[MEncoder-users] Bitrate question

[larrystotler at netscape.net]

-----Original Message-----

From: James Hastings-Trew <jimht at shaw.ca>

>It won't use more bits than it has to. If those episodes contain a lot of dark scenes,
> or a lot of scenes with more static content, or blank sky, etc. then they will be smaller.
> The fads and styles of TV production change... herky jerky constantly moving camera
> action gives way to more deliberate framing and more considered camera placement.
> A gritty urban look might get changed to a colour drenched "futuristic" look. Bright 
>studio lighting gives way to available light or a darker mood. All of these esthetic 
>changes will have an effect on video compression. 
 
So you are saying that if I encode a file at like 4096 bitrate, and it doesn't need it, it will actually use a lower overall bitrate?

Thanx