File size doubles from PAL to NTSC for burning. Is that right?

Chook · 12-18-2007, 10:30 AM

I have scoured the web, and I can't even find a mention of this issue, much less if it is normal or there is a solution, so I am guessing it must be just me.

I am trying to burn files in to DVD format as NTSC instead of PAL (as I normally do) using Nero 6.6.0.19. There is no problem in actually doing it, except that when I want to use NTSC instead of PAL, I end up with far less space/time available. It breaks down like this:

1.2 GB avi file, about 130 minutes.
If I burn PAL in "extended play" it is 2.65 GB. "Long play" is 3.44.

The exact same file is 3.92 and 4.70 in NTSC. I experimented using VOB and I get a file to double in size from PAL to NTSC in "standard play." Surely Americans can't be getting half the space on their discs and it never getting mentioned anywhere on the internet.

These seem like huge differences, so big that I can't imagine no one has ever commented on it before. I go from having plenty of room to spare with two hours of material to having far too much too fit. Plus I thought NTSC files would be slightly smaller due to the resolution, but either way wouldn't create such a drastic difference.

Any ideas? I'm sorry if I left out anything you need to know, I can't think of any other information to add.

Addition: I have already checked to see if settings for the sound bitrate have changed in the switch, and they haven't.

12-18-2007, 10:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chook Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Germany Posts: 1 OS: Windows XP Pack 2	File size doubles from PAL to NTSC for burning. Is that right? I have scoured the web, and I can't even find a mention of this issue, much less if it is normal or there is a solution, so I am guessing it must be just me. I am trying to burn files in to DVD format as NTSC instead of PAL (as I normally do) using Nero 6.6.0.19. There is no problem in actually doing it, except that when I want to use NTSC instead of PAL, I end up with far less space/time available. It breaks down like this: 1.2 GB avi file, about 130 minutes. If I burn PAL in "extended play" it is 2.65 GB. "Long play" is 3.44. The exact same file is 3.92 and 4.70 in NTSC. I experimented using VOB and I get a file to double in size from PAL to NTSC in "standard play." Surely Americans can't be getting half the space on their discs and it never getting mentioned anywhere on the internet. These seem like huge differences, so big that I can't imagine no one has ever commented on it before. I go from having plenty of room to spare with two hours of material to having far too much too fit. Plus I thought NTSC files would be slightly smaller due to the resolution, but either way wouldn't create such a drastic difference. Any ideas? I'm sorry if I left out anything you need to know, I can't think of any other information to add. Addition: I have already checked to see if settings for the sound bitrate have changed in the switch, and they haven't. Last edited by Chook; 12-18-2007 at 10:38 AM.