“Shrink and Fit” Doesn’t Seem to Work

[rguthrie]

I don't want to offend anyone, but I honestly don't think using programs like DVD2ONE and DVDShrink are necessary. If you use a bitrate calculator and determine what your (DVD compliant MPEG) video file's bitrate is then you won't need to use the above programs because your file will fit, period. I have not had any problems using this method. I've even burned Double Layer DVDs with no problems. I use the Recommended Procedures and using the bitrate calculator I set the bitrate accordingly. There are several bitrate calculators online. They basically differ in how much fudge factor they leave in for menus, motion menus, subtitles, etc. Two very good ones are here:

http://www.customflix.com/bitbudget

http://www.videohelp.com/calc.htm

Again, I hope I didn't step on any toes here. I'm just trying to offer some help and hopefully share a streamlined approach.
Ron G.