avi to itunes - quality

[jakvan]

I've been using ffmpegx for a while now to convert avi files to mp4 format for importing to iTunes, for viewing on my Apple TV - however I seem to be losing video quality. The AVI files are HD / DVD quality...can anyone recommend the optimum settings for this type of conversion to produce the best video quality? Thanks!!

[RoamingGnome]

I am looking for a light way to convert my MKV files to MP4 as well. They are all HD as well, I am confused as to what the best MP4 setting for file size and quality are.

[tomlee59]

There's *always* a tradeoff between filesize and quality. If you want high quality, you'll have to accept large files. If the quality of the output is not to your liking, you'll need to increase some combination of resolution (if you are unhappy with that particular aspect of the output) and bitrate (if you don't like the macroblock artifacts during high-motion scenes). The judgment of whether it's good enough is very much a function of the target display device, as well as personal taste, so you'll have to try a few things and see what works for you.

To guide you in your search, ffmpegx helpfully changes the color of the bitrate to convey an approximate idea if you are using an unnecessarily high bitrate (by changing the color of the text to purple), or an insufficient one (with red text). If its choices aren't to your liking, work upward from there.