Best trade-off... File size vs. video quality

For several years, I have been creating a .WMV format video file after recording our church's Sunday sermon (using Premiere Pro). Today, for example, I processed the 40 minute sermon down to a 40MByte .WMV file with "decent" quality. The only problem has been that folk who come to our website (sermons are at http://www.calvarychristianchurch.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=dspSermonSeries, if anyone wants to see the current video quality or lack thereof) using a Mac don't seem to be able to play the file WITH SOUND (the video portion works fine)! So, I'm looking to go to another format, but I would REALLY welcome suggestions as to what would be to best format to get at least as good video quality in a file not TOO much larger than my current .WMVs, that is playable both in WMPlayer on the PC and in whatever the comparable player is on the Mac (I presume QuickTime, but haven't played with a Mac in YEARS, so don't know...)!
I'm using PPro CS5.5 with an Intel i5 processor, if that helps any. Oh, one last parameter... Currently my computer crunches the files in 15-20 minutes. I could go lnger if I >had< to do so, but would prefer not having to wait forever!
Thanks in advance!
- Jim 8^)

BH,
Just a quick response... The minister is wearing a wireless mic, so no boom mic is needed. I may not have given the recorded video's audio track enough gain, however.
Thanks!

Similar Messages

"Best Practice" steps for creating & preseving video quality

I would like help in understanding the "rules of the trade" when it comes to video quality.
I have been converting old VHS video tapes using my Sony DV camera...importing them into iMovie 6HD (mainly because I read that the quality is better in imovie 6hd vs. iMovie09)...so far I have imported around 7 hours of video...into one project...which is 250gb in size....I want to burn the videos to a DVD....due to the size of the project..I'm creating new projects and coping over clips....soon I will have 3 projects that take up 500gbs.
Is this typical? I understand that it is good to save the video in the original quality for safe keeping...but I have 100s of video tapes that I would like to convert, edit, burn to DVD, and save.....using my current process for importing, and editing....I would crash the servers used by Google.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

Welcome to Apple discussions!!
I have been converting old VHS video tapes using my Sony DV camera
Using the Sony DV camera is an "OK" way to import VHS. Look at the Canopus ADVC300. Audio and Video go in, FireWire comes out.
The program that comes with the ADVC300 has some nice filters that can improve video and audio of the source material. The ADVC300 will take Audio and Video from ANY source and convert it to FireWire (iMovie 06 will treat it like a camera).
http://www.grassvalley.com/products/advc300
.importing them into iMovie 6HD (mainly because I read that the quality is better in imovie 6hd vs. iMovie09
Good move. (use iMovie 06 with iDVD 09 set to Professional Quality.)
so far I have imported around 7 hours of video...into one project
I would limit each project to 110 - 120 mins, and make DVDs as you complete each project.
using my current process for importing, and editing....I would crash the servers used by Google.
A 2TB drive should hold about 140 hours of video. I ALWAYS build my own external hard drive. More storage and less money.
If you are going to do video, get the biggest drive you can. You can assemble the below items in about three minutes.
 http://www.cooldrives.com/ox93saiihadr.html
  http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Intellipower-Desktop-WD20EADS/dp/B001RB1TI S/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258862242&sr=8-1
Use the FireWire port, the Firewire protocol allows more direct address to memory (including mass storage) with minimal intervention of the CPU, nothing will interfere with it, No collisions, No glitches. Firewire is rock-solid.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep your original iMovie 06 file, however;
After I transfer a video to iMovie 06 I make a DVD image file (always make a DVD image file first, then burn a DVD) with iDVD 09, then a DVD from the image file. I then test the DVD and keep only the image file (small) created by iDVD. I do not keep the original iMovie 06 file anyway (large).
Regarding DVDs
Do NOT use adhesive labels!!!!!!!!!
Never, Ever, use labels!!! Buy printable DVD,s.
Try this program.
http://smileonmymac.com/DiscLabel/
Printable DVD+R discs. Something like,
http://www.supermediastore.com/product/u/taiyo-yuden-8x-dvd-plus-r-media-white-i nkjet-hub-printable-100-pack
I have found DVD+R to be more reliable than DVD-R. The only disadvantage to DVD+R is that DVD players manufacture before 2003 may not play them.
DVD+R disks are better than DVD-R disks because of the increased error correction technique used for the +R type.
Once you have made a few DVDs you will establish a good workflow, making your project more fun.

