HandyCam > PC > VDM! Big problem!

[ChezDigital]

Alright, I'm really in a jam here.

My buddy and I made a video to submit for a cooking contest request with his Sony Handycam. I used WinDV to capture it to his PC via his FireWire port last night. It extracted into a bunch of random file sizes...some 20, 150, 300, 800, 1700MB, but whatever, I set a 1000000 cap on the frame size, so I knew I'd have to join them anyways.

I copied them to my thumbdrive, and got them home to my laptop, where I used VDM to clip some frames out here and there, and append the segments, edit, append, etc., and now I have them all together, and ready to save.

However, when I try to save and choose a codec (I want to use Indeo 5.10 to ensure compatibility...I know it's ancient), the Compression box is grayed out, labeled (No recompression: dvsd).

In the Video mode box, I can choose: Direct stream copy, Fast recompress, Normal recompress, or Full processing mode.

Someone please, PLEASE, tell me how to save this and encode or re-encode it with the Indeo 5.10 codec! I'm a video noob, and not versed in overcoming obstacles at this point, and I have to encode this overnight so I can send it out tomorrow!

Thanks in advance... :/

[jagabo]

If the Compression menu selection is grayed out you are in Direct Stream Copy mode. Change to Fast Recompress if you are not filtering. Full Processing mode if you are.

[ChezDigital]

Thanks jagabo!

Alright, next up, the video is about 28 minutes long 720x480, but VDM says it's going to be 3GB!

What are my options for getting the size down? I mean, using a standard windows codec...

[redwudz]

Why not just save it out in DV format if minimal quality loss is a concern? The Cedocida DV Codec is one good choice. If you are interested in compatibility, DV is likely much more compatible than Indeo with most newer computers. Or output to MPEG-1 or WMV if you really need compatibility. DV would be about 13GB/hour or about 6 something GB for your file. WMV or MPEG-1 should be able to get it well below 3GB and still have decent quality.

But the big question is, 'What format does your cooking contest want it in?' I'm doubting Indeo. WMV would be my first choice.

[ChezDigital]

red, you're losing me a bit there, but i'm with you for the most part.

In VDM, my only file format options are AVI, OGM, and MKV. And I'll need the file to fit on a DVD. I was actually thinking I'd get this down to about 300MB, but I guess I was wrong.

I just need to encode this into an AVI file that I'm certain will play on their machines. You don't think Indeo would play on a standard Windows machine?

Thanks for your advice.

[thecoalman]

You can get it down to around 300mb with WMV however the quality is not going to be on the good side. If you're putting it on DVD why the small limit? What format have they suggested?

As far as compatibility you may want to think again about the ideo codec, there was a dispute a few years ago and windows dropped it for inclusion in a out of the box windows and I don't know if it' still missng. If I remember correctly any SP1 version of windows won't have it unless the user installed it. Broke a lot of splash screens on games.

If you're really looking for ultimate compatibility and a resonable size use mpeg1.

[ChezDigital]

But VDM isn't leaving me with that as an option (only AVI OGM MKV), and I've joined all of my segments and performed my edits in VDM already as well, so I have to save it from here.

Any other AVI codec recommendations? And since I have Indeo 5.1 (XP Pro SP2), I might just have to wing it and assume they will...

Thanks tcm...

[jagabo]

I recommend you save from VirtualDub as DV AVI (install cedocida if you don't have a DV encoder) and then convert to MPEG2 with DVD compatible settings -- using the MPEG2 encoder of your choice.

If you must save as AVI you can fit the DV AVI on two DVDs. Otherwise consider a codec like Xvid or Divx.

Actually, I recommend you find out exactly what they will accept before you do anything.

[redwudz]

Sorry I lost you. What I meant is since your native format is DV, you could output your edited version also in DV. Then, take that file and encode it to the format of your choice. VD only does AVI type formats, that's why I would output it as a more universal format like DV. You could also use HuffyUV, but your video is already DV compliant, so it seems storing it in DV format would be the easiest way.

WMV and MPEG-1 can both be easily encoded from your edited DV file. For MPEG-1, my old favorite is TMPGEnc encoder. It's freeware for MPEG-1 encoding. You can set the bitrate higher than a VCD and get decent quality in a small filesize. Or with WMV, Windows Media Encoder is one choice. EDIT: Or as jagabo mentions, MPEG-2 will give you more options and likely better quality.

