A program Handbrake is a fantastic tool that can be used to convert or re-encode large video files to the mp4 format and address problems with a video clip's resolution or initial encoding. By using the handbrake encoder tool, we can save our disk space, because of that we can store more data in it.
Video technology has undergone massive evolution in the past couple of decades. This growth has been simultaneous with the rapid growth and development of the internet.
In the most basic sense of the term, video encoding is the process of converting RAW video files to digital files so that they are not saved as individual images but as fluid videos.
Firstly, we need to understand "What is Video Encoding?"
In the most basic sense of the term, video encoding is the process of converting RAW video files to digital files so that they are not saved as individual images but as fluid videos.
Encoding can also be used as an umbrella term to describe similar processes relating to altering the size of a video file. Both video encoding and encoding often refer to the same process.
Here’s a definition of video encoding that summarizes this well:
“In video editing and production, video encoding is the process of preparing the video for output, where the digital video is encoded to meet proper formats and specifications for recording and playback through the use of video encoder software.”
Now, we are moving towards to understand "What is Video Re-encoding?"
Re-encoding is a two-step process in which the original data is decoded to an intermediate uncompressed format (e.g., PCM for audio; YUV for video), which is then encoded into the target format.
One may also re-encode data in the same format, for a number of reasons:
1. Editing
If one wishes to edit data in a compressed format (for instance, perform image editing on a JPEG image), one will generally decode it, edit it, then re-encode it. This re-encoding causes digital generation loss; thus, if one wishes to edit a file repeatedly, one should only decode it once, and make all edits on that copy, rather than repeatedly re-encoding it.
Similarly, if encoding to a lossy format is required, it should be deferred until the data is finalized, e.g., after mastering.
2. Lower bitrate
Translating is a process similar to re-encoding or transcoding in which files are coded to a lower bitrate without changing video formats, this can include sample rate conversion, but may use an identical sampling rate with higher compression.
This allows one to fit given media into smaller storage space (for instance, fitting a DVD onto a Video CD), or over a lower bandwidth channel.
3. Image scaling
Changing the picture size of video is known as transsizing, and is used if the output resolution differs from the resolution of the media. On a powerful enough device, image scaling can be done on playback, but it can also be done by re-encoding, particularly as part of transrating (such as a downsampled image requiring a lower bitrate).
One can also use formats with bitrate peeling, that allow one to easily lower the bitrate without re-encoding, but quality is often lower than a re-encode. For example, in Vorbis bitrate peeling as of 2008, the quality is inferior to re-encoding.
Step by step instructions are listed below to re-encode the video:
Instructions are divided into TWO parts:
1. For Windows
2. For MAC
Instructions to re-encode video files on a Windows:
1. For ease of locating the files you wish to convert in Handbrake, we recommend placing them on the Desktop first, then opening Handbrake.
2. When the program first opens, you'll launch right into it!
3. If you have the file, you're looking to convert readily available, you can just drag it right into the centre window. If not, you can use the tools on the left side of the screen to find it. The left tab asks if you would like to batch convert multiple files at once, or a single file. This article will cover single files (so please choose that tab). Please contact support@vidswap.com if you would like instructions on how to batch convert files.
4. Navigate through your computer to find the files you wish to convert/re-encode. You choose one file at a time to convert/re-encode. If you have more than one file to convert/re-encode, you can build a queue of files that Handbrake will automatically work its way through (see below).
5. Select the file you want and press 'Open' to pull the file into Handbrake to convert/re-encode.
6. After selecting the file, you wish to convert/re-encode, you should check all the settings before pressing the 'Start Encode' button.
7. The clip info of your Source video file will be displayed at the very top of the window; the properties of the file you are re-encoding will be displayed to the left of the video preview window.
8. The name of the file and the location on your computer that it will be saved to (both are editable) are listed at the very bottom of the screen.
9. Press the 'Dimensions' tab in the middle-left of the screen to view the resolution information. The resolutions of both the source video as well as the file you'll be creating are listed here.
10. You can change the output resolution if needed by clicking into the 'Width' and 'Height' fields and entering new values. Those changes will be reflected in the Output 'Display Size'.
11. When you're ready to re-encode your video file, click on the green 'Start Encode' button in the middle-left of the top of the page.
