Compressing Quicktime File to a Target Size

[dignan.]

I know there are many threads on compression but I have yet to find an adequate answer. I need to compress a Quicktime file from over 2G to 500mb. The file must remain Quicktime.

Is there not a program where the user can set a target size for the compressed file, other than HandBrake which does not export .MOVs?

Any help is much appreciated. I have tried compressing several times on a trial and error basis which is very time consuming and challenging.

 

[careypo]

I think your best bet is to get Apple's Compressor. It's $50 and it supports all Quicktime formats. To get to a target file size you need to figure out what the bit rate is. (File Size/Time) x 8 = bit rate. Next, adjust the bit rate in Compressor to match your intended file size.

 

[initialsBB]

MPEG Streamclip is your friend and it's free.

You'll have to tell us how long the film is so that you can calculate the maximum bit rate for video+audio.

 

[cgbier]

Google for a bit rate calculator. It'll help you to determine the bitrate needed for compression to target size.

But on the other hand: what bit rate does the original have? Divide that by four and you have your number (err on the smaller side though)

 

[dignan.]

Thanks for the responses.

The video is 1 hour 25 minutes and 46 seconds long and 2.7G. My target size is under 500mb.

MPEG Streamclip says that my audio is 256kb/s.

I used this calculator: http://www.3ivx.com/support/calculator/index.html

So the answer is 524kb/s. I punched this into Quicktime and my exported video file was still over a gigabyte! MPEG Streamclip is not allowing me to limit data rate. Perhaps I need to change from 24 f/s to 29 f/s?

 

[dignan.]

Any additional ideas? I'm kind of stuck.

 

[KeithPratt]

Compress in Handbrake then open the resulting file in MPEG Streamclip and File > Save As > MOV

 

[dignan.]

How was that so easy!? What's the point of exporting files when you can just save them in a different format in a minute?

Thanks.