Mkv2vob problems...

[Raven2827]

I'm trying to convert a relatively small .MKV file [about 150 mb] for playback on my ps3.
Everytime i attempt to use mkv2vob, the transcoding stops prematurely and i get an unplayable file, only a fraction of the original e.g. the output i got was around 37 mb. What can i do to fix this?

[guns1inger]

Try Xvid4PSP. It can be used to repackage the file as either mp4 or m2ts, either of the PS3 is happy to play. It can re-encode if necessary, or simply repackage without re-encoding if the contents are already compliant. I haven't had any problems with it.

[Raven2827]

but how good is the file size management in xvid4psp? Can you give some tips on how to keep the quality of the file, yet not cause a massive increase in the resulting encoded file?

[guns1inger]

If you choose copy for audio and video formats then the quality is unchanged. MP4 has very low overheads, so the file increase is not huge. m2ts has much larger overheads, so expect to see the file size increase by around 6 - 8%. This is an issue with the format, and cannot be avoided. All you are doing is repackaging, so there is no re-encoding.

If you do need to re-encode, because the contents of the mkv aren't in the correct format, there are several settings you can use, from quality based through to 2-pass bitrate based. Use whichever is appropriate.

What formats are in the mkv file ?

[Raven2827]

I'll try using it for the mp4, but do you know what settings are optimal to play on a ps3?

[guns1inger]

The PS3 will play pretty much anything you throw at it, but use the templates in Xvid4PSP if you are encoding from scratch. The few mp4 and mkv files I have worked with have not needed to be re-encoded to play, as the audio and video content have been PS3 compliant. Why screw with something that works. I have also used Xvid4PSP to repackage quicktime HD 1080 trailers to m2ts format without having to re-encode. They have all played fine.