Choosing output file sizes

[Phototaker]

I have often had problems in choosing just what would be the best size for the outputted file since it appears that AGK doesn't even provide a rough estimate for your outputting settings. I recalled that some of the older recoding tools that I used to use did this so I decided to see what file size they thought might be OK.

For instance I dropped a file into Dr DIVX & after it has scanned the file it said that the new file would be 720x304 pixels & be 1120MB in size. I then put the same file into AGK & set it to 1120 MB & after it had done it's thing said that the size would be 672x 288.

Is the difference frame size because AGK is using the XVID codec or is some there other explanation for this? What is the best way to input settings?

I dropped a MPEG2 file into AGK from a file recorded off the air. The frame size was 1280 x720p. AGK said that the file it would create would be 720x576. DR DIVX allowed me to have a file of 1280x720.

Once again is it possible to get AGK to create files using larger frame sizes?

I've noticed that most files created are about 20-25% of what the original was. Would it just be easier to set ever file to come out at 25%?

[BigDid]

...Is the difference frame size because AGK is using the XVID codec or is some there other explanation for this? What is the best way to input settings?
Hi,

Yes it is partly documented in the tutorial:
...A Quality encode will give you even quality throughout the movie at your designated percentage. The default is 75%, which will give you very good quality (but for DivX6 default is 60%). Good quality percentages begin at about 67% (Quantizer 3)...


Once again is it possible to get AGK to create files using larger frame sizes?
Yes increase the width manually and see/test if ok for you.
If not you could:
1/ use DrDivx comptest, add 15% (more or less) to the file size and keep the width given by Dr Divx or
2/ Do a 1pass quality encode max width & 75%; that tip will give a very good estimation when reencoding a 2 pass with the same file size given by the one pass


I've noticed that most files created are about 20-25% of what the original was. Would it just be easier to set ever file to come out at 25%?
You can also do so and let AGK with autowidth to keep the best ratio...

Did

[budwzr]

I have often had problems in choosing just what would be the best size for the outputted file

That's why they invented the quantizer (quality) approach.

[yetanotherid]

I wish you could get AutoGK to run it's compressibility test before it does anything else and before you settle on a file size. It'd be great if you could run the test, pick a file size and have AutoGK tell you the preferred resolution for that size. It'd save having to stop the process if AutoGKs not giving you the desired resolution, changing the file size and hoping this time you got it right.

Along those lines, I also wish AutoGK could use an external audio stream the same way it can use external subs. I know I can add a stream later myself, but if AutoGKs already demuxed and converted the audio, it'd be nice just to be able to tell it to use that audio file this time around....

[netmask]

Hi Phototaker - I've standardised on a fixed width of 720, auto audio and 1 CD as a size for just about everything recorded off my Topfield and Beyonwiz. I find I get consistent results with digital SDTV material. Sometimes if the sound track is especially important and good quality I go to keep original sound and up the file size to 1/4 DVD. With both SD and HD material I always demux with ProjectX to clean up transmission errors and extract the subs. Of course one could go to Gordian Knot and have far more control over the features. The big plus for me with AutoGk is you don't have to fuss too much over settings once you get files that work for your circumstances.:)