XviD: Can't get the file small enough with GK

[punchball]

I've been using GK and the XviD GK guide on Doom9. When encoding from DVDs, I got the filesize I specified, but now I'm trying to encode from DV-AVI, and the filesize is bigger than I specified.

It turns out that the reason is that the bitrate in the finished file is higher than it's supposed to be. For instance I put Total File Size 50 MB, which gives an average bitrate of 191 kb/s. But the finished file is 70 MB, and the bitrate is 297 kb/s. I tried setting the size down even further, but the finished file is exactly the same (70/297).

A general question: Will resolutions above a certain level always result in higher bitrates than you actually specify? What I mean is, will the filesize/bitrate setting only work if you don't choose a resolution that's "too high"?

I already have a resolution of 256x192, and don't really want to go down even further. (This is a 28 minute movie btw.) I've previously made a DivX version of the same movie with the resolution 360x288, at 52 MB. Shouldn't I be able to make an XviD version at the same filesize that looks better, or at least just as good?

Ok, I set the resolution to the tiny 128x96, and the filesize/bitrate that resulted was 45/172, both actually _lower_ than I'd specified this time! It seems what I specify has no bearing anymore. Could it be some setting that I've accidentally changed?

[CWR03]

Start with the basics: under the Options tab, click the XviD First Pass button. Under "Profile @ Level" select (unrestricted). Under "Encoding type" select Two pass - first pass. Click Ok, then click the Second Pass button. Under "Profile @ Level" select (unrestricted). Under "Encoding type" select Two pass - second pass.

Now, load your project. Under the Bitrate tab, you must input either an audio bitrate or select an audio file under Audio A (and under Audio B if there will be dual audio). Check the "Calculate Frame-Overhead," and select the appropriate audio type(s). You must complete these two steps, otherwise your files will likely be under- or oversized. I myself never bothered with them and had no sizing issues until I installed XviD 1.1, but now I must set all these parameters in order to get the predetermined filesize.

[punchball]

It was setting the profiles to (unrestricted) that I hadn't been doing, and that did it! Thanks a lot!
I think that should be in the FAQ actually...