Help with compressor settings for MonsterFest

[TMerry]

This is my first DVX user fest and on top of that my first HD film.
I was hoping users of Final Cut Pro might chime in and share their compressor settings with those of us that are new to the fest.

Unless I'm mistaken and this is DVXCompressionFest, and these are trade secrets LOL!

Thanks for your help, I'll be cutting it reeeeeeeal close already on the deadline - not to mention trying to get my file size/quality balance right before uploading

THANKS! :happy:

[kennethhurd]

I used Compressor to export a web download file. I did File - Export - Using Compressor

In Compressor's export settings I selected Apple - Other Workflows - Web - Download - Quicktime 7 Compatible - H.264 800Kbps.

However, I had to change the aspect ratio because it would create a 4:3 file. So I went into the Geometry tab and changed the Frame Size from Custom 4:3 to Custom 16:9, which then made me save the setting. I then used the new setting to export and it worked fine.

[ZazaCast]

This is a good one too: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showpost.php?p=1425995&postcount=16

[ramsaur]

here's another good one:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=138020&highlight=compression

[TMerry]

Thanks for all the replies gentlemen, I REALLY appreciate it!! :-) :-)

[EditPhish]

T,

I love you for asking this question! I was looking around the site tonight hoping to find some guidance myself! While we did enter a previous fest, this is my first time using compressor!

The replies here were great and I also found some stuff doing a search...

But does anyone know about using compressor with FCE? We haven't yet upgraded to FCP. We have compressor because it came with Logic Studio which JTyner recently purchased, but it's on a different computer (though they are networked)... so, there's no option in my FCE to "export using compressor".

What's the best way to export out of FCE to be able to tweak in compressor? Should I just use export quicktime standard settings and bring that in?

Thanks!

[EditPhish]

TMerry,

Just wanted to post and say that I've been struggling a bit with Compressor and settings tonight, but I think I finally got it nailed down...

I started with duplicating the preset for Other Workflows -> Web -> Download -> H.264 for Lan and fiddled from there. I found restricting bit rate between 970-1200 worked well to keep the file-size down. I had a hard time initially finding the balance between quality and size, but the H.264 compression worked the best for me. I'd give you the exact settings I used, but I think it's going to vary depending on the length of your movie, if your footage is already progressive, etc.

For video settings I left most of the presets and just adjusted bit rate.
For audio I bumped up to "better" and 192.
I also had to adjust for gamma correction under filters, but you might not need to.
First pass the file was 50.4 megs (FRUSTRATION!)... I adjusted the bit rate down just a bit and ended up with a file about 49mb.

Good luck! I know compression can be a pain in the ass!

Amy

[Dick Campbell]

I find it eaasier just to stay in FCP , and use Export Using QT Compression. You can control file size by selecting either Broadband Medium or High, and use Custom to select H264. You can control aspect ratio, and control file size by using Custom. I use either 480x270, or 800x450 for 16:9.

[EditPhish]

Could be my imagination Dick, but I found that Compressor is doing a better job of retaining quality. I did run some tests going straight out of final cut (though I'm using express, not pro) and I was happier with the Compressor results.

[Marlon Ladd]

Nothing beats compressor as far as I'm concerned. You can make all the adjustments, even down to the frame adjustments. Plus, it's faster than exporting directly from fcp. It takes forever and then you find out the file size is too large. With the new compressor you can run 3 files at once (small, medium, large) and make all the adjustments and it's still pretty fast. I love it!!

[JTyner]

We used compressor and it did a great job.....lots to tweak.

[roblutz]

Anyone good with compressing using Adobe Media Encoder? This is my first time dealing in HD as well... trying to export out of premiere CS4. I have only exported mp4 files so far which are in the 250mb range. I'm exporting it at 1280x720.