What is the right format for DVDs and more?

[MCPFilms]

I am having trouble creating DVDs and creating smaller file versions for emailing of my videos.

I took video with my HMC150. I converted the video into Canopus AVI 2ch files and the files doubled in sized which I expected. Now when I render the files in Vegas Pro 9 into any format they are super huge. It's a two hour presentation and I need the files in blocks of 30 minutes which will produce 4 files.

And as a side not the render time is super long. It seems like it going to take 24 hours just to render two hours of video.

Here is what I need to know:

1. What format should I render in Vegas to produce files that will be small enough to email? WMV 512? WMV 256? or some other format?

2. What format should I use to render to make my DVDs? The DVD NTSC setting? or some other setting I am missing?

3. Is there are setting in Canopus AVCHD converter to make the files any smaller? Or Easier to convert?

I need to get this project out the door for a client so any and all input is appreciated!

 

[Barry_Green]

1) h.264. If you're going to e-mail, shrink the frame size (640x480 or 480x320 or whatever) and cut the frame rate (15fps is usually enough).
2) You can only render DVDs out as MPEG-2 DVD files. Use the DVD Architect compatible templates.
3) The AVCHD converter makes files for editing, but not for distribution. The AVCHD files are already extremely small.

 

[averan]

Any time you have an HD video that is 2 hours long you're going to find it challenging to keep the file size down.
Follow Barry's advice and use the h.264 codec with a small frame size to get the smallest file size while retaining the most quality.
And yes, it probably will take quite some time to render from full HD.