best QT codec for windows users AND...

[dustino]

how the hell to get it at a reasonable file size? I'm using FCP 3 (I know, I know - move into the new century). I'm happy with the quality and file size of my QT files when exported to H.264 but some windows users with older versions of QT player can't view them. I have a link for them to download new version, but, of course, not everyone will.

So, what is the best codec to use in a QT export for maximum compatibilty? I tried exporting to MPEG4 but the file was over 4 times the size (40MB!) of my H264 file and it looked much worse. Any suggestions for codecs and settings would be greatly appreciated. Again the priority is 1) compatibility with old qt versions and 2) reasonable file size. Thanks!

p.s. I know eventually I need to get flip4mac and create wmv's for windows users, but I can't swing the dough right now.

[KyleProhaska]

Sorenson 3 is probably as good as you'll get.

[FlintMI]

Sorenson 3 is probably as good as you'll get.

True Dat

[dustino]

Yeah I used that and ended up with a file that was either 80mb or 100mb (can't remember)? I had the settings around the typical defaults for "medium broadband" - if anything, I made them smaller. I must be missing a step somewhere...

[Matt Grunau]

I must be missing a step somewhere...


No, Sorenson is going to give you a bigger file. Period. It also has the nasty tendencey to darken your footage slightly, so you may want to watch out for that.

The two are simply two differing types of compression.

Hell, I can never get the quality I see other's here get with such infuriatingly and insanly small file sizes.

[Demistate]

Comedy Mpeg-4 in an mp4 file option?

Mpeg-4 (with the right encoder) will deliver better results in the same file size as any Sorenson 3 file any day.

Assuming that quicktime is installed on the comptuer you are trying to read the file from, any mpeg-4 encoder (DivX or XviD are two good, FREE examples), paired with an AAC audio track will work in quicktime 7, on mac or PC.

Not only can QT read it, but any Mpeg-4 compliant video decoder will be able to read it, (Playstation 3, PSP, HD-DVD players, blu-ray, and any other future devices that will use this standard codec).

StaxRip is a program that allows you to encode these files for free. Search the forums for StaxRip and I've written a few tutorials.

(I plan on writing one on my blog soon)

[DVX100Shooter]

I am using QT PRO now and I also have Compressor but I was told that I should use Sorenson instead of QT PRO and I would have better results...much clearer and crisper picture....any truth to this? I am referring to compressing and uploading something to the web. What are some of the top compressing programs out there? I have gotten decent results with QT Pro but it could look better in my opinion.

[vidwerk]

For web, I use QT codec Sorenson3. Same quality and file size as MPEG4. Fully compatible with older versions of QT.

vidwerk.

[Demistate]

For web, I use QT codec Sorenson3. Same quality and file size as MPEG4. Fully compatible with older versions of QT.

vidwerk.

You'll find that if you use quicktime to encode mpeg-4 the quality is going to suck. It will look just as good as Sorenson3.

You ned to use an encoder that is written well to get the benefits of Mpeg-4

The latest versions of Xvid or Divx are good choices, but i'm not sure if there are any decent gui programs that will automate the encoding/decoding process for MAC that don't cost money.

Edit: I just wrote a tutorial for StaxRip http://alex.nigma.info/?p=135

[vidwerk]

I export it directly out of the NLE app(AAPZ) without any addition loss.

vidwerk.