Morning guys.
I’m looking at converting MKV files in Handbrake that are currently 256(ish) mb for a 23min episode
When I use my Mac’s Handbrake’s default settings on my mac, the output filesize for the 23min episode is around 600mb!!
I’ve not really been a part of the ripping or digital file scene for a while but I remember a good few years ago when I used to get copies of 45min TV programs they were around 300mb for an AVI so I must be a bit out with my settings to get a file size that big in this day and age.
The MKV is default 1080 which I don’t mind dropping down, the episode is a cartoon for my boy so I although I would like the quality decent, I’m happy for it not to be top notch!
Pretty sure it’s a lack of understanding compression etc but I’d really appreciate some help/pointers in reducing the output size
I don’t think those files actually ‘need’ a recode do they?
Swapping containers is a 10 second operation, add a minute or so if you want to alter the soundtrack… for instance, I just swapped 6 episodes from various shows (and one Movie) from MKV to MP4 while converting AC3 5.1 to AAC 2.0 while normalizing the audio to 89db and it took my machine 6 minutes. YMMV. A complete recode of that material would have taken 3 or 4 hours.
COPY Video Track - original quality untouched.
CONVERT Audio Track - swap formats, normalize gain.
MKV to MP4 container swap.
On the other hand, files that you do want to recode, reducing the quality and file size in the process, look at the bit rate of the original and lower the bit rate of your versions - if there’s enough bit rate to actually reduce it and end up with something that looks decent. Use a variable frame rate, the advanced tab with all the default settings in the High profile and figure at least 2500Kbps for 1080p, 2000Kbps for 720p and 1400Kbps for 480p. That should make decent copies at a reasonable file size… if you squash 'em any more than that results can be unpredictable.
Do NOT use any more than about 5 reference frames.
Sorry, forgot to put why I’m decoding!!
The files work great in Plex but my son’s room does not have network in order to have a box with Plex so he uses a USB stick direct and his 2015 Samsung 40" LED TV’s built in video player does not play the MKV files.
It’s states file not supported.
I am looking at getting a LAN by Mains adaptor for him to get network/internet to his room but for now I was just going to convert the files to MP4 which his TV has no problem playing
