MPEG Streamclip "limit data rate" disabled

[Dignan.]

Hi, I'm running a Leopard and have the latest version of MPEG Streamclip, however, the "limit data rate" is disabled, faded, so I cannot click on it. I need to convert my file into a Apple DV PAL and make it really small. Without this option, I am at a loss of what to do. Any help is much appreciated.

[Baldrick]

You can't adjust any bitrate/date rate with DV video. It's a constant size.

[Dignan.]

Hmm. Then how do I compress a video that is compatible with Pro Tools and small enough to run the program on my computer? I have compressed the file in HandBrake to a small size, yet when I convert with MPEG Streamclip the file increases in size.

[Baldrick]

You must choose another video codec like H.264/AVC. But I don't know what's compatible with Pro Tools?

[Dignan.]

Unfortunately, H.264 does not really work, Pro Tools is quite touchy. I need to test them. Is there a list of codecs that can have limited data rates somewhere? Thanks.

[Cornucopia]

AFAIK, PT allows any codec that is supported by the QT api. Then it's a matter of bandwidth & decoding complexity. Which is why DV usually makes the most sense. DV in a QT mov almost always works ok in PT.

If a dv clip is too large for your harddrive space, something tells me YOU NEED MORE SPACE.

There are many lowrez alternatives, since your primary focus with PT is audio. I still recommend DV.

Scott

[Dignan.]

Thanks. I suppose PT can still run functionally even while handling such a massive file size? That's my concern. Thanks!

[Cornucopia]

If your subsystem is up to scratch.

How many tracks are you running with that video simultaneously?

Are you using separate Harddrives for your audio (10k rpm Raptors in JBOD are quite good), as well as your video, and of course your boot OS?

How closely are you following Digidesign's hardware guidelines?

Scott