freemake video converter mp4 to mkv

[rushy7]

when i use freemake video converter to convert a mp4 to an mkv using the setting same as source the resulting files is sometimes loads bigger and also the kbps is a lot larger on the mkv file even though the setting is the same as source

[Baldrick]

Do you really have to reconvert? You might be able to "remux" the mp4 to a mkv without reconverting using mkvtoolnix / mkvmergegui.

[rushy7]

hi,ive tried this but mkvtoolnix crashes windows 7 exploror on my pc
ive tried this on my sons laptop but the resulting mkv seems a bit jerky compaired to the mp4

[Baldrick]

Crashes? When you start it or when you start multiplexing?

You could also try remux with avidemux, open video and under video and audio choose copy, save as mkv.

Or with ffmpeg, "ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -acodec copy -vcodec copy video.mkv" or with a gui for ffmpeg like winff see https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/343895-Pass-Thru-presets-for-WinFF

[rushy7]

hi,no when i try to acces the file ceated explorer crashes
also ive tried avisemux and that produces very choppy video

[Baldrick]

Explorer probably crashes because of the thumbnail/preview, try disable it. http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/disable-thumbnail-previews-in-windows-vista-explorer/

But if you still want to reconvert try another converter than freemake, like the very good handbrake or vidcoder. Adjust the bitrate under the video tab.

[rushy7]

hi,thanks for the answers
do i adjust the bit rate in freemake to match the original mp4 then?as if i select same as source the bit rate is usually higher

[Baldrick]

Yes, adjust the bitrate to same as the source in freemake. I thought you already did that.

[rushy7]

would that make the mkv the same quality more or less as the original mp4

[Baldrick]

Yep, more or less.

But it's much better if you would be able to remux the mp4 to a mkv with the above tools. No quality loss at all if it works then.

[rushy7]

i think ill stick with freemake as it runs flawleesly and only takes about 30mins to convert a 720p movie, ill just change the bit rate to match the original mp4
thanks for the all the help and advise

[rushy7]

ive just downloaded the latest version of mkvtoolnix and this now runs without crashing explorer!!
the problem now is when i remux a mp4 to a mkv the resulting video freezes about 5 to 10 mins into the film but the sound keeps playing ok
is there any settings on mkvtoolnix that i need to change to stop this
thanks in advance

[Baldrick]

What do you play with? Software player or standalone media player?

[rushy7]

panasonic dmp-bdt110 bluray player
mkv to mp4 using freemaker video converter work fine on the panny