12. If you have other files you want to convert/re-encode, you can 'queue them up' while your first file is running through. Press the 'Open Source' button (in the upper left corner) to locate and select the video you wish to convert/re-encode:
13. Repeat steps 2-5 above, but instead of pressing 'Start Encode', press the 'Add to Queue' button.
14. After the files are converted/re-encoded, they're good to upload!
Instructions to re-encode video files on a MAC:
1. For ease of locating the files you wish to convert in Handbrake, we recommend placing them on the Desktop first, then opening Handbrake.
2. When the program first opens, you'll launch right into it! Navigate through your computer to find the files you wish to convert/re-encode. You choose one file at a time to convert/re-encode. If you have more than one file to convert/re-encode, you can build a queue of files that Handbrake will automatically work its way through (see below).
3. Press 'Open' to pull the file into Handbrake to convert/re-encode:
4. After selecting the video file, you wish to convert/re-encode, check all the settings before pressing the 'Start' button to begin re-encoding.
5. The clip info of your Source video file will be displayed at the very top of the window; the properties of the file you are re-encoding will be displayed to the left of the video preview window.
6. The name of the file and the location on your computer that it will be saved to (both are editable) are listed at the very bottom of the screen.
7. Press the 'Dimensions' tab in the middle of the screen to view the resolution information. The resolutions of both the source video as well as the file you'll be creating are listed here.
8. You can change the output resolution if needed by clicking into the 'Storage Size' fields and entering new values. Those changes will be reflected in the 'Display Size' boxes.
9. When you're ready to re-encode your video file, click on the green 'Start' button in the middle-left of the top of the page.
10. If you have other files you want to convert/re-encode, you can 'queue them up' while your first file is running through. Press the 'Open Source' button (in the upper left corner) to locate and select the video you wish to convert/re-encode:
11. Repeat steps 2 & 3 above, but instead of pressing 'Start', press the 'Add to Queue' button.
12. After the files are converted/re-encoded, they're good to upload!
There are some instructions to Stripping out the audio track:
Stripping out the audio track on a Windows:
On occasion, your video files will be fine but an audio corruption will cause an encoding error. In these instances, your video can still be used if you delete the audio track and upload the corruption-free file(s).
1. After opening Handbrake and selecting a Source file (see steps 1 - 4, above), click on the 'Audio' tab in the middle of the screen:
2 To wipe the audio track from the video clip, click on either the 'Clear' button or the red "x" on the far-right edge of the audio track list:
3. Review your 'Picture' / resolution settings one more time by clicking on the 'Summary' tab, and press the 'Start Encode' or 'Add to Queue' button to begin re-encoding the video without the audio track.
Stripping out the audio track ON A MAC:
On occasion, your video files will be fine but an audio corruption might cause an encoding error. In these instances, your video can still be used by deleting the audio track and uploading the corruption-free file(s).
1. After opening Handbrake and selecting a Source file (see steps 1 - 3, above), click on the 'Audio' tab in the middle of the screen:
2. Click on the chevrons associated with the file's audio track:
3. Select the 'None' option (to set that as the audio that will re-encode with the video file). This will strip the audio from the video file:
4. If your video settings are ready to go (see "To re-encode video files ON A MAC" section above), press the 'Start' or 'Add To Queue' button to begin re-encoding the video without the audio track.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Why should I re-encode or convert my files?
Good question. Re-encoding your files is a good option to turn to if:
1. You're running into frequent 'encoding failure' notifications after uploading your video.
2. The resolutions or file sizes of the footage you wish to upload are huge.
3. The type of video file you have is unorthodox or unrecognised.
Re-encoding a video can take some time, but depending on the type of video file you have it can also result in an mp4 file MUCH smaller than- and of comparable quality to - the original. Time spent re-encoding can MORE than pay for itself in upload time and headache saved.
2. Does re-encoding loss quality?
Re-encoding almost always results in some loss of quality but with the proper settings the loss can be virtually unnoticeable. It's a good idea to minimise unnecessary re-encoding but not the end of the world.
3. What is the best quality setting for HandBrake?
RF 19-23 for 720p High Definition. RF 20-24 for 1080p Full High Definition. RF 22-28 for 2160p 4K Ultra High Definition.
Word’s winding up:
Re-encoding video is the best way to maintain your video quality as it is. In this article, I cover How to Re-Encode video on HandBrake in windows as well as on Mac. So, I hope you get all the stuff that you are looking for.
If you need more about HandBrake let me know in the comment section. I'll try to cover it.
We hope that you will find it very useful.
Thank you!!
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