Compress MPG files - how it works

Compressing an MPG file saves a lot of space on your hard drive. We show you which tool works and how you have to do it.

Compress MPG files with the MediaCoder

In this manual we use the free program MediaCoder. XMedia Recode offers an alternative. However, you cannot follow these instructions.

1. Download the MediaCoder (32-bit) or MediaCoder (64-bit). In the video below, we explain how to find the right version.
2. When installing, make sure not to install the additional software offered. Always select "User-defined installation" here.
3. Once you have started the program, click on "Options" in the menu bar at the top and change the language to "German" under "User Interface Language". The software is now ready for use.

Compress MPG files - this is how you do it

1. Click on the "Add" button at the top left and select the "Add File" option.
2. Find your MGP file and open it. At the top right you can also determine the output path of the reduced file.
3. At the bottom right you will see the following data in a small window: container, bit rate and expected size. By changing the first two dates, you can always see how much the file shrinks.
4. In the middle area, switch to the "Video" tab and select a much lower bit rate (Kbps). Here you may have to test something until you have reached the desired balance between quality and file size.
5. Changing the container makes the file even smaller. Switch to the "Container" tab and select "AVI" as the format.
6. If you click the "Start" button at the top right, your MPG file will be compressed.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to reduce the MKV files, which are also large.