When using the Save Layer Comps to PDF Script, can you change the PDF settings. I need both Smallest File Size and Press Quality?

When using the Save Layer Comps to PDF Script, can you change the PDF settings. I need both Smallest File Size and Press Quality? Thanks in advance to the group for assisting with this matter.
— John

No, there isn't. The way you're using the file is not recommended. You
should use a review tracker to avoid getting in the way of one another.

How to decrease PDF file size without losing quality of images and vector lines?

I have several ai files that I saved as PDFs. Now I'm having problem with the size of this combine files. Can some one assist me with the proper way on decreasing file size without losing quality.
Thank you.

I am having the same problem with a different file that's in a different format mentioned above. I'm trying to convert a ".srf" file and turn it into a ".pdf." I was successful doing this but my image, once in a .pdf was also pixilated.
I thought if I convert my ".srf" file to a ".jpeg" first, then bring this newly created ".jpeg" into a ".pdf," I would have more luck. But unfortunately the free download I got on my computer that's supposed to convert any file to any file, CANNOT convert ".srf" files to ANYTHING!
Does anyone have any ideas? Or any specific programs I should get?
Thanks!

Exported Wraptor dcp File-Size difference and quality loss

Hi,
I am currently working on exporting a short trailer (45 sec) to wraptor-dcp with AME straight from an After Effects project.
In the export-preferences the estimated files size is about 8000MB (check out the screenshot).
But the finalized dcp only has a size of 180MB. That irritated me so I downloaded a demo of easyDCP to check the material. The dcp is working fine but the quality is a mess even in comparison to a small mp4 (take a look at the second comparison screenshot: dcp left and mp4 (H264) on the right). Gradients are destroyed and chunky.
Also with the color transformation off, the colors feel dull and only fit if I choose 'X'Y'Z » R'G'B (P3). Should it be that way? How can I enhance the quality of the dcp?
All the best,
Jay
1 Export Settings (I just choose the wraptor setting in AME '2K Digital Cinema Flat' and did not change any settings)
2. Comparison dcp / mp4 (H264)

Will there be a new update coming soon?
Problem: Wraptor DCP will play on GDC-TMS 8.0 at one theater and will not play at another theater running GDC-TMS 9.0
Identified: Xsize/Ysize problems when reading on GDC-TMS 9.0. XOsize is wacked!
Although GDC-TMS is part of the problem...please help fix the Wraptor DCP part of the problem!
-Eric
Geek-4-Hire
@DailyGeekTip

Low File Size/Great Image Quality: H.264, AAC

1. I created a slideshow in iPhoto, exported it to a QT movie file. The properties of it is as follows:
Exibit A:
Dimensions: 720x480
Format: MPEG-4 Video, AAC, Stereo, 44.100kHz
FPS: 30
Data Rate: 7277.87 kbits/sec
Channel Count: 2
Duration: 02'46
Size: 143.58MB
2. I pulled a QT Movie file from the web with the following properties:
Exibit B:
Dimensions: 480x360
Format: AAC, H.264, Stereo (LR), 48.000kHz
FPS: 28.79
Channel Count: 2
Duration: 01'22
Data Rate: 868.14 kbits/sec
Size: 8.5MB
3. I tried to see if I could compress my movie and keep the quality as comparible to Exibit B. Here's what I ended up with:
Exibit C:
Dimensions: 720x480
Format: AAC, H.264, Stereo (LR), 44.100kHz
FPS: 30
Data Rate: 4826.73 kbits/sec
Channel Count: 2
Duration: 02'46
Size: 95.22MB
4. I tried again. This time creating the same dimension as Exibit B. Here what I got:
Exibit D:
Dimensions: 480x360
Format: AAC, H.264, Stereo (LR), 44.100 kHz
FPS: 30
Data Rate: 2577.17 kbits/sec
Channel Count: 2
Duration: 02'46
Size: 51MB
How can I create a very low size and image quality as Exibit B?
I have QTPro. Do I need something else?
Thanks.