That's why I was asking what format (And the filesize) the show wants. Also, DV video can benefit most times with some light filtering to take the 'edge' off the video and VDM can also do that. This may give you a smoother looking video, which can display better at lower bitrates.

DV also uses a 'not so compact' audio format. You can save some space by using other audio formats or settings, depending on your requirements. That saved space can be used for a higher video bitrate and still maintain a overall compact video filesize.

[ChezDigital]

Thanks again everyone for all of your input! You've helped me understand a few things, but I guess that opens up the doors even more. I have a lot of questions about some issues I encountered along the way, and I need to get these ironed out so that I can perform these tasks a bit more efficiently on our next run, which is later this week.

I was really pressed for time, as we had to get this out on Friday, so I didn't really want to go the route of things I was even less familiar with (two DVDs, cedocida, etc.). I'm going to have to read up on cedocida, HuffyUV, MPEG-2, filtering, and how to play around with bitrates.

I initially composed a long novel of my video travels over the past week, and organized it into three sections - transferring, editing, and saving/encoding. If I post the whole thing, I would imagine most wouldn't even take the time to read it, so I'm going to just start with the saving and encoding portion, which was my biggest issue, and still leaves many questions in my head.

Sidenote: I'm a Technical Writer and Business Analyst, so I'm going to take all of the information that I learn on this road, and make a nice tutorial, as generic as possible, so that others can benefit from this newbie learning curve I'm on.


Saving/Encoding:

After I joined the segments with VDM (and crudely clipped out some problem areas) and then saved, the resulting AVI file was about 28 minutes in duration, encoded with Indeo 5.10, 720x480 (I think), a whopping 1.4GB :/. And it encoded at 2-3 frames per second (what determines the fps?).

I ended up burning it onto a data DVD with the associated documents. I'm not entirely happy with that, as I firmly believe this file should have be about 3-400MB, but how do I do that and sleep soundly at night with the confidence that it will play on an out-of-the-box XP or Vista machine? However, it was shipped out in time, with an informative technical editor's note, so I think it should be alright.

My next test is just a couple days away -- another contest we want to enter demands attaching a 2 minute video to a web form. With the above stats, that's 140MB! For a 2 minute video! Good luck not timing out...

So, should I assume that someone holding a video submission contest, who doesn't specify codecs, when it's obvious that contestants are going to have this dilemma, would have DivX/Xvid installed?

If I am stuck on playing it safe, which codec would I use for maximum compatibility? I hate WMV for the sole reason that a user can't jump to a further point in the video. And MPG, in the light of trying to ensure codec-compatibility for random viewers, is going to be larger in file size than AVI, correct?


To sum up my questions...

What determines the frames per second encoding rate?
What codec should I choose that will work on almost any Windows machine (XP/Vista) and, at the same time, give me an acceptable file size (ex. 300 mb for 30 minutes - that's not irrational is it?)?

Sorry for writing so damn much...there's just so much involved here! Thanks again for getting me on the right track.

[jagabo]

After I joined the segments with VDM (and crudely clipped out some problem areas) and then saved, the resulting AVI file was about 28 minutes in duration, encoded with Indeo 5.10, 720x480 (I think), a whopping 1.4GB :/. And it encoded at 2-3 frames per second (what determines the fps?).

Encoding rate is mostly a matter of CPU speed. But Indeo is a very old codec. It's slow and doesn't compress as well as many of the newer codecs. It's not even multithreaded so a multicore CPU won't help. Disk speed can be a problem when using uncompressed or lightly compressed video. Once you get to DV or more compressed disk speed is rarely an issue.

If I am stuck on playing it safe, which codec would I use for maximum compatibility?

MPEG1 in an MPG container or WMV3 in a WMV container.

I hate WMV for the sole reason that a user can't jump to a further point in the video.

It's possible to seek when playing a WMV file. Web sites that stream WMV often don't allow you to but it's not a limitation of the codec or container.

And MPG, in the light of trying to ensure codec-compatibility for random viewers, is going to be larger in file size than AVI, correct?

You won't have problems with MPEG1. Windows includes an MPEG1 decoder. Whether an AVI is smaller or not depends on the codec and settings you use. Divx will usually be smaller than MPEG1.

[ChezDigital]

Jeez, where do I begin when it comes to choosing WMV/AVI/MPG, and then the codec for that file format?

Why would one choose AVI over MPG? Or WMV over any of those?

[thecoalman]

Codec to use is determined by your needs, you asked what was most compatible and indicated you needed small file. MPEG1 or WMV fits the bill... Now if small file wasn't a prerequisite you could just leave it as a DV-AVI...

