What is the optimal output parameters for me (see info in post)

[perfection]

I have downloaded several youtube hghi defn videos (1280 x 720 resolution, mp4, H264 AVC codec) which i wish to edit, add transitions, title and join into a single file. When i checked the properties of the individual files (with GSpot) i found that they had the same resolution but different bitrates ranging from 1800 to 3500.

1) The video editor i use has the option to customize the output file but i would like to know what bitrate shall i choose optimally that will do justice to the final file and lose minimum quality? If i choose a higher bitrate the quality would not improce - right?

2) Would my file be smart rendered if the output bitrate differs from those of the input files assuming my editor supports smart rendering.?

3) Can you explain to me in brief (and noob-ily simply) how the high definition resolution and bitrate values are related and why they are different for different files - does or does not high definition have a standard minimum bitrate value?

Thanks

[Baldrick]

1) Use as high possible. No, you wont get better quality but you wont lose as much. You can also try constant quality encoding if possible.

2) What software are you using?

3) No. No standard minimum. Streaming sites might use different bitrates depending on your bandwidth.