Lowering the size of a video file
 

I'm trying to put an avi file into ConvertX2DVD, so I can convert it to a video file, so I can put it on DVD. However, when I import it into ConvertX, it says the file is too big, at 5.57 GB. When I go to where I have the file saved, and I scroll over it, it says it's 2.56 GB....

I tried to open it in DVDShrink, to try and shrink it, but I guess it doesn't recognize that kind of file, and it's not there for me to select it....

So, what can I do to lower the video size in ConvertX, so I can get it on DVD?


Admin Note: See my reply on page 2, post #26. I troubleshoot with the OP from there. :congrats:

First of all, you already have it in a video file, which is the AVI. I just looked up the program, and it seems to be similar to one I tried years ago by Xoom. Xoom I found would only convert tiny chunks of data (something ridiculous like 500MB at a time), and it looks like ConvertX2DVD is the same thing. I would suggest you get something different, like an older version of Adobe Encore (i.e. 1.5). But you need a program that can convert the AVI (and do you know what codec the AVI is in? is it DV-AVI?) to MPEG-2 and then even an iso file for a DVD.

Hi, thanks for your reply. I don't know how to find out the codec for the AVI...... yes, I use ImgBurn to make ISO files for DVD, so I have that part covered at least...it's the other things that's throwing me off...

If it's already an ISO you should be able to just go into (I use Windows mostly, I'm not sure what you're using) My computer and just plop it into your DVD drive (of course I would recommend using a DVD-RW first, and then after verifying it burned correctly, using DVD Shrink to make a duplicate on a DVD-R) and let Windows burn it from there. ISO is a file that already contains all the folders for a DVD or CD, and the video's already compressed, so any burning program, even Nero, should be able to access it and burn it. I hardly ever burn ISO's outside of Adobe Encore, so I'm trying to remember the correct thing for it. Here's Microsoft's FAQ about it (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-ca/windows7/burn-a-cd-or-dvd-from-an-iso-file), of course that's for Windows 7. For XP you might want to try DVD Decryptor before burning.

No, it's not an ISO yet. I still haven't been able to convert it yet, in Convert X, because of the problems that I talked about in my first message...

My usual process is, I bring the file into ConvertX (if it's not yet a DVD ready file) convert it into a DVD ready file, then burn it to DVD in ImgBurn

use DVDfab

it is payware but a excellent program
you can download a free trail or the slightly older version 8 can be gotten off torrents

Ok..I'll try it then...but, what do I do with it for the problem that I'm having?

DVDfab has a video converter.
you can convert .avi to M2TS or a variety of other formats

DVDFab didn't work for me.

dont understand why.
i converted an AVI file to Mpeg-2 transport stream the other day with DVDfab and it worked fine.

is some kind of weird file? what created it?

what steps did you do to do that? i tried to get it into a dvd 5 format on there, but when it was done it still said it was too big.

use the video convert.
you can also just pick up some dual-layer discs and use DVD-9

I did use the video convert, it didn't give me an option to select which format to change it to. Could this be because I'm using the trial version?

maybe - if you do torrents you can get on PB and download full version 8

I got it, but it still didn't work. I converted it to the file type you told me to, which took about 3.5 hours to do. Then, I created an ISO file in ImgBurn from it, then I burnt it to DVD. I tried to play it in my Xbox, and it said Mixed Media Disc & wouldn't burn.
I also tried it in my DVD player on my laptop & it wouldn't play.

So, I then tried to bring the converted video file into ConvertX, and see if it would again convert in there, but when I did that, it said it was too big. It said it was the same size as the original file, 5.57 GB...

use dvdfab to burn the converted file to the disc - try it without creating an iso image

this is certainly strange as this is usually a very painless process

I couldn't get it to open with any of the many options there except for one, and that said it was too big, the bar went all the way into red..

what is the M2TS file size?

what resolution is the original AVI file?

The M2TS is 3.53 GB.

The original AVI is, 720x480, Frame rate, 29 frames/second, Data Rate - 1290 kbps, Total Bitrate - 1418 kbps

3.53 will fit easily on a DVD-R
no idea why it is say it is too big
will Windows burn it? maybe Nero?

i remember have trouble burning some files i ripped from certain discs made on a dvd recorder
IIRC i ended up using MPEG Video Wizard 5.0 and Cyberlink Powerdirector to burn them
it was awhile ago and i dont recall the specifics