How do I set the format VLC media player uses when recording?

Solution 1:

You cannot change the format of the record button. The record button saves the file as VLC receives it, so AVI is saved as AVI and MPEG is saved as MPEG etc. http://forum.videolan.org/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=66641#p221956

Here's all about the record button http://wiki.robotz.com/index.php/Recording_Video_With_VLC.

Solution 2:

I am not sure what options you are using to record, or from what source, but it appears in your case that VLC is recording raw uncompressed video.

To record in different formats i.e. to encode the video and/or audio while recording, you can do the following (for VLC on Windows, but the solution should be cross platform)

1. Go to Media -> Convert/Save or Ctrl+R.
2. Select the source you want to use: File, Disc, Network Stream, Input Device etc.
3. Click on the Convert/Save button.
4. Select a Destination file, and a Profile (the codec). The default profile should be fine.
5. Click Start to start recording.

The resulting file should be suitably compressed (i.e. not gigantic) and open in any compatible player.