Uploading Large MP4 Files to YouTube and Router Issues

[MVRGLI]

I started uploading game walkthroughs onto my YouTube channel and they're taking forever! The files are usually 30 minutes to an hour long and are about 1gb to 3gbs because they're in 1080p. They have already been converted to MP4 because the program I use, ElGato, converts the files automatically after the footage is recorded. One 2.3gb file took me five hours to upload to YouTube and I want to upload 3-5 of these files a day. I've spent the last few hours looking up information on how to compress MP4 files without losing true 1080p, but it doesn't seem doable. Is there anyway to compress these files in a better way or should I focus on upgrading my modem/router, 3801hgv wireless router, with UVerse? I'm pretty sure the router may be the issue with my upload speeds, but I don't really know here. If anyone can point me in the right direction on how to do all this, I would appreciate it so much.

[Baldrick]

What is your your internet connection speed?
What is the max speed of your wireless router?


And what did you use to try and compress? Try for example the simple handbrake or vidcoder. Use constant quality encoding with factor 20 and see how big the files get. Or set the file size to about half and see how it looks like.

[MVRGLI]

My download speed is 6Mbps, upload speed is 1.5Mbps, and my 3801HGV wireless router runs at 54Mbps. I just called AT&T and they told me that 1.5Mbps is the fastest upload speed that they can offer for my area, but that I could get a different router that would allow me to upload more than that. I don't use anything to compress my files because programs like HandBrake don't reduce the file size and keep the quality. Here's how I go through creating a file:

1. Use the El Gato to capture PC or Xbox 360 gameplay.
2. As soon as the gameplay is recorded, the El Gato converts the AVIs to MP4s.
3. I edit and render the files in Camtasia, which leaves me with one final MP4 file.
4. When I try to compress the file in HandBrake, even with the recommended settings above, the file ends up being larger than my original one, but not by much.

I also use the Medialink - 150Mbps Wireless USB N Adapter for my desktop, but I guess that doesn't matter right if I have a router that maxes out at 54Mbps?

[Baldrick]

3. Does it reconvert? Then can you try reduce the bitrate a bit and see how it looks like.

Or else get faster upload speed.

[Nelson37]

Maximize the speed of your connection instantly and for free by just connecting the desktop to the router by an ethernet cable rather than using wireless.

As for a different router giving better speed, if 1.5 is all they offer for upload, then the brand of router won't make any difference.

[MVRGLI]

It's not a bad idea to reduce the bitrate, but that would take some of the quality away. I've tried to upload videos while connected by an ethernet cable and it doesn't increase the speed. If I change my recordings from 1080p to 720p, I'm sure the file sizes will be much smaller and easier for me to upload. Read an article about connecting a second router though. A bit confusing, but it does seem possible.

[Nelson37]

Why would you want to add a SECOND router???

My next suggestion would be to connect directly to your modem and bypass the router altogether. This will give you the maximum you are going to get without obtaining a different ISP.

If this yields a major improvement and you still need the router, then upgrade the firmware and/or get a different one. Research brands and models that work well with your particular modem.

If it gives no improvement, at least you have eliminated that possibility. Then it's either reduce the bitrate, find better compression, or live with the current situation.