Video Compression (Virtual Dub help...)

[TheGame7]

Hi,

I am capturing video to my PC.

However, I then edit it in Virtual Dub (e.g. clipping, adding filters etc.)

I also need to lower the file size.

I have tried compressing to Div-X but the quality is too downgraded to me.

I compress to mpeg using TMGEnc and this is satsifying for me.

I was wondering if its possible to compress direct to mpeg through virtual dub?

(But I cannot see such a thing in compression nor is their any mpeg codec in the tools section here.)

Finally, whats best to do?

Capture uncompressed avi to start with and then compress after editing?

Or capture using Huffyduv compression, then once edited go to mpeg?

Also, what sound compression and at what bitrate is best?

[mats.hogberg]

I was wondering if its possible to compress direct to mpeg through virtual dub?

Sort of. I suppose you don't want to save out your edited AVI? In that case, just frame serve to TMPGEnc. That way, VirtualDub "sends the frames" directly to the encoder.

/Mats

[teegee420]

How do you plan to use your destination file? Do you plan to burn to DVD/CD/VCD/SVCD, or will you be viewing your file primarily on the PC, and if so what file size are you comfortable with. Also, how long is your video going to be?

Sorry for all the questions but the encoding option that is best for you will be determined by these contributing factors.

[TheGame7]

^^

Its football (or soccer in the States) highlights for watching on a PC.

The sound must be listenable without any major hissing or so forth.

As for the video, it must be watchable full screen.

What encoding technique would be best for both audio and video?

Thanks in advance..!

[Gazorgan]

DivX gives DVD like results at about 1 GB per hour in full 720x576 (PAL) resolution. You can chop this down to 700 MB/hour (1 CDR) by running lower audio (128 or 96 kbps). You can also try lower resolutions, like640x480 or something of a similiar ratio (in multiples of 16 to be safe).
DivX is pretty much PC only.

For settop players you want DVD or SVCD (VCD isn't any good for sportings events). SVCD is good for about 40-50 minutes per CDR. DVD can go up to 4 hours at 1/2D1 resolution(higher than broadcast TV resolution, but less than DVD).

[teegee420]

That info helps. I'd still like to know how long your movie is going to be and how much hard drive space you are willing to allocate. If space is a little scarce on your sytem than Divx might be your best bet. However if you can spare a few gigs than mpeg-2 would yield better quality.

[TheGame7]

I have experimented with DivX, not what I am after.

How do I compress to mpeg2?

Also, what audio option should I use?

The length of the clips varies from as little as 3 mins to up to 20-30 mins

They will be uploaded to a ftp server at 64kbps.

[teegee420]

SVCD is probably your best bet and it will give you very good sound and video. TMPGEnc Plus is a good mpeg-2 encoder. It's very easy to configure by using the project wizard. It's not the fastest encoder but it will give you great results with high motion scenes like yours.