Calculating the needed space for a particular movie

[WriteSimply]

I've worked my bones to deliver this to you guys.

Attached is a Rapidshare link to an Excel file (I could've easily worked with Lotus 123 but I wanted to experiment) to calculate the amount of space needed for a movie (it could be your own) using one main sound format and the average video bitrate required.

The Rapidshare link. I couldn't attached this XLS file on this forum because it's not allowed.

Spreadsheet 1 shows a breakdown of the space taken for TrueHD and ABR of a particular title, and then the many combinations thereafter. You can replace cells B4-12 (except B5 & B9 which is empty) with your own running times. You can also replace cells D3-I3 with numbers for LPCM, DTS, DTSHD or DD, or higher or lower ABRs.

The reason for using TrueHD is that Dolby has a PDF out with numbers, while DTS' numbers shows as high as 20Mbps! So I think TrueHD is less varied but hopefully is of quality.

Spreadsheet 2 shows a total combination calculation based on sound format only with no breakdown for video or audio. Use cell B2 to change the running time and the rest will be automatically calculated. You can also change cells in B5-16 (except B9 & B12 which is empty) if you want to calculate the DTS HDMA numbers, and cells in line 1 starting from C1 if you want higher Video bitrates.

As you can see in Spreadsheet 1, the ABR needs to be at 10Mbps for The Lord of The Rings: The Return Of The King Extended Edition with TrueHD audio to fit on a 30GB HD-DVD disc. That's with no other extras too. I'm not overly confident that VC-1 can do that with such a highly detailed and chaotic movie.

EDIT: A minor glitch. Cell A8 should read "LPCM 7.1, 24-bit/48kHz" and not "LPCM 5.1, 24-bit/48kHz". This is what you get when you cut and paste. It doesn't affect the calculations though. Please fix accordingly.


fuad

[Blubaru]

Nerd!

[Blue]

I can only assume "Nerd" is ment in he positive way that now nerds attract the chicks because they earn lots of money - so well done.

[WriteSimply]

Well this file has enabled me to conclusively debunk the idea that Warner is format neutral with the release of Superman Returns on BD50. Even using LPCM 7.1 at 24-bit/48kHz, there are STILL enough space for extras (for 6-dubbed languages in Dolby Digital 640kpbs) and 3-hour SD video, and have the average bitrate at 24mbps.


fuad

[Ascended_Saiyan]

Thanks! This is great! I would pay you, but all my money is going toward BDs.

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by Ascended_Saiyan

Thanks! This is great! I would pay you, but all my money is going toward BDs.

Pbbtthth! You can give me BHD! If a 100 guys here donates US$5 bucks, I can get me a PS3. :P


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[Zinn]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Well this file has enabled me to conclusively debunk the idea that Warner is format neutral with the release of Superman Returns on BD50. Even using LPCM 7.1 at 24-bit/48kHz, there are STILL enough space for extras (for 6-dubbed languages in Dolby Digital 640kpbs) and 3-hour SD video, and have the average bitrate at 24mbps.


fuad

Are they for BD or HD-DVD?

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by Zinn

Are they for BD or HD-DVD?

Either. It just calculates the bit pool used for a sound format or the video bitpool at 20Mbps, for example. Just key in the running time and it'll do the rest.


fuad

[Zinn]

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Either. It just calculates the bit pool used for a sound format or the video bitpool at 20Mbps, for example. Just key in the running time and it'll do the rest.


fuad

I meant is warner for BD or HD-DVD?

[WriteSimply]

Originally Posted by Zinn

I meant is warner for BD or HD-DVD?

HD-DVD. The exclusion of IME is understandable but not including TrueHD tracks on Superman Returns and other BD titles of theirs is just not right.


fuad