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exporting using compressor to make an mpg-2 file
Hello,
I’m trying to export from final cut pro using compressor. I want to make an mpg-2 file at the smallest file size possible without too much compression artifiacts. I’m not familair with compressor’s layout and don’t really “get” the interface. I plan on “reading the manual” eventually but I really would appreciate some down and dirty tips on an efficient worklfow… to make a small mpeg-2 file asap. I already have done a few attenpts but it seems to take forever. (I have a 80minutes video and it’s taking 90 minutes to compress?!- to a 3.5GB file) any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Regards,
Tom Adams – Director/Owner
Reelife Documentary Productions
“cool digital video stuff…not boring or dumb”
in**@****************ns.com http://www.reelifeproductions.com
Williamsburg, MA, USA1.4Ghz DP mirrordoor G4
OS10.4.3, FCP 5.0.3
Panasonic DVX100a & EZ1 -
5 Replies
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On a G4 that’s actually a pretty fast time. MPEG II compressions aren’t fast things.
As for how it works, if you export from Final Cut you should see your file in the lower left box. If you open compressor straight from the dock then you need to drag a QT file into the lower left box.
In the lower right box, find a folder that is closest to what you want. Expand the folder and you’ll see 3 files. One is a video compression, one is audio (AIFF) and one is audio (AC3).
Drag the video setting and the AC3 setting onto your file and “submit.”
That’s pretty much it. You’ll need to read the manual to learn how to duplicte those default settings and adjust those duplicates to create all new settings. That’s good to know, but you can start with the defaults now.
Is this for DVD? What I described will create an audio file and a video file that you can put into DVD Studio Pro. If you want them combined into one file you’ll either have to create one from scratch or look and see if there’s a default for that. I don’t know if there is or not.
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Jeff, thanks for the reply.
Wow, that seems like a long time to compress. I wonder if there are faster applications. I’ve played with Ulead StudioPro in the PC world and that seemed to take less time. Also, the files size (3.5GB) surprised me… I thought mpg-2 compression was supposed to greatly reduce the file size?
These mpg-2 files are going to be used NOT for a DVD but for digital video playback on a community access tv “digital video server”. I’m in the process of converting a huge library of SVHS/minidv tapes into mpg-2 files…so, obiously, I’d like to find the most efficient workflow.
So, I’ll need this to be one file with audio & video combined. when you say “creating one from scratch”- what do you mean?
So, thanks for the reply and love to hear back from you…since good, concise info on this subject is hard to come by.
Regards,
Tom Adams – Director/Owner
Reelife Documentary Productions
“cool digital video stuff…not boring or dumb”
info@reelifeproductions.com http://www.reelifeproductions.com
Williamsburg, MA, USA1.4Ghz DP mirrordoor G4
OS10.4.3, FCP 5.0.3
Panasonic DVX100a & EZ1 -
What you need to do is select any of the video setting files and duplicate it.
This will create a copy down in the “Custom” folder underneath the “Apple” folder.
Select the copy and in the upper right box you need to adjust the settings for that file. Name it whatever you like at this point and mess with the settings. I’d suggest making several different kinds and applying them to a 60 second video clip. Compare all the files you get to figure out what setting you want.
As for combining the audio into one file, I think that you’ll find a switch somewhere in the settings that says something about “muxing.” Switch it the opposite way it is now.
At this point I’m out of advice because I’ve never made MPEG files combined with audio. I only do DVDs. But I do know that’s the direction you want to explore. Some trial and error might get you where you need to be.
As for file size, it depends on your setting. If you use a 2-pass VBR set at 3.5 average and 6.5 max you’ll get a pretty small file. (But it will take a long time to compress.) If you set a CBR at 7.0 you’ll get a fast encode but a large file.
This is where the trial-and-error part comes in. If you’re lucky, the people or place you’re sendingt this file to will have some guidlines on what they accept. That can help narrow down your options.
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[Tom Adams] “So, I’ll need this to be one file with audio & video combined. when you say “creating one from scratch”- what do you mean? “
You need to modify the MPEG 2 Preset you are using in the Inspector (Extras pane). Select Multiplexed MPEG-1/Layer 2 Audio. This will create one file including the audio.
[Tom Adams] “Wow, that seems like a long time to compress. I wonder if there are faster applications. I’ve played with Ulead StudioPro in the PC world and that seemed to take less time”
You are using an older Mac. A G5 or a MacPro will do this much faster.
To increase your encoding speed use a constant bit rate. In the Quality Pane of the Inspector, for Mode select Single Pass. For a smaller file size you are going to have to keep the bitrate under 5.
Sorry, you are going to have to read the manual to figure out the interface. Luckily its not very long.
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john,
thanks I did what you said. Now I can’t figure out where the resulting mpg2 file is on my harddrive. i set the location to the folder of the project on my firewire drive…but when I click submit…and the compression takes place…all i see is the .mts file…which won’t open…shouldn’t there be an mpg2 file?
i don’t get “batch monitor” vs. “compressor”. I thought when i clicked “submit” that would be the same as “create file” or “export”… and a mpg-2 file would be the result.
hmm. help?
Regards,
Tom Adams – Director/Owner
Reelife Documentary Productions
“cool digital video stuff…not boring or dumb”
info@reelifeproductions.com http://www.reelifeproductions.com
Williamsburg, MA, USA1.4Ghz DP mirrordoor G4
OS10.4.3, FCP 5.0.3
Panasonic DVX100a & EZ1
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