VirtualDub question on huge file sizes, and save to formats

[etbrown4]

I'm working with a 100mb frap file, not sure the default extension

When I open in VirtualDub and try to save as an avi, it slows the frames and makes a 1gb+ file out of it. There is no audio, no animation, nothing extra. Putting 4 of these segments together makes it 4gb and way to big for youtube.

Perhaps I'm doing something wrong, but saving options seem limited.

Should I try to export as a striped avi or maybe an adobe film strip? (Assuming those would be small and also work on youtube)

The other options seem to be to save as a segmented avi, or as an old format avi.

Would like to append 3-4 of these 100mb files into one 400mb file, and steer clear of huge file sizes.

[redwudz]

You have to set an output format with VD or you will end up with a huge RGB file. Just select a codec under 'Compression'. With VD, you might try XviD. You would need to install the codec, then restart VD for it to appear. There are likely other codecs you could use. Members that post to Youtube could probably give you some better ideas.

[etbrown4]

I'd have no idea how to install a codec or even where to start.

Is there another simple freeware or shareware video editor with drop and drag features, which has more extensions already built in?

Can anyone suggest a few names?

[jagabo]

https://www.videohelp.com/download/Xvid-1.3.2-20110601.exe <--- click on the link to download the Xvid codec. Run it to install.

[filmboss80]

There are many, many types of .avi configurations. Unless you specifically select something else, VirtualDub will default to uncompressed RGB, which will make HUGE files.

Most other "simple" freeware will still require you to choose an output codec.

Tons of guides and useful information about VirtualDub can be accessed all over the place. There is not a huge learning curve, but there is a small, initial one. You'll have a lot more fun if you take a few minutes to learn how to use the software.

[etbrown4]

ok, I installed xvid.

I went to video and compression, said ok and that cleared the dialog box. Not sure if that saved it or what, but am unable to tell the location of the file if I compressed and saved it.

I looked in all the xvid directories and it's not there. Could not find the location for saved or edited virtualdub files under virtualdub, movie files, or videos etc

Might it be that I did not compress anything, and that's why I can't find it? I entered no other values or numbers.

Perhaps VD is easy, but for a first time user, the curve is a bit steep.

Any help is appreciated.

[hech54]

https://www.videohelp.com/oldguides/avi2divx

Divx - Xvid, same thing only different.

[jagabo]

I went to video and compression, said ok and that cleared the dialog box. Not sure if that saved it or what, but am unable to tell the location of the file if I compressed and saved it.

VirtualDub remember where it last saved a file. Just start it up, Open any video file, select File -> Save as AVI, then the file dialog will show you what folder was used last time.

[Cornucopia]

So, to recap for the OP:

1. Having installed Xvid (or similar codec), open up Virtualdub & the file in question.
2. Make sure "Full Processing Mode" or "Fast Recompress" is set in Video menu.
3. If you don't change anything with the audio, you can leave it as "Direct Stream Copy", otherwise use "Full Processing" for audio as well.
4. In Video menu, set the Compression to what you want (Xvid, or similar). Same for audio, but only if necessary (see above).
5. Do: File - Save As AVI.

That's it.
IF you intend to append/concatenate/join (and the other clips are of the same specs), should just be a few more steps in between step 4 and 5.

Scott

[etbrown4]

Making progress slowly, but surely.

Ok, I did the fast recompress as per the instructions kindly provided and sure enough, I got the small file size. whew The file is still an avi.

When I view it in VD, there is no text or branding at the bottom of the screen when playing. However if I view it in Windows Movie Maker, the branding is still there.

How come the branding does not show up in VD, but is still there in Windows MMkr.? does anyone know?
To see what I am talking about you can go to http://www.obx360.com/brindley_beach/ss2/360vt.html

While we are at it, might there be a way to remove the floorplan at the top right? Not a big deal either way.

So to the final question............

I guessed I need some cropping to eliminate the bottom 1" or so of the images. When I go to filters I see they are greyed out, so that must be something I may have to download. Based on the above, not sure if I need cropping to get rid of the branding.

If I need the filter, which one would I need and where do you find them? tks

[redwudz]

Use the 'null transform' filter. It's not really a filter, it just turns on the cropping dialog on the filters page. It's built in. Then crop as you like, then save in 'Full processing mode' and make sure you choose a codec. Depending on which codec you use, you almost always want your cropping width and height in even numbers, divisible by two, or better, 16. If not VD may warn you.

Almost none of VDs filters, including cropping, work in any but full processing mode.

I doubt you will find any easy (Or hard) way to 'remove the floorplan' without destroying the video.