# DVR File Sizes are too large **URL:** \ **Category:** Live TV & DVR\ **Tags:** livetv-dvr, server-mac\ **Created:** [February 17, 2020, 4:17pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843 "2020-02-17T16:17:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ddac13\_ymail.com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@ddac13\_ymail.com](https://forums.plex.tv/u/ddac13_ymail.com)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:17pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/1 "2020-02-17T16:17:17Z")
I’m using my Mac Pro 5,1 as a DVR. Has plenty of power but my 24TB of space is running out. I use the commercial removal tool and Transcode while recording is turned on. Is there a format that could save some space and if there is a format, is there a program for Mac. Especially one where I can just select the TV Shows folder and let it go to town. Thank you ---
**Author:** ![JuiceWSA](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/juicewsa/32/12253_2.png) [@JuiceWSA](https://forums.plex.tv/u/JuiceWSA)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:26pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/2 "2020-02-17T16:26:39Z")
Normally I would suggest MCEBuddy - to ‘convert’ your big DRV files before they ever get to Plex. You’re on a Mac, so no can do. Handbrake would do it, but you have to add each item to it’s Queue - after that the Queue just keeps going, and going, and going - until it runs out of stuff to do - or you add more to it. There may be some other Mac solution. I’m not a Mac Guy. ---
**Author:** ![SE56](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/se56/32/222425_2.png) [@SE56](https://forums.plex.tv/u/SE56)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:42pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/4 "2020-02-17T16:42:11Z")
In your case Handbrake is a solution but not automated but you can queue [https://handbrake.fr/](https://handbrake.fr/) ---
**Author:** ![ddac13\_ymail.com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@ddac13\_ymail.com](https://forums.plex.tv/u/ddac13_ymail.com)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:44pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/5 "2020-02-17T16:44:27Z")
I have used handbrake for DVDs what would be the best format to use? ---
**Author:** ![SE56](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/se56/32/222425_2.png) [@SE56](https://forums.plex.tv/u/SE56)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:47pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/7 "2020-02-17T16:47:37Z")
Read original post, chenks. For me mkv always ---
**Author:** ![JuiceWSA](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/juicewsa/32/12253_2.png) [@JuiceWSA](https://forums.plex.tv/u/JuiceWSA)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/8 "2020-02-17T16:48:45Z")
> [@ddac13\_ymail.com](#): > > I have used handbrake for DVDs what would be the best format to use? The format that Direct Plays on all your devices… let’s hope it’s MKVs. This’ll get you started: > [@What settings should a newbie use for transcoding ripped bluray mkv files with handbreak?](https://forums.plex.tv/t/what-settings-should-a-newbie-use-for-transcoding-ripped-bluray-mkv-files-with-handbreak/514196/2): > > Start with the Basic HD profile - you can delete everything else - all crap. Then do this, exactly, make a 240 second ‘Preview’ and see what you think. File Sizes will be consistent at about 1.4G per hour. My eyeballs stop seeing improvement above about 3250kbps, so I give it 3750 and call it a day. Your eyeballs may require something different. Make a 4 minute preview and decide for yourself. [HB-Help1] [HB-Help2] [HB-Help3] Of course, you should create an audio track that will Direct Play.… Adjust as required and fire for effect. ---
**Author:** ![JuiceWSA](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/juicewsa/32/12253_2.png) [@JuiceWSA](https://forums.plex.tv/u/JuiceWSA)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:50pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/11 "2020-02-17T16:50:31Z")
I knew what he meant. Didn’t you? ---
**Author:** ![SE56](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/se56/32/222425_2.png) [@SE56](https://forums.plex.tv/u/SE56)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:51pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/13 "2020-02-17T16:51:05Z")
Here we go again, yes we all know that ---
**Author:** ![SE56](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/se56/32/222425_2.png) [@SE56](https://forums.plex.tv/u/SE56)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 4:52pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/15 "2020-02-17T16:52:39Z")
There something about the water today ---
**Author:** ![ddac13\_ymail.com](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/6de8d8/32.png) [@ddac13\_ymail.com](https://forums.plex.tv/u/ddac13_ymail.com)\ **Post date:** [February 17, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/17 "2020-02-17T17:05:45Z")
Ok. This sounds like this is where I want to go. How do I go about post processing scripts? ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/2/a/2acb9765406f63293d357b4ec509ec39aa28f2ad.png) [@system](https://forums.plex.tv/u/system)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2020, 5:05pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/dvr-file-sizes-are-too-large/543843/18 "2020-05-17T17:05:46Z")
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