[ChezDigital]

So I guess I would first choose format/container, and then codec? What would make me choose or not choose WMV, AVI or MPG?

Again, I'm going for filesize and max compatibility here. jagabo stated "MPEG1 in an MPG container or WMV3 in a WMV container."

If I'm putting all of these posts together, WMV is a bit less quality, correct? BUT - if I do want MPEG1/MPG for that boost in quality, what might you guys say I'm looking at for the filesize of a 30 minute video?

I would also have to imagine that this can vary a bit, depending on how I adjust bitrates of the video and audio, right?

Please tell me I'm at least somewhat on the right track of absorbing all of your useful info...

[jagabo]

WMV is a bit less quality, correct?

No. With lossy codecs like WMV and MPG you determine the quality by selecting how much to compress. The more you compress (the smaller the file size) the lower the quality. WMV uses more sophisticated compression techniques than MPEG1. So for a given file size WMV will usually have better picture quality. Your impression that WMV is lower quality probably comes about because a lot of WMV files are extremely compressed for streaming on the internet.

if I do want MPEG1/MPG for that boost in quality, what might you guys say I'm looking at for the filesize of a 30 minute video?

This will depend on the bitrate you choose. The quality at that bitrate will vary depending on the frame size, frame rate, and nature of the video. Many encoders also have a "constant quality" mode where you select the quality you want and the encoder uses whatever bitrate is required to deliver that quality at each frame.

Regarding WMV vs MPEG1 you'll find that WMV can deliver the same quality at about half the bitrate of MPEG1.

I would also have to imagine that this can vary a bit, depending on how I adjust bitrates of the video and audio, right?

Yes.

[redwudz]

ChezDigital, something you might try is playing with the VideoHelp Bitrate calculator to get a better understanding of sizes, bitrate, etc. You can use the 'Advanced Mode', set your video running time and plug in different bitrates and it will show you what size they will end up as. It works the same with most any format.

I plugged in 45 minutes for video, 128Kbs audio rate and 1150Kbs (VCD bitrate) for the video. It's a handy tool for judging size, or length or bitrate. Just change the different settings. In DVD mode, it shows the authoring overhead. The actual size is also shown, minus authoring overhead. If any of the settings are changed manually, the others will reflect that change.

[ChezDigital]

Thanks!

jagabo, aren't all codecs lossy? Or did you mean file formats? don't you first decide on file format, then codec? I think that's what is confusing me the most here. I used to view MPG as best, then AVI, now WMV, and now I really can't think of why I would choose one or the other, and that's before I even start thinking about the codec!

redwudz, thank you, but does that take into consideration which file format and codec you're going to be using?

[jagabo]

jagabo, aren't all codecs lossy?

No, there are lossless codecs like HuffYUV, Lagarith, etc. They don't compress most material as much as the lossy codecs.

don't you first decide on file format, then codec?

Sometimes. But not all codecs work well with certain containers. So if you want to use a specific codec you may be limited in what containers you can use. And applications are usually limited in what containers they can output.

does that take into consideration which file format and codec you're going to be using?

The equation:

file size = bitrate * running time

is universal to all codecs. Containers vary a bit in their overhead but the overhead is usually very small compared to audio and video in the file.

What varies, of course, is the quality of the video with different codecs at the same bitrate. A 720x480 23.976 fps video encoded with MPEG2 at 2000 kbps will usually not look too good. It will look a lot better encoded with Divx or h.264. A lossless codec simply won't be able to create a file with that low a bitrate (with certain exceptions like an all black, noiseless video).

If you want small file sizes with high quality video that's easy for Windows users to play (no manual downloading and installing of codecs or specific players) you are pretty much stuck with a WMV container and the WMV3 or VC1 codecs. The best app for this is probably Windows Media Encoder. You can play around with Windows Movie Maker (because you already have it if you have XP or Vista) but it doesn't give you lots of control over the settings.

[ChezDigital]

Alright, I think I'm getting some of this. I've been aware for a while that there are codecs, codecs, and more codecs. But the mistake in my mind between the few primary file formats (which I guess you guys refer to as containers) was that WMV doesn't allow the user to seek. But I guess that's just in the settings chosen when encoding, right?

