converting captured vhs to dvd - how to shrink file size???

[mrhata]

I used Virtual Dub to capture some VHS footage.
I know I have to convert the avi to mpeg, but I noticed the captured avi file was HUGE. And I know once I convert the avi to mpeg, it will be even more. So I guess my question is how do I reduce the size of the avi file? I know I converted some full length movies (avi, divx) to mpeg to make them VCDs. Ending up with 2 cd-r's 650mb each for a 2 hour film. But even a 4.5gig dvd-r wont hold what I've captured.
Is there a compression technique for captured avi's???

[Nelson37]

Remember that the term "AVI" can apply to a wide variety of very different files. A downloaded DivX AVI file is more compressed than an MPEG, and will increase in size when converted while an uncompressed or Huffy AVI is far less compressed than an MPEG and will decrease in size on conversion.

You should also notice a corresponding change in image quality, though that can be mitigated depending on source, ex a low bitrate DivX from a DVD rip versus a Huffy AVI of a VHS tape. An AVI of the DVD rip would be the best and a Divx of the VHS tape would be the worst.

[mrhata]

I was aware once converted to mpeg, the size would get larger.
The captured VHS footage was to Divx avi files.
I used the Huffy codec in Virtual Dudb before but it screwed things up with my TV tuner card.

Another question is can I compress the avi file even more so its not so big?

[bottle-necked]

When I capture in AVI I use either Huffy or MJPEG codec and my file size is roughtly 400-500MB a minute. For a 2 hour movie that's like 50-55G. Encoding that AVI to DVD Quality MPEG2 the file size (if I do my math right) will be 4G. If I encode the same AVI to VCD I will have about 1.2G file size (2xCDs). To DivX about 680MB (1CD). You can see the difference in the above examples and difference file types.

Good luck.

[mrhata]

That sounds great. Whats the best way of encoding? How do YOU encode?

[mrhata]

Actually, what I meant was can someone point me to a guide or guides to the best way of encoding the avi so the file size isn't sooo big.
I have used VirtualDub and Tmpgenc in the past.

[BIGTIME]

I have been asking this same question for 7 months now. You could try AVI EDIT, It is supposed to shrink avi files. So i've read. I haven't tried this yet. But I am going to. Here is a link.www.am-soft.ru/gbook.html I hope this will help both of us. Good Luck!!!

[bottle-necked]

Actually, what I meant was can someone point me to a guide or guides to the best way of encoding the avi so the file size isn't sooo big.
I have used VirtualDub and Tmpgenc in the past.

http://www.lordsmurf.com/convert/tmpgenc/tmpgencplus.htm

Good luck.

[mrhata]

Thanks.