Royal Pains S04E09 HDTV x264-ASAP

why is this episode so much bigger than the last episode? you don't usually see a 400mb+ file for a show
this length.

in brief...

file size is no longer the focus and is no longer set at 350 mb for a 42 min show, using xvid/avi.
the focus now is on quality...using x264/mp4 (or mkv) and a specific crf setting (crf constant rate
factor). in most cases the resulting file size is quite a bit smaller than the previouisly used xvid/avi 350
mb standard, but not always. the file size will vary depending on the comnplexity of the source
material. i.e. still vs. moving, grainy vs sharp, solid vs. detailed, etc.

if you're still curious and want to learn more...

crf guide (constant rate factor).
http://pastebin.com/bjyeveai

the sd x264 tv releasing standards 2012.
http://scenerules.irc.gs/n.html?id=2012_sdtvx264u1.nfo

and a handful of other general resources...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/video_codec
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/xvid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/x264
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/h.264/mpeg-4_avc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/display_resolution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bit_rate#video
http://eztv.it/forum/24597/mp4-vs-xvid-revenge-of-the-scene/

oh, ok, that makes sense. thanks so much for the explanation.