Which software to minimize mpeg file sizes best?

[pooki]

Hi

I'm using an ati all in wonder card to capture a clip from my vcr. I use the multimedia center software (preset - best mpeg1 encode option) which provides decent quality however the filessize is too large (roughly
20 megs for a 1 min clip.

I have some seen many clips where vids were captured from video as well but somehow with much higher quality and much lower file sizes! Like only 10 megs for 2 minute clip (which is 4x smaller than mine)

Right now I am looking for a software that will allow me to convert the mpeg into a smaller mpeg file.

Could someone please offer me any advice?

I tried tmpgenc but it didn't really minmize the filesize. Is there a custom setting that could retain the quality quality but lower size of the file? Please help!

[mats.hogberg]

In short: No. Bit rate determines file size, and pretty much also defines quality.

/Mats

[Hardcoreruss]

TMPGENC can reduce file size, just lower the bitrate, however you will lose quality when you do this.

[pooki]

so basically the lower bitrate the lower the filesize? Is there a certain bitrate I should use to get reasonable filesize without sacrificing too much quality?

[mats.hogberg]

What bit rate to use, is closely related to the resolution of the video. VCD is 352*288 pixels in PAL. The bitrate is 1150 kbps. Viewed on a TV, many find the quality unacceptable, both becuase of the low res, AND the degradation caused by this bitrate at this resolution. In the end, it's always in the eye of the beholder...

/Mats