'Small' Mpeg-4 Files End up BIG in iDVD

Hey everyone. Quick question about using iDVD. I am trying to make a DVD with several 'episodes'. After converting them from .avi to .mp4 (using iSquint and H.264 encoding), each episode is in the 280-300 mb file size range. I started a new project in iDVD and imported the videos, but after importing just one episode I am close to the single-layer DVD limit with 2700 mb taken up for one episode (and some menu/audio features). Even prior to converting to .mp4 the file size for each episode was less than 350mb.

My question is, why is iDVD reformatting the episodes into much large video files? Is there anyway around this? I know it's unrealistic to fit all episodes on a single DVD and have it be acceptable quality, but I'd like to be able to fit more than 2 (which is the limit I am currently at).

Thanks for any help.

Hey everyone. Quick question about using iDVD. I am trying to make a DVD with several 'episodes'. After converting them from .avi to .mp4 (using iSquint and H.264 encoding), each episode is in the 280-300 mb file size range. I started a new project in iDVD and imported the videos, but after importing just one episode I am close to the single-layer DVD limit with 2700 mb taken up for one episode (and some menu/audio features). Even prior to converting to .mp4 the file size for each episode was less than 350mb.

My question is, why is iDVD reformatting the episodes into much large video files? Is there anyway around this? I know it's unrealistic to fit all episodes on a single DVD and have it be acceptable quality, but I'd like to be able to fit more than 2 (which is the limit I am currently at).

Thanks for any help.

iDVD is creating mpeg2 files which as far as I know is the only codec DVDs are designed to playback.

You might be able to alter the encoding being done and get it lower so you can add a third or forth episode. Also if your writer can handle it, try using dual layer discs.

To change the encoding...
Select 'Project Info...' from the Project menu listing and change the Encoding appropriately. Use the Help menu to figure out which is the right choice.

When you import video, imovie, and probably idvd, imports to raw digital video, removing any encoding. This makes file sizes huge.
I've had 20mb movie clips end up as 2 gig files in imovie.
Then, when you actually make the movie or dvd, it encodes to whatever is set in the prefs like xstep said. I could be wrong about idvd as I don't use it, someone correct me if so.
I wouldn't worry about file sizes until you get to the final encoding and then see if it will fit.

cradom said:

When you import video, imovie, and probably idvd, imports to raw digital video, removing any encoding. This makes file sizes huge.
I've had 20mb movie clips end up as 2 gig files in imovie.
Then, when you actually make the movie or dvd, it encodes to whatever is set in the prefs like xstep said. I could be wrong about idvd as I don't use it, someone correct me if so.
I wouldn't worry about file sizes until you get to the final encoding and then see if it will fit.

Click to expand...

The raw digital video you speak of is actually another compressed encoding. Depending on the source, iMovie may or may not re-encode the file since it can natively edit several formats. Often you'll see people suggest that people trying to edit AVI files first re-encode them to AIC because iMovie can have issues with AVI files even when you have a good decoder. AIC is not conservative on space.

iDVD projects get large because of the mpeg2 encoding required for the DVD format. Depending on the project setting, this can happen in the background, or after you hit the Burn button.

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