creating smaller mpg2 file?

[ssake]

I would like to capture, or create, a 320x240 or smaller mpg2 file using Movie Factory 3. Is it possible, and if so, how? I do see, in the Capture menu, "Change Mpeg Settings"/"Customize", where there is an option to change frame size. But this does not seem to affect the size of the mpg2 file I capture.
Steve S.
ssake1@yahoo.com

[GeorgeW]

changing that frame size (resolution) from 720x480 to 352x48 or 352x240 will not make your files smaller.

To make your files smaller, you have to use lower bitrates (video and/or audio)

[ssake]

George,

Thanks for responding. What I am trying to do is to capture video to mpg2 that will play in a smaller *window* size, however that is accomplished. Lowering the bitrate will just give me lower-quality video at the same size, won't it?
Stephen

[GeorgeW]

But this does not seem to affect the size of the mpg2 file I capture.

I misunderstood that as you wanting a smaller mpg2 file.

For DVD Playback, there are pre-defined resolutions (352x240 being the lowest resolution). What is your target playback device? set-top dvd player, or computer only?

For computer only, have a look at Windows Media Encoder 9 -- great quality, and can produce videos with smaller resolution than the dvd standards.

[maddrummer3301]

When you goto "Customize" and change the Frame-size to
352 x 240 then continue to the
next tab (compression tab).
In that screen change the Video_Bit_Rate to 1500 to 2000.
You can use Variable or Constant.
That will make the file much smaller.

A Video_Bit_rate of 1500 Constant and using mpeg audio
will produce fair quality in a window on the desktop.
Play with that video_bit_rate setting.
If you define the capture to only capture for 1 minute, then look at the
file size.
Then change the video_bit_rate higher/lower and record again for 1 minute.
You will see as you increase the Video_Bit_rate the file size increase and
lowering the Video_Bit_rAte lowers the file size.

For computer playing only I would recommend capturing mpeg audio
at approx 192-224kbs. Lpcm audio takes up to much data which
increases the file size quite alot. Slightly more than an audio CD uses.

Tip: Once you get a Frame_size/Video_Bit_Rate/Audio setting that
works for you create a "TEMPLATE" with those settings.
Then you apply the "Template" to the project or recording settings.
You don't have to keep using the "Customize" button.

Hope this helps,

MD