What did I do wrong? 15GB file from 1.2GB avi file

[tigerb]

I was trying to cut out about 1/6 (about 200 MB) from the original 1.2GB avi file.....however the end result of my new avi file = 15GB!!!??? the new avi file itself is just fine clear/sharp...just too large - 15GB! What did I do wrong?

p/s I was using "Blaze Media Pro 7.1", couldn't stand NeroVision Express 3.1.....

Thanks in advance.

[guns1inger]

Size = running time x bitrate. As the running time hasn't changed, obviously the bitrate has. At a guess, you probably have output uncompressed video.

Try using Virtualdub or AVIDemux instead. If you can use Direct Stream Copy mode in virtualdub it will be 200MB and won't be re-encoded, however you won't ge frame accurate editing.

In AVIDemux use the Start of Selection/End of Selection buttons to set the start and end frames, then click on File->Save->Save Video. If you get prompted to enable smart rendering answer yes. My understanding is that only the broken GOPs at each end will be re-encoded.

[tigerb]

Thanks guns1inger, you are right on! Mine avi file was "uncompressed".......downloaded K-Lite Codec Pack Full 2.88 and found out the original avi file was coded with XviD and I selected XviD to compress and wala 210MB avi file with same quality as original!

I will also try "Virtualdub or AVIDemux", do I take it that in order to get the same picture quality, it's best to compress the new file with the same format as the original file? (e.g. XviD - XviD, DivX - DivX.....etc?)

Best regards.

[guns1inger]

Personally, I wouldn't touch a codec pack with a gun to my head. They just aren't worth the trouble they cause.

[tigerb]

WOW AVIDemux is very easy/quick to use/learn "In AVIDemux use the Start of Selection/End of Selection buttons to set the start and end frames, then click on File->Save->Save Video. If you get prompted to enable smart rendering answer yes.", and I got my avi file in only 150MB with same pic quality!

Virtualdub is a no go for me

Without a a codec pack, I don't think I can use Virtualdub/AVIDemux /Blaze Media Pro or even NeroVision Express, right?

What do you use in place of "codec pack"? how do you view avi files in XviD/DivX.....formats?

Regards.

[theewizard]

I think he means he doesn't download a PACK full of a variety of codecs, he has selected and downloaded specific high quality codecs individually chosen one by one for specific needs and characteristics

[tigerb]

I see 8) , thanks for explaining theewizard

For newbie like myself.........

Regards.

[guns1inger]

I use G-spot to determine what codec is required if something doesn't work, then I install just that codec.

The risk you take with codec packs is that they install dozens of codecs you don't actually need that may not be up-to-date, and often they contain conflicting configurations. Then, when something inevitably goes wrong, it is almost impossible to track down exactly what it is because you really don't know what the codec pack did when it installed.

There are enough instances of codec packs completely screwing the video playback on systems - to the point that the only viable solution was a complete format and reinstall of windows - to make it simply not worth the risk. I know codec packs have their supporters. But so does heroin. I'm in no mind to try either.