Convert WMV to MP4: what tools are currently recommended?

[loninappleton]

A few older threads have shown recommendation for Any Video Converter and Handbrake is mentioned as well as Format Factory.

The latest Handbrake does not recognize WMV from my use of it but that is my preferred tool.
I first have to get a conversion out of WMV with something.

What is the current recommendation for a freeware, bundleware-free converter from WMV to mp4 with the goal of reducing the file size(s) and joining a number of segments to make a continuous media piece?

I will check the downloads at VH and begin with AVC to see how it goes.

[loninappleton]

After reviewing what's available in VH software and noting that VH marked a warning for bundleware (thank you) I see that I can use AVI demux for the task.

My first try was not very successful though: no sound and rough video

What are some good settings to start with for a WMV to mp4 as a template?

The Media Info detail is here:

General
Complete name : C:\Users\lon\Desktop\part 1.wmv
Format : Windows Media
File size : 482 MiB
Duration : 25mn 23s
Overall bit rate mode : Constant
Overall bit rate : 2 652 Kbps
Maximum Overall bit rate : 5 738 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2012-08-05 09:44:46.727
Cover : Y

Video
ID : 2
Format : VC-1
Format profile : MP@ML
Codec ID : WMV3
Codec ID/Info : Windows Media Video 9
Codec ID/Hint : WMV3
Description of the codec : Windows Media Video 9 - Professional
Duration : 25mn 23s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 5 500 Kbps
Width : 640 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate : 29.970 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Compression mode : Lossy
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.597
Stream size : 999 MiB
Language : English (US)

Audio
ID : 1
Format : WMA
Format version : Version 2
Codec ID : 161
Codec ID/Info : Windows Media Audio
Description of the codec : Windows Media Audio 9.2 - 192 kbps, 48 kHz, stereo (A/V) 1-pass CBR
Duration : 25mn 23s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 192 Kbps
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Bit depth : 16 bits
Stream size : 34.9 MiB (7%)
Language : English (US)


My goal is for a small file size with simple audio.

[videobruger]

HandBrake v 0.10.3.0 x64 accepts a similar wmv file just fine here. Info attached.. So what do you mean by

The latest Handbrake does not recognize WMV

[loninappleton]

Yes as I'm experimenting I saw that WMV came up as an empty window in my Handbrake.

I'm doing my samples (with some success) by dragging the wmv into the Handbrake window.

It does the encode and gives the sound with the autopassthrough setting at Audio. This content is very rough.
I'm shooting for a small file size since little can be done with it but it's worth saving.

While I'm in here, is there a simple to follow instruction to join multiple mp4's created this way?

I don't know the difference in append and any other modes available.

I have the MKVmerge GUI installed and have used that a bit

Thanks for answering: I can give the Handbrake version I'm using which seems to work, but let me confirm.
I'd also test it in Vidcoder.

Handbrake is 0.10.2.7286- 64 bit

I seem to be getting the desired file reduction and with audio using the above drag and drop with auto pass through.

If I have what amounts to a bad wedding shoot are there other settings I should try based on the MediaInfo?