Update:
Well playing all exibits on the Windows workstation worked just fine after the update. I now has QT7.
Next...I've exported Exibit A down to 8MB (Exitbit F)by recommendations from Capt. QTKirk. Here are the properties:
Exibit F:
Format: AAC, Stereo (LR), 32.000kHz, H.264, 720x480, Millions
FPS: 15
Data Size: 8.5MB
Data Rate: 429.79kbits/sec
Overall Quality:
Video: Fair at 720x480; much better at 486x324; overall choppy transitions as well
Audio: Fair -close to mono.
Anyone else have any suggestions?
How and what are others using to get the audio/video quality as crisp and sharp as what's shown in the QT Movie Trailer site?

Quartz Composer maximum file size for videos?

I'm using the Movie Importer patch and large videos refuse to play. I had no trouble with a 16-minute, 249.6 MB file, but a 7-hour, 534.6 MB file doesn't work. The patch acts like I don't have a file selected at all: it doesn't output an image or a duration value like it's supposed to. I have tried a variety of formats (.mp4, .m4v, .avi) and a variety of frame rates and resolutions. All of my test videos played fine in Quicktime Player (I use Perian, which may explain .avi compatibility... I don't think that's supported natively).
I can't find anything in the docs about file size or duration limits. What am I missing?
Thanks for the help!
Message was edited by: Parker Smith

That is a pretty small file for being 7 hours long.
Have you tried using interpolation and converting the hours, seconds and frames into all seconds or does that defeat the object of the composition? I have a bunch of movies taken with the same camera and some do not provide a timecode. Has been an issue for me for a while. In X.6.+ even apple created comps cause the finder and QC to crash. You wil get a lot more kowledgeable people over at http://kineme.net

Reduce file size and maintain quality

How can I creat a file that can be played on Window Media Player full screen that is not pixilated. I have tried various settings and either the video would not play, the file would be huge and would play or it would be pixilated. The file that works is 12 minutes of HD video and is 538 MB! I would prefer a file size less than half of that size that can be viewed full screen without pixilation.

It seems to be a Windows Media Player issue rather than the file. Can you still play the old videos? If you Google the error code and Windows Media Player you will find a lot of folks with the same issue with different file types... there appear to be some solutions that work for some but not others. Here is one for example:
http://www.infopirate.org/cant-play-downloaded-mp3-files-c00d11b1-error

Reducing a files size with high quality

is there a way to reduce a file size from about 60M to about 500k and keeping the quality? dpi is 300

If you are looking to "find how many pixels it has in each dimension", you'd look under "190M".
Your task to reduce to 500kb is impossible. No image that large belongs on a webpage.
If you reduce the width to roughly 1000 pixels and find that the text is unreadable, then you did not design the web page graphic properly. Start over on a document already sized for the web page. When designing web graphics, you should most always be looking at a 100% zoom view. Note the zoom percentage displayed in the image tab or image window title bar. Keep it at 100%.

When I use iMovie 11 to capture HD video from my Handycam, there is a loss of quality that is very noticable when vewing on apple tv3. What is the best way to get full HD video quality for home movies on apple tv?

I currently capture HD 1080i video from my Handycam using iMovie 11, then convert the .mov files to .mp4 using Aunsoft Video Converter. Then view the videos on apple tv. The quality is definitely lacking. Not sure if the loss of qulaity is from using iMovie 11 or the Aunsoft software. Any ideas on how to capture HD qulaity video and view on Apple TV?

I currently capture HD 1080i video from my Handycam using iMovie 11, then convert the .mov files to .mp4 using Aunsoft Video Converter. Then view the videos on apple tv. The quality is definitely lacking. Not sure if the loss of qulaity is from using iMovie 11 or the Aunsoft software. Any ideas on how to capture HD qulaity video and view on Apple TV?

Different movie file sizes - different videos??

I downloaded the Flex 4 In a Week videos for offline viewing a few months ago.
Today I noticed that, in conjunction with an overhaul of the Flex In A Week web page, the movie files posted therein have changed in size. They are several megs smaller than the corresponding videos I downloaded a few months ago. Have the videos changed, or have they only been compressed more for faster download?
Thanks

Hi Gusetva,
All of the content for the videos are the same. Looks like they just compressed the files.

