Encoding AVI's by Size

[OrchestraAndChoir]

Is there a program out there for Windows that accurately encodes / convert files like AVI by output size instead of bitrate ? Like if I put say 699mb in the file size option I want a 699mb AVI & the same goes for DVD Ripping to AVI. I want to be able to have a specific size for the ripped AVI without going the trouble of finding bitrates

[poisondeathray]

You can try autogk, avidemux, vdub using xvid vfw - all have file size option (ie. they calculate the bitrate req'd for you when you select the filesize)

[OrchestraAndChoir]

I have tried those. I don't like AutoGK because it never does the resolution I want for the output file & Virtual Dub seems a bit is okay & Avidemux is absolutely horrible with its target file size even with the right bitrate

[usta]

Nowadays, the output size is less important. Anyway, you can also try xvid4PSP, where you can change the bitrate and see the output size immediately. I don't know how accurate that is though...

[jman98]

If you have the commercial Divx codec, you can use Dr. Divx. It does a very good job of staying close to the size you want. You actually need to set the bit rate rather than the size, but a window tells you what the final size will be and it's always very close.

When people ask this type of question, I have to wonder what their expectations are. For example, let's say that you want the size to be 700 MB. If the final result is 695 MB, is that going to be OK with you? Or if it is 702 MB, is that OK? Some people expect exact size results and get angry if the file is a little smaller or larger. If you want 699 MB and nothing smaller or bigger than that, it's going to be a lot harder to satisfy you. Usually it's easy enough to not exceed the size you request, but I've seen people who get pissed off if they end up under the requested size even by just a few MB and if you are one of those people, nothing will probably ever satisfy you.

[redwudz]

Most times to hit a encoded file size fairly closely you are going to have to do a two pass encode. With VD, that's a bit of a pain, but it should be fairly accurate. But I would go for about double the 700MB file size if you want to keep any quality, at least with Xvid/Divx. Those settings are in the codec itself, not the GUI, such as VD. They should work with any conversion program that gives you access to the codec settings. With H.264 and a program like FairUse Wizard you would get much better quality in the 700MB file size and it's fairly easy to use to go from a ripped DVD to a CD.

And welcome to our forums.

[manono]

I don't like AutoGK because it never does the resolution I want for the output file

If you leave the width on Auto (as you should), then it gives you the resolution at a defined quality, so, depending on the size you want the resolution could be just about anything. If you go into the Advanced Settings you can set the width, but if you also choose a size (as opposed to doing a 1-pass quality encode), and although AutoGK can make some adjustments along the way, there's no guarantee of a decent quality result.