Smaller mpeg file sizes

[pcostanza]

Since I've had problems wtih Schedules Direct and getting my 2250 working with QAM, I've noticed that my PVR500's analog mpeg files are smaller. I have them set at 9000 bitrate and record everything at that rate so that I can burn to dvd but the last few nights, my 1 hour shows are under 3GB when they are usually 4gb's. The only setting I've changed shouldn't make any difference is the BDA multiplexer from dvr-ms to TS mux......something I'm sure I've had previously.
The files play just fine and I can't find anything wrong with them other than the file size and the full time of the files is also correct.

[MCEabused]

Hauppauge limit the HVR2200 version to 6.8 Mbps analog record max in their driver for some reason, the philips chip can do around 15 Mbps in theory.
They may be limiting the 2250 in the driver as well.
I would test it in graphedit to see if you can set it to more than 6.8Mbsp and then check with "Gspot" to confirm the recorded bit rate.

[pcostanza]

It's the PVR500 that's giving me the smaller files, not the 2250. If I could get the 2250 working with QAM, I think I'd retire the PVR500. It's been a workhorse for me.

[pBS]

if using vbr and video content has little motion, you'll get smaller files...
also if changing drivers it'll change or if you change sharpness in direct.ini...

it's funny, but when you run a file thru ffmpeg with 'copy' for codecs, the file is always smaller..
even tho content hasn't changed a bit..
[lots of 'junk' in video files depending on what made them...]

have you checked to make sure padding is still being recorded and file is complete?