video file conversions.

[lori5060]

recently I had occasion to convert avi and dmv files to mp4...I used app "total video converter-lite".
I have used this several times before and have had no problems.

I have a question about the Codec and bitrate differences between these files.
the avi file showed in conversion screen:
Video Codec: cinepak
Audio Codec: ppm_s16le
W;600 H:400
Bitrate: 9035kbps

once converted to mp4
Video codec: libx264
Audio Codec: libbfaac
W:480 H:320
Bitrate: 758kbps

I have no knowledge a bout these things:
can anyone tell me if I need to be concerned as far as the quality of the newly converted avi to mp4 file.

 

[lclev]

First - how does the converted video look when you play it? Does it look good for the purposes that you want it for? If so - all is good.

Now for what is important. You're taking a video shot at 600x400 using an uncompressed avi format and shrinking it to 480x320 using a compressed mp4 format. This results in a Reduced bitrate rate which shrinks the size of the file and reduce the quality of the video if it will be shown on large screens. The smaller size - both of the video and it's file, is actually a better for posting on facebook or sending to someone's phone.

It really depends on what you plan to use the video for. When I capture videos I am using a mac so it uses an uncompressed file format (.mov). That way I get the best quality I can. Then I edit it and the file that gets posted to YouTube will be in an mp4 format. This greatly reduces the file size from something like 12Gb to 2Gb. All of it will be the same size - width and height. Most people will never see the difference.

I hope this helps. BTW: my favorite converting program is Handbrake. It is highly customizable.

Lisa

 

[lori5060]

thnx.....both .mov and .mp4 look okay and will do for my purposes.

helpful info on using .mov files first for editing if need be for uploading to internet etc.
for me, I just wanted to be able to put on thumb drive to show friends....

 

[lori5060]

and is the link to download handbrake....handbrake.fr...open source?

 

[lclev]

Yes handbrake is open sourced. This is the link: HandBrake: Open Source Video Transcoder

Lisa

 

[Ethaaaan]

Thanks for your recommendation. But I'm a beginner and it's not the easiest software to use. Anything more intuitive?

 

[lori5060]

Thanks for your recommendation. But I'm a beginner and it's not the easiest software to use. Anything more intuitive?

I have not yet used handbrake for converting. I have downloaded it and that is about it. one of these days I will work on it again.
FYI for a quick easy convert, I still use Total Video Converter and works most of the times.

 

[ferrarr]

Thanks for your recommendation. But I'm a beginner and it's not the easiest software to use. Anything more intuitive?

Maybe start a new thread with what it is you want to do? You've replied to a few different threads with "thanks for the recommendations".