Export creates Huge AVI files

KXcam22 wrote on 1/10/2012, 2:02 PM

WIN7 ultimate

Intel I7   8GB memory

Movie edit pro 15

Hi,

 I am working with go pro video .avi files, non-HD.  If I load an .AVI file and then immediately export it with no changes, the AVI file size increases by 10 - 20X. For example a 9 minute 300MB file turns into 9GB after exporting.   Why would Magix create such a huge file if there are no changes?  Exportind as .mpg or .mp4 both give a very small file, while exporting as DV-avi  gives a 4GB file.  I would like understand why the files are so huge and if there are settings (I have looked) I can change to reduce the output file size OR if I should just use .mpg or .mp4.  Thanks. Cam.

Comments

cpc000cpc wrote on 1/10/2012, 3:09 PM

KXcam22,

An AVI file is a 'container', not a specific format or codec. To see exactly what you are exporting go to the 'Advanced' section of the export window. My version of MEP lists over 15 different codecs for AVIs, many of which have further setting that will affect quality and file size. To know what you started with I'd recommend your getting something like the free 'GSpot' video file analyzer. http://www.headbands.com/gspot/ Note the choice of codec and its particular settings is in addition to picking an export pixel resolution.

Regards,

Carl

 

KXcam22 wrote on 1/10/2012, 3:30 PM

Thanks.  That makes sense now that I think about it.  The Magix is obviously putting more into their "container" than the gopro is.  I will try the Gspot tonight.  My ver 15 only has a few codex listed.  It would be nice to add better ones - I tried but no success.  I dont mind a larger file but the ones I am getting are ridiculous. Cam.

KXcam22 wrote on 1/10/2012, 9:45 PM

Got it figured.  I downloaded and installed the Xvid codec from  Xvid.  Next time I started Magix the codec magically appeared as a choice for AVI export.  The Xvid codec exports my 300MB file to about 350MB, very nice.  Much smaller than the 9GB the intel codec gives me.  It does take 2X longer to encode but it is a small price to pay.  Thanks for the tip on the GSPOT software.  Works great and very usefull.  In the 9GB file ti found 3.5GB of empty space - not a great codec doing that.  Thanks for your help. Cam.