my MKV converts aren't a descent quality for the file size

[devilfish]

Hi,

I'm using handbrake to convert to h264 MKV from a few DVD's I want stored on my hard drive.. I've seen a friend's MKV collection that he downloaded off the net but I'm not cool with that.. his MKV files seem to be very good quality qwith little to no "blocking" and they're all around 1.2gb/1.4gb

I've selectred 2 pass encoding and selectred the output size to be 1.4gb but whilst being watchable, my MKV files are a little blocky and I suspect I'd have to create 2gb+ files to create the same quality.

Are any programs bettter than others or are their some tricks I could try?

Thanks

[Baldrick]

You could try megui and use the one click option with a high quality profile.

[guns1inger]

Personally I have never been impressed with anything I could get out of Handbrake without it taking forever. I now use XmediaRecode, do a two pass encode at around 1500 kbps, keep the original AC3 audio if it is 5.1, and re-encode to ACC if it is stereo, and I am happy with the quality most of the time. In a couple of cases I have had to push the bitrate up a little.

[devilfish]

Hey,

Just got Xmedia Recode. Can you select a 2-Pass encode with this software? As far as I'm aware a 2-Pass encode takes longerbut results in better quality for the filesize? (could be wrong)

Cheers

[guns1inger]

Click on DVD/Bluray (second button at the top), then DVD/Bluray (first button - confusing, I know) to open your ripped disc. Click on the Video tab. Click on the drop down list next to Rate Control Mode and select 2-pass average bitrate, then set your bitrate.

If your DVDs have black bars, click on the Filters/Preview tab, and select Crop form the list of filters. Click Auto-crop to remove the bars.