Settings with Handbreak to get best size reduction ver least Q loss?

[WBFAir]

Hello all

I have a mkv video that is quite large that I would like to reduce with Handbreak naturally with loosing as little quality as possible, but I don't know how to use the settings much.

Currently the file size is about 5.7 gigs, an would like to get it down to say 1.5g or smaller if I can.

I have tried lowering the Quality RF number an that does lower the size, but not by much unless I go pretty far, an I remembered playing with this once an by the time it got down size wise, the quality was not very good at all.

Anyway, don't know if this is the only way but is the only one I know so am hoping there might be others.


Thanks for any help.

[Kerry56]

Try VidCoder. It lets you set the output size. Use a two-pass encode to 1500mb and see if it meets your expectations. Use the Slow preset, High Profile and use Constant Framerate. All of these controls can be found in Settings-->Video tab.

VidCoder is basically just a different GUI for Handbrake that offers a few more options.

[jagabo]

Assuming you're using x264 in HandBrake: In Constant Quality mode the RF value is the main setting that controls quality -- the higher the quality you ask for (the lower the RF) bigger the file will turn out. The x264 preset has an effect on quality too, though to a lesser extent. The slower the preset the better the quality. The tunings make a difference too. Film and Animation are the ones you're likely to use most.

Keep in mind that different videos will turn out difference sizes in Constant Quality mode. The bigger the frame size, the higher the frame rate, and the more complex the video, the bigger the file will turn out. Even if two movies similar frame sizes,frame rates, and running times, it's not unusual to see a several fold difference in file size. Some videos are just harder to compress than others.

If you must have a file of a specific size you should use 2-pass Avg Bitrate mode. Use a bitrate calculator to determine what bitrate will give the size you want. Set the bitrate, set the tuning that's appropriate for your source, then use the slowest preset you can bear.