encoding at diff. bitrates --> same file size

[fordprefect]

Hi all,

I'm encoding a DVD to DivX using Nandub and DivX 3.11, and there's something strange happening. I use the bitrate calculator to get an estimated 1400 bitrate for 2 CD rip, 2100 for 3 CD rip.

But no matter what bitrate I encode at, whether it be 1400, 1500, or 1800 (haven't tried above that), the final AVI file comes out to be roughly the same size, plus/minus 1 MB or so. I even reinstalled the DivX codec and still the same thing.

My understanding was that the higher the bitrate, the bigger the file size, and Nandub just tries to redistribute the bits where it thinks they should go. If so, then I figure there must be something wrong with the software, or is that really what's supposed to happen? Any ideas on why I'm getting the same file size?

Thanks in advance.

[jggimi]

Without more info, I can make a guess -- perhaps you've "maxed out" the codec, and, even with Quantizers of 2, the file will not get any larger.

DivX 3 isn't exactly DivX 5, but in the latter forum, there's a sticky thread called, Undersized Files. Why do I get them, and what do I do about it? (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24584) It might help.

[fordprefect]

Thanks for your help. I'm not sure what quantizers are, I'm guessing those are the min and max compression ratios that you allow in the setup (e.g., I compress between 2x and 5x)?

I've only targetted for a 2-CD rip, and the biggest filesize I can come up with so far is about 1.8 CD's. Does it sound reasonable that the DivX 3 codec *can* (not necessarily always) max out at 2 CDs (as opposed to 3 or more CDs) for a 2-hour movie?

[Awatef]

yes

[hakko504]

About a year and a half ago I captured a 2h TV show, which I then was going to put on 1 CD, hence the size 352x288@25fps. It maxed out at 450MB/600kbps using DivX3.11!