video for ftp… next option after mp4?

[Dave Johnson]

Since your client is already accustomed to getting MP4s from you, in order to keep it simple for them and you, I’d stick with MP4s and just lower the date rate until you get files of the size you have in mind.

[Danny Hays]

.WMV format is very common and has good quality with a small file size.

[Gilles Gagnon]

Thanks guys!

I’ll give both a try to see the diff in size.

Gilles

[John Rofrano]

You could also reduce the resolution. While file size is determined by bit-rate, quality is determined by resolution and bit-bate. If you lower the bit-rate to the point where the file size is what you want, but the quality suffers, then reduce the resolution by half and the quality will improve. So instead of delivering 1280×720 deliver 960×540 (3/4 resolution) or 640×360 (1/2 resolution).

I would stick with MP4 if this is what your client is use to. WMV is a Windows format that may not be playable on Mac’s or Linux without other software downloads. Get use to using platform independent formats like MP4 and you’ll have less client headaches.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Gilles Gagnon]

thanks for the tips John.

The last export I did was using the Ipod template with very low resolution. The quality was fantastic but this next project, I need the file size even smaller. I’ll try sticking with mp4 and reducing the bit rate.

I’m assuming these are the only 2 factors I can control.

Cheers,

Gilles

[John Rofrano]

I’m assuming these are the only 2 factors I can control.

These are the factors that affect size and quality the most i.e., how big is the frame, and how many bits are available to use to represent each frame.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Gilles Gagnon]

Thanks John,

Would I be better off converting the video to Flash and putting that on a server (not a streaming server) for the client to review?

If so, considering that Vegas does not output to flash, I would need a converter and a player. am i right here?

if so, what is the best way to do this? (for free/cheap if possible)

Thanks,

Gilles

[Stephen Mann]

For client proofs, I render to AVI then use Moyea Flash video MX Pro. I don’t recall the price but it’s a lot cheaper than Sorenson. (I have Sorenson Squeeze, but for proofs, the Moyea program is much faster). When Moyea finishes, I have my HTML, SWF and FLV files ready to FTP to my site, copy the URL and email that to the client.

Steve Mann

Steve Mann
MannMade Digital Video
http://www.mmdv.com

[Gilles Gagnon]

That Moyea sounds great! Thanks Steve, I’ll check it out.

Gilles

[Gilles Gagnon]

I was experimenting with settings and here’s what seems to be working:

video – main concept mp4, ipod 320×240 video with:
Audio: 64 Kbps, 48,000 Hz, 24 Bit, Stereo, AAC
Video: 29.970 fps, 320×240 Progressive, YUV, 192 Kbps
Pixel Aspect Ratio: 1.000
vbr – 1pass

Seems to be good enough quality with greatly reduced file size.

I hope this can help others.

Gilles