What I Know About Compressing Video

by Will

AMENDED (5/17/2008): Uncheck ‘Prepare for Internet Streaming’ when making files to upload to flash video sties.

If you want to upload your video to YouTube or FunnyOrDie, or any flash video site, you want to upload the most uncompressed version that is still under the file size maximum. That way when those web sites compress it into flash video, you still have a good looking video. So use:

  • MPEG-4 codec (the more popular H.264 compresses too much), default data rate (6400 kbs).
  • Set the size to 640×480 and check “deinterlace source video.”
  • For the audio, compress with either AAC (alternate: MPEG-4). Keep it mono and 22mhz.
  • NEW: UNCHECK ‘Prepare for Internet Streaming’ – it screws up conversion on some sites.
  • If the file is too big, drop the data rate to 5000 kbs and do it again.
Upload to Flash Video Site
Flash Video Settings
Video		 Flash Size Settings
Size		 Sound Settings
Sound

No Streaming

If you want a QuickTime file to put on your website:

  • compress using H.264 codec with SINGLE-PASS (multi-pass takes forever and doesn’t add much if anything), restrict data rate to 500 kbs.
  • Size: 320×240 and check “deinterlace.”
  • For audio, compress with AAC (alternate: MPEG-4). Keep it mono and 22mhz. Same as with uploading to Flash Video sites.
  • You WANT to check ‘Prepare for Internet Streaming’ here.
Upload to Your Web Site
Web Site Video
Video		 Web Site Size
Size		 Sound Settings
Sound

If you want an “uncompressed” version of your video to give to whoever is making your reel, then you want to export your file as a “DV Stream.” It’s about 1 gig of data for every 5 minutes, so you’ll need to put it on a flash drive or a DVD. In Final Cut, you

  • export with “QuickTime Conversion” and pick DV Stream. Default options.
Data File For Your Reel
DV Stream
Save as DV Stream

Thoughts? Rebuttals? Suggestions?