Handbrake and newbie

[traktag]

Hello Guys,
I have downloaded handbrake and want to reduce an MP4 video from 1080p to 480p
To be absolutely honest I am totally at a loss with all the options in handbrake: I simply have no idea how to start, though I have been through all pages and so understand how to import a video to start.
Can anyone please advise in a simple step by step how I would do this reduction using handbrake?
Thanks for your time and have a great week.

[davexnet]

Why not use Vidcoder - uses Handbrake under the covers, but a simpler interface for beginners.
Only thing you have to set is the new size, all other defaults are good choices, but easily changed
if required

[traktag]

Thanks so much David. I will try that as I am totally lost with handbrake. I did my second conversion on handbrake ( it took 2 and half hours) and looking at the properties the 'converted' file came out the same size as it started...
I will try vidcoder

[strawberryshortcake]

Thanks so much David. I will try that as I am totally lost with handbrake. I did my second conversion on handbrake ( it took 2 and half hours) and looking at the properties the 'converted' file came out the same size as it started...
I will try vidcoder

Instead of encoding the entire mp4 file to determine if the results are adequate, consider using a free video cutter like Avidemux to first chop the file down to maybe 20 to 30 seconds. Then run it through Vidcoder.

https://www.videohelp.com/software/AviDemux

Here's a youtube tutorial on Avidemux cutting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYXAR8zWh7E


I think this is how you do it.

[traktag]

Thanks Strawberryshortcake. Brilliant Idea. That will save me hours of waiting for different results.

[videobruger]

You may just set a Time Range in VidCoder (as well as in Handbrake)



[Attachment 45407 - Click to enlarge]

[traktag]

Wow theres so much in this program Videobruger. I need to really swat up on the power of this information as I will be doing more video amendments over time. Thanks for your advice , its really appreciated.