Low quality fast export

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Level 1

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Low quality fast export

Hi all! I have a number of 3 hour long files (16:9 HD, Apple ProRes 422 LT, 8 bit), about 130GB each in size. I need to archive these to much lower quality and smaller filesizes... and I need to do it quickly. The output file format is of no consequence, they're just for record-keeping purposes - they need to still be 16:9, graphics need to be readable, audio still needs to be audible, but that's it. How can I convert these files that isn't going to take 6-10 hours each? Thanks in advance.

Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Feb 28, 2011 12:59 PM

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Answer 1

gogiangigo

Level 6

8,035 points

Feb 28, 2011 1:29 PM in response to ahaze

Hi Ahaze and benvenuto to the Apple arenas,

Since you don't need to edit these again then the format you need in order to keep quality high and file size small enough is H.264.

The quickest way to do this is using Compressor. Do not use FCP, it will take longer.

Luca

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Answer 2

Feb 28, 2011 1:35 PM in response to ahaze

I think you will find that any type of compression will take a long time, possibly something near the figures you give.

Obviously a faster computer will be quicker!

The instructions below will give high quality videos with quite small file sizes. Note that they refer to exporting from FCP.

+Select File>Export>Using QT Conversion.+

+Click the "Options" button and when the the Options window opens you will see "Size", "Settings" and "Sound" buttons.+

+Click the Size button and set 1920 x 1080+

+Click the Settings button and select:-+

+Compression Type . . . . H.264+

+Frame Rate . . . . . . . . . Current+

+Key Frames . . . . . . . . . Automatic (or the same as your frame rate).+

+Compressor Quality . . . High+

+Encoding . . . . . . . . . . "Faster" encode will give almost the same quality as "Best" but is twice as fast - your decision!+

+Data Rate . . . . . . . . . . Restrict to 10,000kbps (Don't use a comma when you enter the number)+

+Then click the "Audio" button and make sure that AAC has been selected.+

+These settings should give very good quality results fairly quickly, which should play well. Your file size will be around 5GB per hour.+

+Some people prefer to use the smaller 1280 x 720, in which case the Data Rate should be 5,000kbps.+

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Answer 3

ahaze Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 2, 2011 2:14 PM in response to ahaze

Thank you both for your suggestions. I've got Compressor working full time right now, converting all my original files! For keeping records of our future productions, we're just going to record them to DVD when they're broadcast - significantly less time consuming!!

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Answer 4

Mar 2, 2011 11:19 PM in response to ahaze

In the future you might look into setting up a Quick Cluster for Compressor if you have a multicore MacPro. You have to export with Current Settings out of Final Cut first, but with the hyperthreaded octo at work we H.264 in about 1/4 of real time on multipass. Haven't checked out the 12 core box yet.

http://www.devia.be/news/article/setting-up-a-virtual-cluster-to-speed-up-compre ssor/

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