ASF & WMV to avi conversion

[HoangT]

I want to convert my asf and wmv files into an avi file using TMPGEnc 3.0 XPress. I'm not really sure on how to set the program, but everytime I try and convert the file, it comes out as a 2GB file. The original asf and wmv file is only around 300 to 400 MB. Could someone show me on how to set it so it comes out small but keeps the original picture quality? I'm guessing that the output file in avi is not compressed by Xvid or Divx. I'm not really sure if thats the problem or even know how to change it, if it is. If there is a fast way of coverting these files with great quality would really help.

[redwudz]

Both those file types can be difficult to convert. The file size is mostly dependent on the running time, not the size of the original file. It may end up bigger to achieve the same quality as different codecs compress in different ways.

I'm not so sure you can keep it small and have the same quality. I would worry more about the quality than the output size.

If you are using Xvid or Divx codecs, that's where you set the quality, not the program that uses the codecs like TMPGEnc Xpress. Settings for Xvid or Divx codecs are too much to cover in a short post.

I would split off a representative piece of your video, about 5 minutes, and try some different codec settings. Start with the default settings. If the quality is the same, that's what you want. If it's too low, increase the bitrate. To high or too big, decrease the bitrate.

[HoangT]

I'm not really sure on how to tweek the avi's codec. I just don't want to screw it up somehow. I might try some different settings on TMPGEnc Xpress and will just have to accept what ever comes out, but at the lowest size and good to ok quality. Thanks anyway.

[lantern]

The most recent Virtualdub-MPEG supports experimental loading of some wmv/asf files. You need to install the vfw codec for wmv9 from the Microsoft site though. I think this is the link for WME9 VCM This is the link for the codec pack for WMP 6.4 that has the vfw codec required. I don't know if the other codecs offered on their site will work correctly.