Resizing mpgs

[rhegedus]

I read on a previous post that file size = bitrate x time (sec)

In order to e-mail some mpg clips, I need to bring down the total file size to about 2Mb for a 20 sec capture (if memory serves me right, VCD mpg is about 1MB for 6 seconds, so this would be about half the quality).

I've tried using TMPGEnc (plus 2.5) to make the file size of some mpgs smaller by decreasing the bitrate (using the unlock template) but the file size is still the same.

Could anyone assist?

Rob

[DJRumpy]

Is MPEG-1 a requirement? Since your e-mailing this, it's a poor choice if your going for smaller size while retaining quality. Have you considered DIVX/MPEG-4?

[Craig Tucker]

You need to change the stream type to mpeg1 automatic or video CD (non standard), if you leave it as mpeg1 video cd the file gets padded.

[rhegedus]

Thought about DivX, but I'm not sure if the recipients would have the necessary codecs - I'm presuming they are needed.

Rob

[Craig Tucker]

You are right they would need the correct codec installed. The good thing about mpeg1 is it will play on any PC no problems.

[q1aqza]

I haven't done this so I may well be wrong but I think Windows Movie Maker can create MPEG4 (equivalent to DIVX) files that can be opened by Microsoft Media Player on other PCs using the standard Microsoft codecs?? I know it can certainly create .wmv files which are meant for email or web use.

I may be wrong so look into it further or someone on this site will correct me.

[DJRumpy]

q1aqza makes an excellent point. WMV is just another MPEG4 format, and it's compatible with any newer windows platforms.

A good suggestion.

[rhegedus]

Windows movie maker is only available with Windows XP - I've got Win2000Pro (which will lead on to a follow up topic....).

However, craigtucker has hit the nail on the head for me - got it down to 500kbps quite nicely.

Thanks all,

Rob