Photo Both video (.mov) file size in Lion

Photo Both in Lion saves videos (.mov) with double the file size of previous versions. I have verified by looking at a 30 second video created pre-Lion (2.1mb) and a new 30 second video created post-Lion (4.1mb) on the same MacBook Air. I have seen even more drastic file size increses on a newer MacBook Pro; more that 20mb for a video that used to be under 2mb.
There are no settings available in Photo Booth. And as stated in other threads there is no method in Mail to resize a video, this option is only available for images. The only functioning workaroud is to open the .mov file in Quicktime and then export for the web. This is OK, but the beauty of Photobooth and the Mail button within was the ability to just quickly fire off a video. Opening another app, exporting and then attaching to an email is no longer simple or beautiful.
Does anyone know why the filesizes have jumped up so drastically? More importantly, does anyone know how to get the file size of videos created in Photo Booth back under control so they can be emailed more easily?

UPDATE: Using any of the effects in photo booth videos greatly reduces the file size. This seems a bit contrary to what I would expect. Adding birds flying around my head cuts the video size in half. Sepia cuts down to 1/3. Black and white, the one that isnt a suprise, is less that 1/4 the file size of just plain old color.
Why can't I just have the nice small video files that Photo Booth used to save??

Rendering a file at a compressed size without sacraficing quality?

So as the title suggests I am trying to render out videos on AE in HD quality (720p at least) but for a simple 25 minute video is rendering out at over 500GB (simple video with an audio track overlayed). I need a way to render the video out in a format that will compress the video to a smaller file size but won't lose the desired quality. Using AE with Creative Cloud on a Windows 8.1 OS. Even if the solution requires the use of Adobe's Media Encoder or something similar I am simply looking for a way to shrink file size while maintaining quality, any help anyone can give is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I usually render an intermediate file (as it sounds like you did) and then use that file in the Adobe Media Encoder to create my deliverable (h.264, etc.)
The great thing about this is that I can try different compression settings to try to dial in the quality vs. file size balance without having to re-render a complex AE composition over and over.
However, if you want to, you can just toss your AE comp straight into AME without the intermediate step. Some people I know do that so they can keep working on the next project in AE while the AME renders the previous one in the background. This is only useful once you've figured out what settings in AME work for your workflow though.

Reducing video file size?

How do I reduce file size of videos, made on imac or camera import? They
are too large for emailing, and uploading to utube is too slow.

YouTube can be kinda slow. Were you trying to use Share > YouTube from inside iMovie? I don't use Share>YouTube to upload it to their website because I've had it freeze up or take extra long to finish.
Instead I save the video project out to the desktop. Use Share > Export Movie... Then choose Medium or Large, and let it roll until it's done. Then open the YouTube website and upload it through their webpage directly. That's going to be quicker than trying to do the same thing from iMovie. And you don't have to try and jam it through an email system either.

My clips have a yellow line on the timeline sequence. Does this affect my video quality output if I don't render?

I use Adobe CS 6 to edit and I use Sony NX 3 to record. Every time I import my clips. It has a yellow line on the timeline sequence, even when I make new clip from the sequence.. My question is, does this affect my video quality output if i did not render the yellow line out? Please someone help me

Please see this link for more info about red and yellow bars - http://blogs.adobe.com/premierepro/2011/02/red-yellow-and-green-render-bars.html
If you shoot 1080p, you will likely have better results going to DVD than if you start with 1080i. It's hard enough downscaling with decent quality, then if you add in interlacing issues...
When exporting from Premiere to create a DVD, choose "MPEG-2 DVD" as the format, and then choose a preset such as "NTSC Widescreen Progressive".
There is a checkbox at bottom of export window for "Max Render Quality" - use that for best downscaling results.
Use 2-Pass VBR encoding. Use a bitrate calculator to determine best bitrate for length of movie, or quick option is 560/minutes = bitrate. But don't exceed 8.0 on shorter movies. I typically round down a little for safety margin, such as 560/120 = 4.6, encode at 4.5 and no worries.
The export will result in TWO files, .m2v video and .wav audio, import both into Encore for authoring. Encore will convert the .wav to Dolby AC3, reducing file size. Video should NOT get transcoded. And as others said, don't expect HD quality when viewing a DVD...definitely not HD video any longer. But do be sure to use an upscaling player, this makes all the difference. If you run a yellow composite cable from DVD to TV, it will look horrible. Use HDMI with upscaling DVD/Blu-ray player for improved result.
Good luck
Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers

Best trade-off... File size vs. video quality

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for