What is a Reasonable Size for a DVD File Converted to AVI or MP4?

[Novice20]

I have been testing a trial version of WinX DVD Ripper Platinum for converting DVD files from my Mag DVD recorder so that I can save them on my PC disk. (An earlier A/V synch problem that I had with the trial version was resolved by using the "Force A/V Sync" setting.) But I now see that the converted AVI trial file - which is only 5 minutes - is 70MB. Extrapolated to a 45 minute show, that would be a huge 630MB! I got the same results with conversion to MP4.

Is this a normal and/or acceptable converted size? Because when I download a file from Internet and save it in MP4 format, 15 minutes takes only 90MB. So a 45 minutes show is 270MB not 630MB.

Thank you

[jagabo]

The question is what codecs are you using. Xvid/Divx don't compress as well as h.264. And some sources compress better than others. 630MB for a 45 minute show isn't out of the question. What is your ultimate goal? To play on a Divx DVD player? A standalone media player like the WDTV? A PS3? Only on a computer?

[Novice20]

I apologize for not knowing but as my username says, I am a novice. Don't know what codecs it is using. I expect its whatever codecs comes with Wix DVD Ripper Plat and/or with Win7.

My goal is to save the DVD content on the PC disks (and of course the disk backup) and play them on the PC. And not having to keep a ton of DVDs of everything that I have recorded on the Mag. I'm using +RW DVDs so that I can re-use them to go Mag HDD -> DVD +RW -> PC file (for viewing and permanent residence).

[jagabo]

Examine your files with MediaInfo or GSpot. They will tell you what codecs are being used. But in short, with all codecs:

file size = bitrate * running time

So if you want a smaller file use a lower bitrate. Some encoders also have a constant quality mode where you select the quality and the file turns out whatever size is necessary to achieve that quality. With those, if you want a smaller size pick a lower quality.