You guys must rank these codecs in your head, based on what prioritized goal you're trying to achieve (quality, file size, compatibility). It seems that DivX and Xvid are two of the most popular, with HuffyUV, TMPGEnc and Cedocide also running around for reasons I'll probably be learning very soon. HuffyUV and Lagarith seem the video equivalent of the LAME codec to audio encoding.

jagabo, in this quote:

• "Regarding WMV vs MPEG1 you'll find that WMV can deliver the same quality at about half the bitrate of MPEG1."
  
  Are you referring to the codecs or containers? Based on your previously posted information, I'm assuming you meant the WMV3 codec, right?
  
  "Many encoders also have a "constant quality" mode where you select the quality you want and the encoder uses whatever bitrate is required to deliver that quality at each frame."
  
  Okay, I've noticed this with the quality slider in VDM.

redwudz, thanks for the calculator tip...

• Now, I'm looking for a recommended codec to achieve those numbers, but since I see that it's DVD quality, is that equivalent to DV-AVI? And if so, how crappy is 1150kbps video? I see the DivX codec there, but I'm wondering what file size those numbers would result in with WMV3 or MPEG1 codecs. I assume DivX would be right in between the two for both file size and quality, right?

Last one for today...thecoalman, you said:

• "Now if small file wasn't a prerequisite you could just leave it as a DV-AVI..."
  
  DV-AVI is uncompressed video, right? Directly transferred from the camera? It seems like the equivalent to audio's WAV format...

A few of you suggested something similar to "I recommend you save from VirtualDub as DV AVI (install cedocida if you don't have a DV encoder)". My issue was that VDM wouldn't see the camera on my buddy's computer (or mine...that's another story though, and since we're trying again today, I have a couple new tricks to try), so I had to use WinDV, which copied as AVI. Was that DV-AVI? If so, does that mean WinDV does that automatically, but VDM can't, unless I have Cedocida installed?


Jeez...I hope you guys are getting paid for this!

p.s. thecoalman, I spent a year in Scranton from Aug05-Aug06 on a contract. Fun stuff...

[filmboss80]

If you were able to capture your DV footage with WinDV, you already have a codec installed for DV-AVI. Cedocida is a favored codec for DV-AVI, but there are others, like the Panasonic DV codec.

Understand that there are many different video file types that are called "AVI," just as there are many different automobile models that are called "car." Divx/Xvid are highly-compressed video files inside an AVI container, but they more highly compressed (and less easy to edit) than DV-AVI. HuffYUV is an UNcompressed AVI format that surpasses DV-AVI in quality, but takes up loads of disc space.

Your purpose is to compress your video to a format that can be viewed by the people running the cooking contest. What specific format are they asking for? "AVI" is simply way too broad. Have you e-mailed them, asking how they want to view your video?

[redwudz]

DV-AVI is compressed, at about 5:1, if I recall correctly. If you don't chose a output codec with VirtualDub, you will get a very big uncompressed RGB video file, if you'd like to see what they are like. WinDV is specifically made for DV transfer and is a better choice than VD for that. I only use VirtualDub (Mod) to filter, edit, and encode to a different codec.

The names of the codecs used is the best way to describe the format of a video. AVI is a generic name for a container, Xvid is a specific codec that can be used with that container. You could also use that Xvid with a WAV audio, MP3, AC3, Ogg or a few other audio codecs. It's not too confusing as long as you know which codecs you are using. Some mixtures like MPEG and MP3 don't work together.

What I have done at times is to make up a short, maybe 5 minute, representative video file, then try the different codecs and settings and compare them to the original. Most of us won't suggest a specific bitrate, because it varies depending on the quality of your source material, noise, amount of action, amount of light and dark and a few other varibles. MPEG-2 may look good at 6000Kbs+, and Xvid may look good at 1500 - 2000+, but reaches a point where it will only get bigger when the bitrate is raised, with no gain in quality. Most any codec can be 'saturated' by too much bitrate.

Hopefully that's all correct or someone will correct it. That should give you a start, anyway.

[jagabo]

But the mistake in my mind between the few primary file formats (which I guess you guys refer to as containers) was that WMV doesn't allow the user to seek. But I guess that's just in the settings chosen when encoding, right?

I believe it's a function of the web server. It tells the browser's embedded WMP what controls to disable. A damaged WMV file (one missing the keyframe list at the end) may have problems seeking. And the long GOP size can make seeking slugish.

It seems that DivX and Xvid are two of the most popular, with HuffyUV, TMPGEnc and Cedocide also running around for reasons I'll probably be learning very soon.

