View Full Version : WEB COMPRESSION
This is probably one of the most FAQ I see reguarding this website and people wanting to post their clips online for others to see. Therefore, I think we need to discuss common techniques and tricks to getting the best possible output for the web.
For a high quality web file,
I typically use a Quicktime file with Sorenson 3 compression at 60 quality, same frame rate as the source, data rate of about 450kb/second, compressed movie header, 320x240 (if the source is 4:3 ratio), deinterlaced, gamma 15, brightness -5, contrast 5, audio compressed with QDesign Music 2 codec @ 44.1 16bit stereo.
And what program do you use to compress?
Cleaner 6 is my go-to for web compression. It's pretty versatile and will handle most any type of media.
HansK
08-19-2004, 10:47 PM
I'm using Cleaner XL and it has been working well for me. It's an upgrade from v6 which worked well but had a weird user interface.
Funkycoldg
08-20-2004, 05:03 PM
What about Premiere PRo 1.5 Media Encoder..Like what settings for quicktime to get a decent file size if i wanna post something for one here for people to view? have any good settings?
Thanks soo much for your time
John G
Mimik
08-20-2004, 10:46 PM
I've tried cleaner premiere etc. the best quality/compression is Sorenson Squeeze 3.5 Suite, hands down. read reviews online about it or try it out yourself and you won't go back.. at leat did not :)
great software and works perferct for me and my clients.
http://www.sorenson.com/solutions/prod/comp_win.php
Michal
CaptainMench
08-20-2004, 10:48 PM
Apple's Compressor will do these exact settings.
What about key frames? Any need for them?
CaptM
Keyframes are helpful if your source material doesn't change too much (ie: it's a person talking in a room on a static shot and the background will stay the same from frame to frame). Keyframes will allow the compression algorhythm to "reuse" static portions of previous frames instead of recompressing entirely new frames every time... thus, cutting down on your filesize.
THiNSPiRiT
08-22-2004, 11:41 AM
What about mpeg4? Is that any good? I've seen come people use it and their files are ridiculously small yet still sharp...
Chris Messineo
08-25-2004, 01:53 PM
I've heard great things about sorenson, meanwhile I have final cut pro and I know that the included compressor with FCP has sorenson.
What i don't know is, is that the latest version of sorenson or is it inferior in some way?
Thanks,
Chris
Jourabchi
08-26-2004, 11:00 AM
u fellas need to check out procoder...i was using squeeze befor along with XL but after tryin the new version of procoder....hands down the best interface...
ian lucero
08-26-2004, 05:45 PM
u fellas need to check out procoder...i was using squeeze befor along with XL but after tryin the new version of procoder....hands down the best interface...
sounds cool. just read the site but alas, it's not for the MAC.
I stick to Squeeze or FCP Compressor.
Jordanfilm
08-27-2004, 02:45 PM
hey guys,
I have compressor and I just got cleaner 6. Any opinions on which one is better (and why)?
I need to convert a 12 minute 23.98 DV/NTSC file into a mpeg2 for dvdsp2. Which works best?
Bobby
Jourabchi
08-30-2004, 09:14 AM
mainconcept also makes an excelent mpeg product...
i still get best results (quality per file size) with quicktime's mpeg4 compression... sorenson always gave me huge files.. i probably missed something, but since it works well with quicktime i just stick to it.
ian lucero
09-03-2004, 12:45 PM
hey guys,
I have compressor and I just got cleaner 6. *Any opinions on which one is better (and why)?
I need to convert a 12 minute 23.98 DV/NTSC file into a mpeg2 for dvdsp2. *Which works best?
Bobby
Compressor is what i use for any dvd output. You can use the presets that work really well and then i'll take the Audio files (AIFF) and use A.Pac to compress the audio into Dolby Digital. The resulting file size will be less than half.
DVX100Shooter
09-04-2004, 09:12 AM
Ok I am new to this particular forum. I just completed a 3 minute promo and I want to export a file for the web. As of right now, I just have what came with FCP, which is Compressor. Somebody walk me through the steps using compressor. Would I follow Kai's suggested options (the first post)?
Now another question I have is, my graphic designer is out of state but I want to be able to send her some ideas to consider for logo's etc. Would I use compressor to compress whatever Quicktime file I have down so I can send it to her via instant messenger or email? I have sent stuff in the past but the download was a long one and we both have cable internet.
Are the logos you need to send to your designer image files? If so, use Photoshop CS, it comes with Image Ready to compress still picture files for web use.
If so, use Photoshop CS, it comes with Image Ready to compress still picture files for web use.
If you have Photoshop 5.5 or newer, you will also have ImageReady built-in; just use File --> Save For Web. Older versions can even save compressed formats like JPEG, GIF, LZW'd TIFF, and so on.
DVX100Shooter
09-20-2004, 02:21 PM
Thanks! Now what about the first part of my question?
Also how long does it usually take to compress a project for web? My stuff is only about 3 minutes or so. I have a Mac G5.
That really depends on the project, how many effects you have an such, and also what settings your using. That's one of those things you'll only know once you do it.
DVX100Shooter
09-23-2004, 12:26 AM
ok cool...
Boomerang
09-23-2004, 12:25 PM
Any compressor setting work really well with anyone here? Just looking for some input on exact settings.
DVX100Shooter
09-25-2004, 09:14 AM
I have been asking the same question but am not getting any responses. I guess I will just have to deal with the trial and error way.
TuffGong
09-25-2004, 04:59 PM
don't worry dvx100shooter, that is sometimes the most enlightening way. In my case, I have been experimenting with all kinds of different combinations of compression, as well as compression programs and media delivery formats. All in the name of getting the largest image at the smallest file size with the best quality possible.
The funny thing about it is that one day (sooner rather than later) this kind of discussion will be laughable. We won't have to wait for a render, or a download, or anything else that is a time sesitive video issue today. That day can't get here soon enough, but I'll probably be a granpa by then and so far behind the curve it won't matter.
lincolnlog
11-11-2004, 05:59 PM
I just got apples compressor and fcp hd and need some advice compressing for the web... HELP!!!
TuffGong
11-12-2004, 10:31 AM
I watched your otest.mov clip. It looked good. You may want to choose fast start instead of hinted streaming. Fast Start should allow you to deliver the clip as progressive download, which basically means the clip will begin playing as soon as enough has downloaded to the client computer. The entire clip does not need to load before the clip begins playing.
320x240 seems to be a good "web" size, and your MPEG4 video & audio choices should work well.
I would recommend experimenting with different settings and codecs to see different results. You will learn a whole bunch on your own.
STORYTELLER32
11-12-2004, 11:25 AM
Hey Tuffgong, why don't you post some of your settings that you found worked for you? Would love to learn from your experiences. Also, what program are you using to compress?
Thanks
Rich Lee
11-16-2004, 01:13 AM
everytime i compress with sorenson squeeze it drops my whites down a notch to grayish....whats the deaL? also the blacks get a little gray too.....
funny thing is...when i do a macromedia .swf using the same settings as i would for a quicktime...its comes out exactly like i want it..any ideas? anyone know of a little free flash palyer i could use? like the one found here...www.anonymouscontent.com they have a cool little interface and all their movies are .swf