CQ 'narrowing in' formula
 

I know this was posted somewhere, but heck if I can find it. I'm looking for the current technique for 'narrowing in' on the correct CQ value to achieve a certain sample size (ie., sample 1 is 10.1meg at CQ60, so to get it close to 11.8meg I need to use CQ??) Right now I'm doing a horrible hit and miss job :)

Hi Daagar,

Say you want 12MB and you started with CQ=60 and file size is 10.0MB. Try 12/10 = 1.2 and multiply current CQ (60) X 1.2 = 72. From now on, it will be easier, just half of half or double 8O ( you're still with me :D ). So if at CQ=72 sample file size is over 12MB, just try half way between 60 and 72, so try CQ=66. Next run either 69 or 63. You get the point :wink: . You should hit target in 3 to 4 runs.

-kwag

Excellent, thanks! Though I do notice that this method will get skewed very quickly if your CQ happens to hit 80+ :) But for most movies, this works great.