Divx and Xvid are both MPEG4 part 2 codecs. TMPGEnc is an MPEG 1 and 2 encoding program. Cedocida is a DV encoder. HuffYUV and Lagarith are lossless encoders (assuming a YUV 4:2:2 source) .

HuffyUV and Lagarith seem the video equivalent of the LAME codec to audio encoding.

More like FLAC -- lossless.

jagabo, in this quote:[list]"Regarding WMV vs MPEG1 you'll find that WMV can deliver the same quality at about half the bitrate of MPEG1."

Are you referring to the codecs or containers? Based on your previously posted information, I'm assuming you meant the WMV3 codec, right?

Yes, I meant the codecs.

Re DV: DV is about 29,000 kbps. Typically MPEG2 on DVD will be in the 6000 kbps range. With Divx, Xvid, or WMV3 you can get down to about 3000 with the same quality. h.264 and VC1 around 2000.

One thing to note is that DVD usually uses a 720x480 frame size. When converting to Divx, Xvid, or WMV the frame size is usually reduced. The smaller the frame, the less bitrate you need. And the frame size is usually set to the movie's display aspect ratio. So a 16:9 movie on DVD will be 720x480. After conversion to Divx it might be 640x360 with a bitrate around 1500 kbps (for a good conversion). Many movies you find on the internet are reduced even more to fit on a CD. Maybe 512x288 and 800 kbps.

Regarding how much bitrate you need for a particular video: it will vary. Things that require higher bitrates: bigger frame sizes, higher frame rates, lots of detail in the video, lots of motion in the video, noise in the picture, etc.

[ChezDigital]

So, this next three-minute video, to be uploaded, was 1.1GB after transfer to my machine. I appended the segments and clipped some frames, and saved the uncompressed files - over 5GB! I'm not a fan of blowing up a file and adding non-existent bits, so what format would I save it to maintain that level of compression (5:1, as redwudz stated)?

Anyways, I installed WME, and encoded the file. I chose the "file download" template, but is there anywhere that lists what settings each of these templates limit you to, and what size your output file may be? I dropped the video down to "1 MBPS VBR"

And am I using WMV3 when encoding with WME?

The file is 640x480, 3:10 in duration, and 32MB in size. I realize that when the demand is to upload, file size is primary, but the quality is crap, and I have received humorous e-mailed WMV clips of this length that are only 5MB, and MUCH better quality! What can I do better, using WMV3?

[jagabo]

So, this next three-minute video, to be uploaded, was 1.1GB after transfer to my machine. I appended the segments and clipped some frames, and saved the uncompressed files - over 5GB! I'm not a fan of blowing up a file and adding non-existent bits, so what format would I save it to maintain that level of compression (5:1, as redwudz stated)?

If your source is DV AVI, you want DV AVI output, and you aren't filtering (just cuts and pastes) use Video -> Direct Stream Copy mode in VirtualDub(Mod). There will be no loss of quality.

If your source is DV AVI, you want DV AVI output, and you are filtering, you need to use Video -> Full Processing Mode. And you need to select a codec for output. I recommend Cedocida for DV compression. Video -> Compression... select Cedicida. With Cedocida there's usually no need to Configure the codec.

If you want some other codec for output (to make smaller files, for example) use Video -> Compression... to select the codec and press the Configure... button to set that codec's particulars.

Anyways, I installed WME, and encoded the file. I chose the "file download" template, but is there anywhere that lists what settings each of these templates limit you to, and what size your output file may be? I dropped the video down to "1 MBPS VBR"

I don't have WME installed anymore but doesn't it list the bitrate at the end of each template? WMM for example shows the bitrate at the end of most of the template names, and after you select the template it shows the bitrate, frame size, etc. For some templates it even shows the estimated file size. Note the stats at the bottom:

File size = bitrate * running time

This is universal to all codecs. Just like: miles traveled = miles per gallon * gallons. It doesn't matter what vehicle it is, if it gets N miles per gallon, one gallon of gas will get you N miles.

Since your bitrate is given in megabits per second multiply by the running time in seconds. A 3 minute video is 180 seconds:

1 megabits per second * 180 seconds = 180 megabits

There are 8 bits per byte so expect your video to be about 180/8, or 22.5, Megabytes. You also have to add in the audio and a little overhead for the container. But the audio bitrate and container overhead is usually pretty low compared to the video bitrate so, as a rough approximation, you can ignore the audio and overhead.

And am I using WMV3 when encoding with WME?

