AppleTV - Conversion of MKV to HD MP4

[Austehn]

Hello,

I just stumbled upon this forum an hour ago, and already, it has been tremendous in helping me understand a little more about video conversion. I have very little tech experience, so it is all new to me.

So here is my problem. I did the best I could to search in this forum, but couldn't find anyone else with a similar one.

I recently purchased an AppleTV, and I would like to get some HD TV shows that I've recorded on my DVR into the AppleTV so I can get some more space on my DVR. I'm currently using Xilisoft's HD Video Converter to do so. I have no problems with the actual conversion process, and the videos show up on the AppleTV just fine. The problems is with the quality.

Xilisoft's software is very easy to use, and even has presets made specifically for the AppleTV. So I always choose the 1280x720p, thinking that this will convert without losing any quality. However, when I look at it through the AppleTV, the color is washed out and/or pixilated (definitely not HD), and the audio causes some speaker distortion, even when the volume is relatively low.

I've looked at the details of the outcome file, and it does indeed say 1280x720. The FPS is under 24 (usually 23.9 or something like that). I've tried tinkering with the quality settings, using best quality for both video and audio, but nothing seems to work. Any help??

Also, on a related subject, what would happen if I tried to convert a file that is not HD to begin with into something that is. For instance, if I took an MKV (or AVI) file that is standard definition, and tried converting it into a 1280x720 MP4 file, would it make everything sharper?

Thank you all for your help! I'm so glad I found this forum. =)

Austin

[Baldrick]

Try convert using Xvid4PSP(it uses the x264 encoder), load your video, choose the MP4 AppleTV profile, under video->Resolution/Aspect resize to 1280x720p. Encode.

If you want to adjust the output file size then click on E to the right of the Video Encoding and change Encoding mode to 2-pass size and set the size.

If you can't open mkvs then be sure to install haali media splitter and ffdshow.


And no you wont get sharper image by upresizing to 1280x720p from lower resolutions. You can use filters but it's usually not worth it.

[Soopafresh]

Also, on a related subject, what would happen if I tried to convert a file that is not HD to begin with into something that is. For instance, if I took an MKV (or AVI) file that is standard definition, and tried converting it into a 1280x720 MP4 file, would it make everything sharper?


No way. That would be awesome, but it doesn't work in that direction.

[Austehn]

Hey, thanks for the responses! The Xilisoft program already uses the h.264 converter. Is that different than what you are suggesting?

When I convert files from their original format, whether it is HD or SD, the quality suffers tremendously, and I don't understand why.

And it's too bad you can't upconvert. That were be awesome. =)

Austin

[Baldrick]

I don't think it uses the x264 converter and it could also use different encoding settings. TRY Xvid4psp! It's FREEEEEEEEEEEEE.

[Austehn]

OK, I will definitely try this out. And since it's free, it certainly couldn't hurt. =)

Thank you!! I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Austin

[Austehn]

So if the source is SD and I try to convert it into 1280x720p, could this explain why the resulting MP4 file has washed out or overexposed coloring as well as weird fuzziness around edges and pixillation and the audio sounding a little funky?

[Soopafresh]

Imagine trying to enlarge a postage stamp on a copying machine into 8.5x11 sized output. It's analogous.