Cannot encode files small enough with TMPGEnc

[Xirix]

I've been using the TMPGEnc illustrated guide by dap&js, but unfortunatly I cannot get my files small enough to all fit on my DVD.

Each of the files I encoded are 257-258 megs each.

When encoded they're around 380 megs, which is the problem. I need to fit 13 of these episodes on one DVD, and I can only fit 11.

Obviously I still want them high quality.. since they'll be watched on a TV. But I definitely need to be able to fit 13 on.

Can anybody help me out with this? I'm willing to use other Encoding programs if TMPGEnc can't get the files lower.

Thanks.

[redwudz]

Best would be to adjust the bitrate smaller and re-encode them. What is your audio format? If you are not using AC3, use it and the more compact audio files may give you more room.

The quickest and easiest may be to run the authored DVD through DVDShrink and reduce the entire DVD video down to the right size.

TMPGEnc DVD Author should be able to author an oversized DVD, you just wouldn't be able to burn it until Shrink reduces it.

[ZippyP.]

How many minutes in total are we talking about?

You might want to use this: https://www.videohelp.com/calc.htm

Lower the resolution to 1/2 or 1/4 DVD and/or use 2-pass VBR if the bitrate is getting low.

[Xirix]

It's 22 minutes per episode, so at 13 it's 286 minutes total.

I'm.. really a complete newb with this program, so I doubt I'll even be able to figure out how to use your advice :/. It's not AC3 to my knowledge., I'm not sure how to adjust the bitrate, the only time I saw that was when you calculate the size of the video.. it would only let me go down to 2000, which was around 9.11% of the DVD apparently.

I'm open to more suggestions, and sorry Zippy I'm not sure on how to lower the resolution either.

Until I get more answers.. I'll try using my oversized encodes with DVD-Lab ( also using a guide from this site ). I have DVD2ONE, is this as good as DVDShrink? Or should I use DVDShrink instead?

[jimmalenko]

http://members.dodo.net.au/~jimmalenko/AVI2DVD.htm uses TMPGEnc and tells you everything you need to know.

[ZippyP.]

http://members.dodo.net.au/~jimmalenko/AVI2DVD.htm

Nice guide.

[guns1inger]

If this is going to go on a 4.38gb disk, then you are only asking for disappointment to expect high quality. Unless someone has a gun to your head saying 13 episodes a disk or you die, I'd spread 'em out. Even at 6 a disk you are pushing quality boundaries just because of the nature of the mpeg beast.

If you are looking at dual layer then you are in with a chance. Either drop the bitrate, or go through the authoring stage, ignore any error or warning messages regarding being oversized, then use something like DVD Shrink to trim the last few mb's off the top. This is not as good a solution as getting the size right the first time, but it is a solution used by a few around here because of it's simplicity.

[Prot]

All 13 on one disk is expecting too much. It's not like trying to fit 5 gallons of water into a 3 gallon container, but you might think it was when you see the end result.

The way I would do it is 7 and 6 per disk. Quality will not be high, but it will be acceptable.

If they absolutely have to be on one disk, use a dual layer. Quality will be about the same as using 2 disks , and the cost will be at least 500% greater.