Can I shrink (compress) a large MPEG file to fit on a DVD?

[lbeck]

I've used Pinnacle Instant Copy and DVDShrink several times to compress 8 or 9 GB onto one 4.3 GB disk, and the resulting quality looks good enough for me.

I have several movies in my videotape collection that I'd like to place on DVD. Since the video quality is already compromised (some are even in EP mode) I'd like to place 2 or 3 onto each DVD.

I'm using a Panasonic DMR-E20 to copy the tapes onto a DVD-RAM disk, then using Movie Album SE to transfer the DVD-RAM files to MPEG on my hard drive. I use Nero and a Panasonic 521 Multi drive for the final burn. I generally use Pinnacle Studio 8 to transfer MPEG to a DVD (VOB files) but it won't accept a file larger than 4.3 GB. It returns an error "file too large for disc."

Is there some way to shrink an MPEG file prior to sending it to Studio 8. I'd like to use the software that I already have, or freeware, if possible.

[andkiich]

DVD Shrink will work. Just work with your files directly and shrink them down.

[lbeck]

DVD Shrink will work. Just work with your files directly and shrink them down.

How do you do this?

Shrink 2.0 asks for an .ifo file. What I have is a .mpg file. I've tried drag/dropping the file onto the Shrink workspace and it gives an error invalid file type.

Do I need software to create the .ifo file? I think Studio 8 will create an .ifo file in its video_ts directory. If so, I could create several video_ts directories (with several .ifo files) to stay within the 4.3 GB limit. How would I then combine these and send them to Shrink for compressing?

Am I missing something or making this more complicated than necessary.

Continue to enlighten me.

Thanks.

[tumbar]

try MovieFactory2 trial version available at www.ulead.com.

Import mpeg files and created dvd.

do not burn to disk but allow the program to create files.

Then use dvdshrink to compress the files in the VIDEO_TS folder.

regards

[lbeck]

try MovieFactory2 trial version available at www.ulead.com.

Is there some freeware/shareware out there that will produce an .ifo file that shrink can use? I plan to do the combine/shrink thing frequently once I get going, so a 30-day trial of MF2 would be good only if I plan to buy the permanent version. From the www it appears to do a lot (editing, burning, etc.) but I only need the ifo-create function. I already have a plethora of software and I hate to keep filling up my computer (and emptying my pockets) with redundant software. Also, video editing software can be finiky and I don't want to install something that may interfere with what I have installed and use.

[macleod]

what software came with your burner??? If you received MyDVD, it will do "the same" thing that MF2 will.

[lbeck]

MyDVD, it will do "the same" thing that MF2 will.

Yep, I got that with my 521. I'll check it out.

Thanks.