More Linux Slopware. I can't believe you guys use this crap. 1951

4.23GB usable on a -R, 8.37GB on a dual layer.

The default bitrate of video DVD is 9MBit. This means 4.24GB-hour. There's nothing wrong in compressing it some, to maybe 6 or 7MBit, before you notice any real difference, obviously the stream bitrate goes up the more features (ie dubtracks, subs) you insert into the project. Most video burning software gives you the option of burning at half default bitrate, meaning you can get 112 minutes onto a single-layer DVD (about 150MB off for overheads either way) at 4.5MBit. At lower bitrates youreallynotice the difference.

nowherenearenough.

that's at a very low bitrate then - each episode at 1400kbps (MPEG-1-VCD bitrate) would eat 430MB or so. A hundred seventy eight of those and you can say goodbye to 76.5GB. In VCD. Now, consider the bitrates for DVD. To encode the pilot episode, which is 89 minutes long, we're talking a final project size of 6.3GB at full bitrate (9MBit!). Start counting NOW. To write the image, we need the project layout. Add another 6.3GB. To create the project layout, we need a muxed audio-video stream. Add another 6.3GB. To create the demuxed audio and video streams at the correct bitrates, we need another 6.3GB. To demux the original stream, we need the same amount of spaceagainas the original file. Let's call this a DV source at 50MBit (DV Double-Coded specification bitrate!), at 35GB. Times two. SCDV only drops you to 22.5GB requirement, but since this is beyond your ability, we'll stick with the hhig one and give you an even bigger heart attack.

Have you been paying attention?

Work from the bottom: 35+35+6.3+6.3+6.3+6.3 that is: 95.2GB. Required. For. A. Ninety. Minute. Sequence. Just remember, a one-shot video encoder package isnotgoing to let go of all that storage until the job iscompleteor itfails(for whatever reason). If you're hanging on for space, split the job and do it a step at a time.

'course, if you're working from 64kbps .wmv source, you're a: not going to need 70GB for source and b: going to get absolutely CRAP results.

No, that's some privates who can't add up.

Oh, go on, I just threw the numbers at him! :)

From someone who's spent the past three years doing solid digital video work and rejecting 95% of his sources because of poor third-party rip quality. I do the whole lot now, from raw ripping to postproduction and burning.

-- When all else fails... Use a hammer.

Some people are like Slinkies; They serve no particular purpose, But they bring a smile to your face When you push them down the stairs.