How can I downsample the resolution of mkv files?

[Gerff]

Sorry if I posted in the wrong section. I was wondering if it's possible to change the resolution of a mkv file from 1080p to 720p without losing the original quality. If so, what application can I use?

[vid.user]

To scale down to 720p from 1080p would involve re-encoding, transcoding. Thus, the simple answer is no, you will always loose some of the original quality.

[Gerff]

I see. But how can I do it anyway?

[redwudz]

This forum is OK.

Sure you can convert to 720 if you really want to. Obviously you will loose quality through re-encoding.

You may be able to minimize your quality loss by doing either a quality or a two pass re-encode. IMO.

The quality is a bit faster. The two pass may give you a bit better quality, but will take a bit longer.

Application? Try VidCoder. You can do two pass or quality based. For quality based, try about 19.5.

[johns0]

For the best quality if it's a fast moving action film use cq16.