Convert AVI to Divx

[shankie]

I thought the objective to convert AVI to DivX was to take advantage of the DivX compression. Hence making files smaller. I've tried two different programs, Dr Divx Converter (sucks) and River Past Video Cleaner (nice). Both INFLATED the original AVI file size by a factor of nearly 4. What did I miss?

DivX is supposed to make files smaller correct?

thanks!

[Baldrick]

Your avi might already be compressed like divx. What it is the video codec in the avi?

Use Dr.DivX or AutoGK and you can easily specify the output file size. Smaller file size = worse video quality.

[shankie]

The AVI files I have were created with Xvid MPEG-4 Codec.

So, how do I convert those AVI files into a small DivX file?

thanks!

[redwudz]

Divx and Xvid are essentially the same codec. But if you want the size smaller, you will need re-encode it with either codec to a smaller size (An lesser quality) by using less bitrate. Both codecs have bitrate calculators built in and you can set the desired output size.

I use VirtualDub Mod most of the time: Open the video, select your codec and set the bitrate and encode.

[guns1inger]

Unless the original Xvid encoding was over inflated toi begin with, you will gain nothing by re-encoding to Divx.

[shankie]

I think I'm getting an understanding of the conversion process of DivX and Xvid. Of course, I ran across another issue. Initially, I converted BIN (karaoke) files into AVI with Xvid. No problems. Works great. Then I had a request from a party to convert them to DivX. Not understanding the difference, I converted the original BIN files to AVI with DivX 6.6.

The DivX files are about 45% larger than the Xvid files. I'm sure I can turn the screws somewhere and get smaller files, but I'm comparing both with recommended defaults. So, the question is, what good is DivX? Xvid is more compatible with the average player correct? What would be a reason to request specifically a DivX format?

thanks!

[guns1inger]

Size = running time x bitrate

If you encode the same file with Xvid and with Divx, and use the same bitrate, the files will be the same size.

I don't believe there is any truth to Xvid being more compatible with players than Divx. Compatibility comes more from observing the right restrictions when encoding - GMC, QPEL etc. Divx at least have a certification program for players, which offers a certain level of confidence for playback. There is no similar program for Xvid, given the nature of it's development.

Is one better than the other - I don't think there is a true, quantifiable answer to that. There are certainly a lot of opinions on the subject, but personally I think they amount to the same arguments about Windows and Linux.