The discs say '4.7Gb/120 min'. So, to my 'non-technical pc' mind, that's telling me that you just can't translate the size of the original file to what it will be when it's converted and it's not a Nero problem. The extra size must be what happens when you do the conversion, whatever software you use. If you want a longer dvd at the best quality then I think you need a dual layer disc.

You are picking 'best quality', yes ? This gives you about 70 minutes. The next level down give you your 2 hours.

Personally I can't see much difference at viewing distance between the result with 1 hour dvds at best quality and 2 hours at the next one down which is quite adequate. This strikes me as logical. If the result was not decent enough at standard settings then they would not market them as 2 hour discs.

Maybe one of the newer MPEG formats performs a more efficient conversion ?

Z.

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If you've converted your source-file to DVD resolution mpeg2 (72 hex 480 or 72 hex 576), then the file is as good as the original footage but you can only fit approx 60 minutes of video on a DVD. You could adjust the bitrate for your output file and use AC3 audio (more space for video). Lower bitrates produce smaller files, and you're able to get at least 2 hours of footage on a single DVD using at least 4000kbps with minimal quality loss. Make up some short test clips on a RW, to see how low you can go that is acceptable to you. For me, 352x576 @ 3100kbps, giving some 3hours on a disc, is the lowest setting acceptable quality wise (72 hex 576 @ 6000kbps used as standard).

DivX is quite good, when your DVD-player is capable of playing it . When converting files, try using the original footage's aspectratio (I always use this - site for video-format related questions).

Both Pinnacle and Videohelp have great FAQ-sections you could try.
Hope this was of any help.

p_n

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