get a little more for your money.
Each of the above producing a file below 4.3 GB and will fit to disc.

Look at a Bit rate calculator here:-
http://dvd-hq.info/bitrate_calculator.php

Hope this helps

[Trevor Andrew]

Thanks. I never knew one could adjust the bitrate at the burning stage. (Does this mean the bit rate only for what is being re-encoded, assuming Smart Render is enabled?) Now I think we're nearing the anwser. Where does one adjust this bitrate? And how does one check to be sure that Smart Render is enabled? I've never seen these options (although I have seen a box checked that says something like "do not render compliant video files"). Are they in the options within Share/Create Disc? (I'm not at my PC right now) Does it matter that I have only the SE Version of VS9? (Sorry for all the question marks.)

Hi

There are two directions to go in.

One allows the program to convert in the burner module, (I have to say¡XI do not recommend this option.) You Share Create Disc with video clips in the edit timeline, your project is viewed in the burner module as a single clip.
From the burner module select the ¡¥Options ¡¥ cogwheel (project settings)
¡¥Change Mpeg Settings¡¦ will allow you to select/customise the final video properties.

The other is to Share Create a Video File prior to doing Share Create Disc. I feel this option allows you to be in control of the render process.

To try to explain both will only confuse the issue.

Either way you have to be aware of the video properties and what to change.
In order to do this we need to know what your capture properties are????? Re the earlier post test capture.

Have a read at My Quick Guides ---Creating a Video File, Quick Guide for Mpeg
Also read the bit on Make Movie Manager Add option, i think you may be creating your own templates