What does a files' size actually tell me?

[lennox]

Looking for best final results, bearing in mind that I'm going to edit the converted clips, I've been trying two converters for Real Video.
The origional clip is 10.3Mb.
Program 1: output 'DVD PAL' > 102Mb / output 'Mpeg2' > 52Mb
Program 2: output 'Mpeg2' > 61Mb / DVD (the one that gives AudioTS/VideoTS files- sorry to be such an ingnoramus and not know the proper way to describe it) > 255Mb (the VideoTS folder).

What do these numbers tell me that my eyes do not? I could tell straight away that program 1 output 'Mpeg2' was significantly more pixelated than the others, but from then on - well, what am I seeing?

Sorry - this is all a bit vague. Am I supposed to see a x1.5 improvement comparing a 255Mb VTS image with a 102Mb Mpeg2 image? Am I going to notice any difference after editing?

I know, I know - 'Edit the files and see for yourself', I hear you cry. But I'd like to hear some thoughts from you who know, k?

[LT. Columbo]

what software was used?

[lennox]

Program 1 was Boilsoft RM Converter and Program 2 was WinAVI.

I'm curious now to know why knowing this might affect your answer. Although it'll help me 'cos both the trials are running out and I'll have to pay for one - or the other - soon.

[lennox]

Calling LT.Columbo!

I know you must be busy and I understand you can't keep track of everything you try to help us with, but could you have another look at this post please?

Regards....

[LT. Columbo]

sorry i forgot about you, i haven't tried that software so i can't really say much about it. perhaps you could re-phrase your question so i can help you better?

[tigerman8u]

"What does a files' size actually tell me? "
That the one with the larger output file is using a higher bitrate for the video and or the audio. Beyond a certain point a higher video bitrate won't give you better video quality only a larger output file.

[lennox]

LT. - that's ok; I don't know how you guys keep your eye on so many threads. And I was being a bit vague, but...

....tigerman8u hit the nail on the head.
I couldn't tell the difference, either in playback of the conversion or playback of the edited conversion, between the 255mb VideoTS file and the 102mb DVD PAL file.
So now I know I'm not going to gain anything with such a big file and can keep the project smaller, and know which of the two softwares I shall buy.


Thank you.