FLV conversion...

[mjl1297]

Is there a way to convert flv files to another video format without a tremendous increase in the size of the file? I'm wanting to burn these to a DVD at some point but the dramatic increase in file size won't allow more than two on a SL disc. Any thoughts?

[Baldrick]

Yep. In most GOOD converters can you either set the bitrate or output file size like freemake video converter, handbrake, xmedia recode. Lower bitrate=lower file size, you can use a bitrate calculator to calculate exact size.

[AlanHK]

What are you using to get a "dramatic increase in file size"?

By "burn to DVD" do you mean to convert to a standard MPEG DVD video?

You can convert FLV to MKV very quickly, with almost identical filesize, using e.g. Avidemux.

Open the file, leave video and audio at default "copy" and "format" set as MKV.
Then File/Save video and select a filename (with .mkv extension: Avidemux doesn't do that automatically).

[classfour]

I've had some luck with format factory.

[mjl1297]

AlanHK when I set the video and audio to copy and select MKV as the output format the configure button never becomes active. Any idea as to why?

I hate to sound like an idiot but where is the "convert" button in AviDemux?

[poisondeathray]

AlanHK when I set the video and audio to copy and select MKV as the output format the configure button never becomes active. Any idea as to why?

I hate to sound like an idiot but where is the "convert" button in AviDemux?

configure only becomes active when you specify a codec (i.e. re-encoding) . But you are just copying the streams, so there are no other options

push the button that looks like a floppy disc ,or file=>save video , or ctrl+s

enter filename with extension e.g. "video.mkv"

[mjl1297]

I've tried that and all it does is create a 1kb file with the .mkv extension in the project folder. Shouldn't I get a progress bar or something?

[poisondeathray]

are you burning a data dvd? or dvd-video viewable on a regular dvd player ?

if the former, just burn it as flv

if the latter, the size will balloon because you need to convert to MPEG2 to be compatible (very inefficient format). Not much you can do about that, unless you don't care about quality

[mjl1297]

Decided to go with freemake. Thanks everyone!

[AlanHK]

AlanHK when I set the video and audio to copy and select MKV as the output format the configure button never becomes active. Any idea as to why?

Because this is just a "copy" of the video and audio streams, putting them in an MKV file instead of an FLV.
That's why it's fast and doesn't cause any quality loss.

But you can't run any filters (to change size, colours, etc.).
If you want to do that, you have to change the "video" from "copy" to the format you want and then you can configure it. This will take longer.

I hate to sound like an idiot but where is the "convert" button in AviDemux?

You just "File/Save", not "Convert".

[shaema]

I've tried that and all it does is create a 1kb file with the .mkv extension in the project folder. Shouldn't I get a progress bar or something?

IN AVIDEMUX, there are two saving buttons in the shape of a small floppy disk. You had clicked on the right button which would save the project. You need to click the left side button to save the video. If you hover with your mouse for a few seconds on these buttons it would tell you which is which.

[AlanHK]

I've tried that and all it does is create a 1kb file with the .mkv extension in the project folder. Shouldn't I get a progress bar or something?

IN AVIDEMUX, there are two saving buttons in the shape of a small floppy disk. You had clicked on the right button which would save the project. You need to click the left side button to save the video. If you hover with your mouse for a few seconds on these buttons it would tell you which is which.

I explained, twice, exactly how to save the file.

Don't know why I bothered.