Best file type and resolution for videos on CD-ROM?

[The Last Laugh]

Hello everyone,

Let's assume some vendor (ok, so possibly myself) wants to produce and distribute tickling videos, and is considering CD-ROM as an option. The footage is filmed using a high-end digital camcorder and video captured to computer in the standard 720 x 480 (or so) DV format. What would be the best file type and resolution for the edited, final version of the product? What's the best compromise of quality, size and ease of viewing? Let's assume the videos last for a maximum of 60 minutes, on standard 650 MB CD-ROMs (though 800 MB is also an option).

Thing is, I'm new to video capture and video clip production, and I'm not sure what the best choice is for a commercially valid product. I mean, I could create .mpg files, but is that the standard for commercial vids? What type of .mpg? What resolution? Or maybe another type of file entirely?

Also, is it best to create one big file that contains the entire video, or should it be split into several files, like for different scenes?

I'd appreciate any advice from people who know more about this than I do, and I thank them all is advance.

Francois A

 

[dvnc]

Wow, did you step into the deep end!

Hiya. I edit video, amongst other things. Specifically, I do digital video editing. Web usaged got to be a big focus in the last decade, and there's literally BOOKS worth of info you can find.

From your 720 x 480 DV format, you want to end up with a CD-ROM that everyone can use, yes? Hybrid CD-ROM format, with ISO-9660 and Macintosh, will get you everyone, as the Linux and Unix kids can generally get to those (one of 'em, anyway).

What's the best compromise of quality, size and ease of viewing? Quarter screen (360x240) is a good size boundary, as even the slower configs of years past can get to this and play it, if in the right format.

What format? Ah, now THAT'S the tough part.

What's most common? These days, MPEG is easiest, but often costs to get an encoder. If you don't go with MPEG, you've got to find a player for all the platforms. You can cancel out the Windows Media Player and QuickTime. Both lack Linux and Unix support, and neither supports the other so well. WMP on a Mac is painful and sad, and QuickTime is obstructed on so many levels within the modern Windows platform that such is a waste.

Left to my own devices, I'd go with QuickTime, 'cause it's easier to manipulate, and is supported across Mac and Windows. I always have one of the two near my Linux rig.

What data rate? Do the math. You have 650MB, subtract a couple of megs for CD formats and directory structures. 60 minutes. 650MB. A bit over 10mb/sec. You only need about 300-500k/sec, in quarter screen, and can zoom that, thereafter. The AUDIO format is actually more important. Don't skimp there. You can get your HOUR of video, with good audio, PLUS screenshots and text files, without issue.

As for chopping it up or one big damned file, I heartily recommend cutting it up. If you used QuickTime, you could set up a file, usable on Mac and Windows, to make one big clip (like a pointer to each, in one file), and only the Linux and Unix kids have to deal file by file, and they're able to, largely. One large file is often one large pain in the butt, and on the older configs, may not be openable. Better to have the individual segments, and connect them thereafter.

The real question, though, is why not do DVD? The editing configs, for a simple DVD, isn't that expensive, and those are playable everywhere INCLUDING DVD-Players.

my $0.02,

dvnc

 

[qjakal]

dvnc...lol

Couldn't you have just said "it would be simpler to do it on DVD?"...damn techie...rofl. Q

 

[dvnc]

*sigh*

I couldn't help myself. I sat here, sayin', "Must... stop. Can't. Must... just... say... DVD... ARGH!"

But then it was already sent. My id is a geek, apparently. 😉

dvnc