Calculator for file size

[Johnbil]

I am trying to convert files (FLV, MP4) to AVI files with a result that's a certain file size. I have been using XMedia Recode with Win XP for my conversions. I have adjusted the bitrate and used their built in calculator, but it usually hit and miss.

Does anyone know of a calculator that gives consistent results?

Regards...John

[jagabo]

The problem probably isn't in the calculator. It's more likely the codec isn't delivering the requested bitrate.

[Cornucopia]

Either that, or the codec is set to go the CQ route instead of the VBR route.

Scott

[Gavino]

I know I'm asking to be shot down in flames, but I've never understood why people need a 'calculator' to multiply or divide two numbers. Don't they teach basic arithmetic in schools any more?

OK, I know it's the 21st century, and I can see the merit in a program that works out bitrate and/or filesize accounting for all of video, audio and muxing/container overhead, but for most purposes that level of accuracy is unnecessary and the basic calculation can be done in a few seconds on a piece of paper, using the well-worn mantra

filesize = bitrate x running time

Now, where did I put that abacus...

[jagabo]

I've never understood why people need a 'calculator' to multiply or divide two numbers...filesize = bitrate x running time

Except running time is usually given in hh:mm:ss, bitrate is usually kbps, and file size in MB or GB. So there's a lot more than a single multiply or divide.

[Hoser Rob]

Another thing that confuses people sometimes is that microsoft likes to express file size in geek speak. Ie. when they say 1 K it's actually 1024 ... 2 to the 10th power.

[jagabo]

Yes, to a disc manufacturer 1 GB = 1000 * 1000 * 1000 bytes, 1,000,000,000 bytes. To Microsoft Explorer (and many software packages) 1 GB (more properly called GiB) is 1024 * 1024 * 1024 bytes, 1,073,741,824 bytes. So a 4.7 GB disc only holds 4.3 GiB of data.