3 pass encoding

[tjosborn@yahoo.co.uk]

Hi

I've been using ffmpegx to try and squish my dvd's down to cd size avi files. Apart from some weird glitches on the install (installation fails then works after a couple of go's) its working ok.

My 1st pass encoding to a 700 MB avi file produces a 1.1GB file. I understand this is because of the bit rate estimation factor. I tried a 3 pass encode to get the correct size. When it finished the 1st pass I got the menu to choose the size:

2 problems: 1) the resultant bit rate of 416 (ish) looks pretty terrible - any ideas?

2) I get an applescript error when I choose the size before the 2nd pass.

Should I be using another tool to compress dvd's down to avi size, or is ffmpegx the best thing out there?

Thanks for your help

[major]

To get the correct size you need to use the bitrate calculator. You can try the "Auto" button which is quite straightforward (enter movie duration in minutes and click "Auto").

And, please refer to the Guide.