Are 2-pass MPEG2 files smaller?
 

I am working on a project that's busting the capacity of a 4.7 DVD. A dual layer disc is out of the budget for duplication. The margin is very slim and I am trying to avoid more compression if possible. The question is: Will a 2-pass encode have a different size than a 1-pass encode? Which way, larger or smaller? Or is it completely unpredictable?

Thanks for any advice.

A 2 pass encode will in theory, give you greater quality at the same filesize. If you are trying to squeeze the most out of a 4.7 DVD, I'd definitely go for a two pass encode.

So from what Chris said means... reduce your bit rate and use 2 pass to get just as good quality. You are sacrificing speed of encoding for better quality at a lower bit rate.

It's compressing overnight. 720p HDV to 16:9 SD Mpeg2, 2 pass. Takes some time on my 2 generations ago G5.

Sounds like you are already compressing, but for future projects, you could try the BitBudget guide at http://www.recipe4dvd.com/ It will help you balance quality and quantity.

There is a link on the left hand side of the site to download a PDF and an Excel worksheet that will crunch to optimum numbers for you.

Grant

That's a very neat spreadsheet, thanks. Thanks to everyone's suggestions, they all helped.

The file came out the exact same size as a 1-pass. Another problem came up which I'll describe in a separate topic.