Can't reduce quality in Vision Express 3

I have just started trying to copy some of my old analogue home videos to DVD using NeroVision Express 3.
The first movie I attempted is about 65 mins long, this takes 4.42 GB, which is 0.05 more than I can get onto a single DVD. I've tried reducing the quality in "Video options". It allows me to change the bit rate, but when I click OK, there is no change to the project size. Even when entering a rediculously low bit rate eg. 2000 kbit/s there is still no change.
Ive tried both VR and Video mode without success.

The full procedure is as follows:

Connect analogue camcorder (Sony CCD-TR402E) to DVD/HDD recorder (Sony RDR-HX510) using audio and video connections.

Record onto Sony HDD (at this point everything is fine: movie plays from HDD)

Divide the title, as it's too large for 1 DVD

Insert DVD-RWs and format.

Copy movie to 2 DVDs then finalize.

Place DVDs in PC and copy files to HD

Open NeroVision Express and then "Add files"

"Merge" the 2 files.

Files are added and merged OK, they can even be played, BUT I can't reduce the quality.

Any help much appreciated.

Steve

 

Can you capture the video in a file format you could put directly into NeroVision? What file format are you capturing? I would think that after the file is in DVD format, that NeroVision may not be able to change it. Perhaps some other utility could, like Nero Recode.

 

Thanks Saltgrass,

The only 2 options are VRO and VOB files. Both can be opened in NVE3.
I have found a workaround using DVD Shrink, but this isn't really ideal.

Steve

 

I just tried to change a VOB file to a lesser bitrate and it appeared to work when I exported it. There is a configure button on the Export page that has to be changed for it to effect the output.

I will admit, it is hard to tell sometimes exactly what format your file is in, since the only place I can find that gives a bit rate is the Titles page and it changes with what video options you have selected. But the output should be what you set in Video Options.

The file I used was not large enough to see a difference in disc usage when the rate was changed, but your files should be. Maybe you need to get something so you could import directly to your computer.

 

Thanks Saltgrass,

I've had a play around with the bitrate settings. You're right, Using the Export page does allow changes.

Unfortunately it does seem to be a case of trial and error to get optimum file size, as there doesn't appear to be any visual way of making sure that the maximum disc space is being used.

Maybe using DVD Shrink is the better way to go.

Thanks again for your help and a happy new year to you.

Steve