Best format to save AVI files on PC

[bpatters69]

Hello All,

I have captured about 200GB to my Hard Disk. The format is AVI and based on the size of each video clip, I would say that the AVI is uncompressed. I know there has to be a better format for storing video on my Hard Disk. What format can I convert the AVI to and save space and still be able to burn the video to DVD? I have already burned each video clip to DVD but DVDs get lost and or damaged. Lastly, if you have any suggestions on programs that are best for converting AVI files. The installed software I have on my PC is"

Nero Ultimate 7
Power Producer
Power Director
VirtualDub

One last note. I use Nero Vision to burn the video to DVD. For whatever reason, the only way I have been able to get Nero to burn the files is by capturing the files in AVI format with VirtualDub.

Thanks, Bill

[jagabo]

Uncompressed RGB AVI at 720x480 29.97 fps is about 112 GB/hr. Uncompressed YUY2 is about 75 GB/hr. Losslessly compressed with Lagarith will be 20 to 30 GB/hr. DV AVI is about 13 GB/hr.

[bpatters69]

Thank you Jag. Your estimated on filesize seem to be about right. I will download Lagarith and make the conversion.

[bpatters69]

I installed Lagarith after extracing the files..... Now what? How do I use the application? Thanks

[jagabo]

Lagarith is only a codec. You need to use a program like VirtualDub to open your uncompressed file and compress it with Lagarith. In VirtualDub:

1) File -> Open Video File
2) Video -> Fast Recompress
3) Video -> Compression... select Lagarith and configure (defaults probably ok)
4) File -> Save as AVI

[bpatters69]

Thanks again.

One other question. How do I take the existing viedo files and convert them using the Lagarith Codec? I assume I go to VirtualDub, open the file, make sure the Lagarith Codec is set up as you describe and then re-save the file as an AVI using the Lagarith Codec? I think that is what you meant in your reply, I just want to be sure.

Thanks, Bill

[jagabo]

Yes, that's what I meant in the reply. Open your existing uncompressed AVI, set up lagarith, save.