Imported avi file from miniDV too large

[prayami]

Hi,

I am using Windows Vista and got JVC GR-D250 miniDV Camera. I am using 60minute miniDV tape.
When I connect it to the my laptop, it automatically ask me to import the video. Video is imported
successfully in .avi file format.
But its size is 12.6GB which is I think too large for one hour( 60 minute miniDV) tape.
Because three movies DVD which is 4 to 5 hours long can be in one DVD with good quality.

Is there any idea, I can reduce its size? At least upto 4.5GB so that it can be fit in one DVD.
Will it affect the quality( if it is affecting little bit which can not seen easily then its fine because this
is for personal use)?

Thanks,

[ron spencer]

that is right size for DV.....DVD is not DV, it is MPEG 2, you need to get an encoder to encode to MPEG-2 and then a dvd authoring package to author the DVD....then burn with ImgBurn

[prayami]

Thanks for reply,

Please let me know, "encoder to encode to MPEG-2" is software or hardware?
If software, is there any free software for that?
Is DVD authoring package, different than DVD burning software like "ImgBurn". If different please also let me know the free software for that.

Is free softwares are not available, please let me know which softwares are good for this, so that I can buy it.

Thanks,

[ron spencer]

free encoder is HC Enc...it is software

authoring package is different from burning package, which is imgburn.

I don't know of a free authoring app

[Jim44]

I don't know of a free authoring app

Two I use pretty frequently are DVDAuthorgui and GUIfordvdauthor.

[ron spencer]

i use dvdlab...but you have to pay

[prayami]

Hi,
I have downloaded HC Encoder.
I think it allows only .d2v and .avs . My file is .avi.
Am I making any mistake in understanding this software.
Is there any free encoding software for avi. If not free which is best to buy?

Thanks,

[ulapines]

You can try DVD Flick, it's free

[stars]

Hi,
I have downloaded HC Encoder.
I think it allows only .d2v and .avs . My file is .avi.
Am I making any mistake in understanding this software.
Is there any free encoding software for avi. If not free which is best to buy?

Thanks,

HI.. you can use Virtualdub and framserv the video to HC encoder via a small .avs script.

In this can also be done with other video formats. Virtualdub is a VERY powerful videoeditor.
Install Panasonic DV codec, Virtualdub, Avisynth and Hc encoder (use V0.21 v0.22 have some issues).
The audio must be converted to .mpa (mpeg2) or .ac3 (Dolby Digital) use Qenc for this.

How to frameserv and create the .avs script do a search in the site.

BUT if you dont want to have FULL control on every step use DVD flick, nice program

stars....