[Eric Olson]

The arithemetic

4.7*1000*8/(2*60*60)=5.22

implies that a 4.7GB DVD can hold 2 hours of video at about 5kbps. This is comparable to bitrates used to deliver mp4 format HD video over the internet, but, significantly lower than the bitrates used for bluray disks.

If the training video will be played back in a PC, I would suggest doing the menu as an html page and encoding the video clips as 720p24 mp4 files using a bitrate of about 5kbps.

If the training video will be played on a standalone bluray player and if you are lucky, then you can simply burn a 4.7GB bluray image to DVD and the bluray player will play it. However, keep in mind that some bluray players will not play HD video from DVD media. Use H264 encoded 720p24 m2ts files at 5kbps to squeeze everything on.

[Eric Olson]

This is a very low contrast image and the variable bitrate quantization settings Vimeo uses is reducing the bitrate below acceptable quality. One solution is to boost the contrast in the image so the encoder doesn’t drop the bitrate. It may also work to add an exaggerated unsharp mask.

While either of these options change the image, the results may be more acceptable than what you’re getting now.

[Eric Olson]

Canon, Panasonic, JVC and Sony all make competitive consumer camcorders. The requirement for a mic jack will eliminate some models as will the $400 price tag. After that the decision involves usability, picture quality and personal preference. Note that lux and resolution specifications don’t always correlate well with real picture quality.

As far as picture quality goes the HFM50/52/500 and HFM40/41/400 are very good. Last month it was possible to buy a HFM400 for around $300. That was a great closeout price which may be difficult to match now.

If you are planning to shoot a lot of sports in well lit areas that will later be processed for slow motion you may prefer a Panasonic or Sony model with 1080p60. In my opinion, this shooting mode is more for special purposes than general shooting.

[Eric Olson]

Splitting the video into 2GB chunks and using FAT32 avoids software patents on more modern file systems. This work around solution is present in every AVCHD camcorder. To join the chunks back together type

copy /b 000001.mts+000002.mts joined.mts

at the DOS/Windows command prompt.

[Eric Olson]

There are two free encoders that can create compliant mpeg2 dvd streams

https://mjpeg.sourceforge.net/

https://ffmpeg.org/

Both will allow really low bitrates. At really low bitrates rescaling to 352×480 half-D1 frames can reduce compression artifacts and increase quality.