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MOV file size too big
Hi,
I’ve been searching desperately because i was sure someone else would have had this problem but alas no luck. Basically I’m trying to consolidate our archive so it’s all the same format, preferably movs because we’re on an apple, and i’m trying to convert a few MPEGs to see how it will affect quality and file size and it seems converting from mpeg to mov increases the file size dramatically. I’m using the DVC PRO HD codec, which i’m not even sure is right. The files need to be compatible on pretty much any computer, so we can send data discs to clients straight from the RAID. I used DVC PRO HD because it was the only one that didn’t seem to reduce the quality.
I’m using Toast and MEPG streamclip, i just need to know what codec to use and what settings to use to get it to mov at a similar file size and of similar quality to the original mpegs.
Thanks alot.
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10 Replies
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MPEG is a highly compressed format. Anything you convert it to will result in larger file sizes. DVCPro HD is the smallest HD file size you’ll get next to HDV. But HDV will really look terrible as you’ll be converting MPEG to MPEG and it’ll be a compression mess.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” now in Post.
Creative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital. -
OK thanks, well atleast all my research yesterday wasn’t in vain, looks like I made the right choice, just out of curiosity, is it better to convert these files in toast or mpeg streamclip, and if streamclip, what are the best settings to use for dvc pro hd?
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I have no experience using Toast to convert files. Compressor will also convert the files I believe.
If you’re using MPEG Streamclip just set the DVCPro HD codec with 100% quality and the proper frame rate.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” now in Post.
Creative Cow Forum Host:
Apple Final Cut Pro, Apple Motion, Apple Color, AJA Kona, Business & Marketing, Maxx Digital. -
[Nigel Askew] ” The files need to be compatible on pretty much any computer, so we can send data discs to clients straight from the RAID. “
DVCProHD is a special codec that will not be available on many client computers. Especially not PCs. If you want something universal, that’s not it. If your clients are post houses, yes, they will most likely have the codec. If they are end users, they won’t.
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oh ok, what would you suggest?
Pro Res? Motion JPEG A?
The client we’re converting for at the moment is on an apple, do they need to have FCP installed to play dvc pro hd?
thanks
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It looks like DVCProHD is not standard in QT. It comes with FCP and other software perhaps. Look here for std codecs.
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP521 -
Ok, thanks.
Coukd anyone recommend any of those listed in terms of file size and quality? jpeg 2000? sorenson 3?
any help here would be greatly appreciated and save a lot of time.
thanks
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Sorry I’m not giving you much to go on. Busy day. PNG, PhotoJPEG, Motion JPEG are all good codecs for near master quality. PhotoJPEG at 75% is a sweet spot. PNG can have an alpha channel.
Then there are downloadable codecs. Look into Apple ProRes 422 to see if it suits your needs. If you want to send out compressed videos for viewing rather than for further editing or compositing work, H.264 is great and is compatible with Flash in some forms.
The linked site has always been great for a description and some understanding of codecs, although it’s getting dated by now.
https://codecs.onerivermedia.com/
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it’s cool, i guessed as much. thanks for that though, basically, we’re sending a load of footage out to a client on a hard drive and i think he just needs to be able to watch it, but it would be great if we could keep the conversions we do now for our archive. ill give photo jpeg a go.
thanks alot for you help 🙂
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