Convert .mkv to .avi at HD(720p) resolution

[Boby4CPO]

Hi,
I want to convert a .mkv format with HD resolution to a .avi but keep the movie's original resolution and sound quality,I've searched the forum and tried some things but I did not find any good solution.
I am now able to separate from the .mkv to .h264 and .ac3 but I don't know how to merge them into an .avi.
If anyone could give me a solution,or a converter to directly convert from mkv to avi I would be greatefull.
I've tried so far converters as Xilisoft converter,but if I can only convert to certain resolutions(if I have a movie 1280X544 lets say I can only convert it to 1280X720),and AT NORMAL QUALITY it increases the size from ~4.5 GB to 8 GB,so I can't write it to a normal DVD.

[poisondeathray]

HD resolution won't play in standalone xvid/divx capable DVD players, they are limited to Standard definition 720x576

Converting it will cause quality loss

Why not leave it as is?

If you wanted to convert it so it's compatible , you could use xvid4psp and the AVI hardware profile

If you just wanted to re-wrap it without quality loss, you could use avc2avi and avimux gui to put in the audio. This won't play on a standard dvd player.

[Boby4CPO]

I have a dvd capable of playing FULL HD,though I am only interested in 720p resolution(I don't have a 1080p TV).
But my dvd can't read .mkv format,I've searched but I didn't find anywhere a dvd that can.

[poisondeathray]

What formats? Check your manual. What model?

MPEG-4 ASP (divx/xvid) ?

or h.264? MPEG-4 part 10 ?

Big difference

Some blu-ray players support h.264 in .mkv now e.g. LG BD370, but not DVD-players.

[Boby4CPO]

I'll check right now

[Boby4CPO]

Ok,so it says that it can play mpeg4 formats from a .avi file.

[poisondeathray]

That's divx/xvid not h.264. Big difference in quality. 99% of DVD players can only play standard definition. Do you have the model#?

I would do some mini tests on some tiny test clips (like 30 second clips)

[Boby4CPO]

So there's no way to convert from mkv to avi? What about mp4 to avi?

[poisondeathray]

Yeah there is, I listed your options above

99% of DVD players will only support standard definition xvid/divx AVI files. Maybe you have a "special" player?

http://forum.videohelp.com/topic352457.html

[Boby4CPO]

Samsung DVD 1080P9 I think

[poisondeathray]

Yea, that model is only standard definition, upconverting. It's not HD.

Just use xvid4psp "avi hardware" profile and you're set.

If you want full quality, HD, you need an htpc, mediabox (e.g. tvix, popcorn hour, wdtv), ps3 or xbox, or blu-ray player

[Boby4CPO]

Well it says "Full HD - Up-Scalling",and it has a HDMI port,so I figured...

[Boby4CPO]

and what video HD formats supports a PS3 OR a 360?

[Boby4CPO]

and with xvid4psp what video encoding should i use?and what audio encoding to keep the 5.1

[poisondeathray]

and what video HD formats supports a PS3 OR a 360?

just do a quick search, the specs are listed on various sites.

If the mkv was encoded with compliant specs (e.g. compliant reference frames, b-frames etc..) , then often you could just re-wrap the container into .m2ts with tsmuxer , or use mkv2vob - this means no quality loss instead of re-encoding

If they aren't compliant specs, then you have to re-encode anyways, but at least you still have HD

For xvid4psp, use the "AVI hardware" profile, everything else will be preset for compatibility

[Boby4CPO]

ok,ill try,hope it works and thanks a lot