ffmpeg with libx264

[alfmarius]

Hello,

I'm converting short movieclips (mostly .mov files) to flash video (.flv) using the libx264 codec. I used to upload these movies to blip.tv and do the conversion there, but wanted to do it on my own debian server now. Blip use the VP6F codec (which i think is propritary) but i go for the h264, because I read a lot about it, and its supposed to be just as good.

Most convertions look very good, but one I am struggling with. Here is what i do:

ffmpeg -i test.mov -an -vcodec libx264 -vpre max test.flv

I tried other presets as well, but none can beat the VP6F encoded version of a 10sec test clip I have. I'm guessing my problem is the settings of libx264..

Any advice on this matter?

Basicly what I want is what everyone want. Small files, good quality (the time to encode is irrelevant)

[Baldrick]

Try adjust the constant rate factor(-crf) or use a bitrate(-b), see http://rob.opendot.cl/index.php/useful-stuff/ffmpeg-x264-encoding-guide/

[alfmarius]

Try adjust the constant rate factor(-crf) or use a bitrate(-b), see http://rob.opendot.cl/index.php/useful-stuff/ffmpeg-x264-encoding-guide/

I experimented with the -crf option, and that seemed to be the missing piece in my puzzle, thanks! About the -b option, isn't that just setting the maximum bitrate? What are the benefits of this option really?

ps. i ended up with -crf 36 for the record