Probably WMV3 or WVC1. Use GSpot to verify the video codec.

The file is 640x480, 3:10 in duration, and 32MB in size. I realize that when the demand is to upload, file size is primary, but the quality is crap, and I have received humorous e-mailed WMV clips of this length that are only 5MB, and MUCH better quality! What can I do better, using WMV3?

There are many factors that effect the compressibility of video. All the high compression codecs rely on the fact that much of the picture doesn't change from frame to frame. So they can get high compression by saying "this frame is the same as the last one, except for these little changes." When the changes from frame to frame get very large they have a hard time getting lots of compression.

Some things that will require higher bitrates: Shakey handheld camcorder footage. Video noise (static noise, common with consumer camcorders). Large frame sizes. Higher frame rates. High detail and high action (motion). Lots of snow, heavy rain, or smoke blowing around. Bright scenes require more bitrate that dark scenes (except that cheap camcorders get very noisy in the dark). Strobe lights, the sun reflecting off of waves at sunset, explosions, etc. Lots of grass and trees blowing in the wind...

[Nelson37]

You're doing a whole bunch of spinning your wheels which could very well be a complete waste of time.

People who request video submissions usually specify acceptable codecs. Entries not using the required codecs are simply ignored. If they are looking for DVD-compatible video or intend playback on a TV, this severely impacts your choices and options.

Uncompressed or DV-AVI would represent the best quality, but filesize is just too big. Sending in a multi-GB file would probably just piss them off.

As for how to make it look better, how much time you got? People write books on this stuff, many, many angles to consider.

For instance, if you are not using a tripod for the camera, then my recommendation would be to throw away any existing footage, get a tripod, and start all over. Even totally uncompressed, "filtered and improved" hand-held video looks like crap.

[filmboss80]

Thanks, Nelson37, for bringing it back to the main point. The question that must FIRST be answered is what video delivery format are the cooking contest people requiring? Answer that question, and everything else will fall into place.

[ChezDigital]

Thanks everyone! Sorry for the delayed response (as if anyone was anxiously awaiting...), but work, sidework, and ex-gf drama has kept me preoccupied.

As for those two contests, they didn't specify ANY details whatsoever. So, yeah, that definitely would have made this easier. And I could have contacted them and inquired, but since the contest submission period is over, I guess I'm where I am. Anyways, one wanted "a short video", the other wanted "a two minute video". Here are the links to the contest pages:

http://www.knight-tv.com/siteV3/news/TalentSearch.html - the contest we entered didn't even say "VHS or DVD"
http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_gt/text/0,3195,FOOD_31139_67190,00.html

I've uploaded the "two minute video" (actually it's over three, but I played the odds and assumed they just wanted to avoid 10-20 minute vids.) (my FTP app is giving me issues so I'll link it in a bit if anyone wants to see) where I used WME to encode into WMV format (viewer's note: this is very, very amateur!). It was larger than I thought it would be (yeah, I know...the formula), and much lower quality. I do have the raw video that is of quite high quality, and I thought that my chosen setting of "DVD Quality Video (1 MBPS)" and I think it was "CD quality audio (CBR)" would maintain most of that, or at least not take away so much. And yes, I did use a tripod, as shaky and unstable video wasn't something I wanted. Any thoughts? When I answer the "How do you want to distribute your content?", what does that determine? The options on the next form?

Another project I'm working on has an issue somewhat related to this. The client has PowerPoint presentations that she wanted to narrate over and sell them on her website. So I fired up camtasia, played her slideshows, and had her narrate while I recorded the audio and video at the same time. As you may be aware, Camtasia can output directly into an AVI file, using the Techsmith Screen Capture codec to encode the video. My partner and I are using the Joomla content management tool for her site redesign, and he's having an issue with these video files (I'm assuming because of the codec -- yes, I could have him install the codec, but this will also be an issue for users). I've tried to re-encode them with WME, but it doesn't seem to want to play along, I'm assuming because they've already been encoded. I'm going to try re-joining the videos in VDM, and then I'm going to have to re-encode it.

Should I save "uncompressed" in VDM, then try and use WME to encode the now "uncompressed" and TSCC free (right?) video to WMV? Will this matter, since they were encoded initially with TSCC, then "uncompressed", and then recompressed? I'm not sure how much I'm concerned with quality loss, since it's a very simple presentation without animations and a non-changing background...

Again, thank you everyone! You all have such a wealth of knowledge that has brought me quite a ways in a short time.