Newbie Question: Examining My Options

[stbd]

Hi, I'm a Pittsburgh-based videographer and I produce a video web series called "Something to Be Desired." We're wrapping up our second season online and I would like to make our first two seasons available on DVD near the end of the year. Unfortunately, my DVD production knowledge is limited, so I thought I'd ask a few newbie questions...

I currently edit on Adobe Premiere, which enables me to output episodes directly as mV2 files, which I've authored to DVD using Sonic Reel DVD. These file sizes seem to be on the high side, and I'm concerned that I may not be able to fit as much content as I'd like (Season Two is nearly three hours long) on one DVD, including extras.

Are there better solutions for shrinking my file size?

Is Sonic Reel DVD a good universal solution or is there something else I should look into?

Am I destined for a double-disc set?

I apologize if these questions are answered en masse elsewhere. I perused the other topics and I didn't notice a similar situation.

Thanks.

[setarip]

"Are there better solutions for shrinking my file size?"

DVD Shrink (Excellent freeware)...

[stbd]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

[setarip]

"Thanks"

My pleasure ;>}

[Floppy]

Hello

Nero recode is also a good tool to use, Comes with Nero 6 and is writen by the same person who programed DVD Shrink...

I'm Sure that you would like to add Menus to your DVD's also and DVD Shrink wont do this unfortunatly.

I am a fan of Nero 6 because it can do all those things (and more) because of all the programs included on the retail package (contents will vary on OEM versions).

I have also used Ulead VideoStudio 8 to edit my homevideos and create tittles, and even menus.

None of these are freeware but most people I know use Nero 6.

Good things

[stbd]

Hmm... More food for thought...

Thanks for the lead. I'll look into both as I continue to amass information (and delay purchasing anything)...

[bendy]

Well obviously the only way to shrink files is to lose quality, its just a question of how much you want to lose. Personally, if its just for TV viewing I suggest moving down to Mpeg1 for a VCD like format and simply raising the bitrate a little. The difference in quality is virtually unnoticeable and the only difference is that the viewer is unable to zoom in.