converting .DV file to .avi file?

Question

converting .DV file to .avi file?

hello, I am trying to convert a .dv file which is about 800 megs to an avi file.

when I do this, I do get an avi file but is is over 7 gigs?

I tried a few setting such as thousands of colors ect but still the file is very big. I need this to bee great quality as it is for broadcast..

any suggestions please!

g5, Mac OS X (10.4.2)

Posted on Apr 23, 2010 8:22 AM

Reply

Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

182,692 points

Apr 23, 2010 8:46 AM in response to Manny Balsamides

AVI is just a container format, just as QuickTime is just a container. The quality and size you can achieve will depend on the compressor used. AVI is a very old format (even Microsoft, the creator, has abandoned the format) and the only codec QuickTime can use in AVI is Cinepak which similarly old and not efficient.

Why do you feel you need to export to AVI? To what use are you going to put this video? Knowing what you need to do will help people offer appropriate advice.

Regards.

Reply

Answer 2

Apr 23, 2010 1:41 PM in response to varjak paw

The file is an 844 meg dv music video I shot, A tv program wants to use it but the editor is insisting on an avi file. as I mention the avi exported file is almost 7 gigs?

Reply

Answer 3

varjak paw

Level 10

182,692 points

Apr 23, 2010 2:36 PM in response to Manny Balsamides

You need to ask the editor what codecs s/he needs the AVI file in. QuickTime can export an AVI only using the following:

Cinepak
DV/DVCPRO
DVCPRO50

with either no audio compression, Alaw or ulaw.

so unless s/he wants the video with one of those codecs, you'll need to convert the video with a third-party compression tool.

I'm surprised any professional editor wants an AVI file rather than DV. Doesn't sound to me like s/he really knows what s/he is about. But it may be due to the system the editor is forced to work with.

Regards.

Reply