Recorded Video File Size

[Space_Cowboy]

I've noticed that some shows recorded on WMC7 are larger than others for the same amount of time.

Example: one file for a show that is 30 min in length has a file size around .5gb and the same 30 min show will sometimes be over 3gb in size.

Why is this and how can I control it from storing a much larger file size?

Thanks

[Scallica]

I think the file size depends on the resolution of the broadcast and the method of encoding used. I don't believe it is possible to control the file size.

Disk space is cheap; get a 1TB drive for your recorded TV and don't worry about the file size

[Mike88]

My file sizes are related to the channel and the program. A newer HD program on CBS 1080i takes up a lot more space than if I record an older program that is 4:3 even though it is on a 1080i HD station.

[richard1980]

The resulting file size is a function of the encoded bitrate, which doesn't correlate to resolution. 15 Mbps is 15 Mbps, regardless of how many pixels are being encoded. That said, most content is not encoded at a constant bitrate, and therefore the bitrate will fluctuate as the content changes. Specifically, high-motion frames require higher encoding bitrates than low-motion frames.

[spinnaker]

I upgraded my disk storage so I am keeping a lot more recordings on file now. I have been noticing a huge difference in file size for the same show.

On one particular series for example, most of the wtv files are around 3M. But every once in a while I get a much smaller file size, say around 1M. They are all the same duration, about 30 minutes with commercials. Why such a huge difference in file size?

[Moderator note: topic merged]