Compressing Files To Fit More On DVD?

[lil Calico]

I have multiple .avi files i have converted to dvd format

Once converted each folder is 900mb, now that limits me on how much i can put on each disc

Is there any way i can compress these files some more so that i can fit an extra 1 or 2 without losing any quality?

Thanks

[mats.hogberg]

No, not without losing quality.

/Mats

[lil Calico]

Is it a noticeable dip in quality, or something that wont make a huge difference?

Thanks

[mats.hogberg]

900 MB each, 4-5 as it is / DVD5, and you'd like to put like 6-7 on one DVD? If I'd say a 20% drop, would that mean anything? I think you have to judge that by yourself, as there's no way to make an objective quality measurement.
Well, basically, to keep the same q as the AVIs are, you encode to mpg at 4x the AVI bitrate. Below that, the reencoding will start to take its toll.

/Mats

[jimmalenko]

It sounds to me like you're using some one-click wonder software that simply takes your input file(s) and leaves you with authored VIDEO_TS folder(s). Am I right ?

IMHO you really need a greater understanding of how things work. You see, file-size = bitrate x running time, therefore in order to reduce the file-size taken up you need to either reduce the bitrate or reduce the running time. Normally reducing the running time isn't an option (unless you don't really want the credits, or whatever), so the "normal" fix is to reduce the bitrate. Before you reduce the bitrate though, you need to know what effects (if any) this may have.

Now, the problem comes with most one-click software that you don't have the options and/or flexibility to tweak things exactly to your needs. That's why most people will recommend one-click software for the quick n dirty jobs, but dedicated encoding software when it is critical that you're in the driver's seat.

http://members.dodo.net.au/~jimmalenko/AVI2DVD.htm provides a lot of information on the finer points of conversion - how to use a bitrate calculator, choosing the correct frame size to match either your source and/or your calculated bitrate, and how to encode with TMPGEnc Plus. Might be worth a read