Most video buffs, myself included, know of the power of the open-source application HandBrake. Oftentimes, we debate the best HandBrake settings for DVDs and other video sources. But before I get ahead of myself, I am very aware of the fact that not everyone may know what HandBrake really is. If you fall into this category, read on to know more.
You might have wondered how to use your laptop to convert videos from your phone or tablets, even your DVDs or Blu-ray discs, to available formats such as MP4 or MKV. This is in fact a valid feeling and one that you share with many other people around the world. Well, the answer to that inquisition is HANDBRAKE.
What You Need To Know About Handbrake
HandBrake, a post-product video transcoder, is available on most laptop operating systems including; Linux, Mac, and Windows. It is capable of carrying out a variety of functions which include the following:
- It converts video source formats to MP4 or MKV
- It can crop resize and improve low-quality videos
- It adjusts the volume and dynamic range for particular audio types
- It does not alter pre-existing subtitles
- Converts discrete surround sound to matrixed surround or stereo
- It reduces the size of large original files
It is important to note that the application does not combine video clips into one file. It also does not violate any copyright protection laws.
Having understood exactly what HandBrake is, the next thought would be ‘what are the best HandBrake settings for DVD?’. While this might be a subjective question. I still believe there are some ways one can be guided to make the best choice, which of course suits them.
The Best Handbrake Settings For DVD
A lot of factors depend on the choice of the individual. Certain questions can only be answered by you to have a seamless process of conversion. These questions are;
- What file size is needed?
- What file quality is expected?
- What are the minimum and maximum speed of encoding?
With the answers to these questions at hand, here are some suggestions on the best route to take when setting your HandBrake application.
Recommended HandBrake Settings for DVD Ripping:
When converting from DVD to MP4, you must take the resolution of each format into consideration. DVDs mostly come in resolutions of 480p and 576p. This means that when they are being converted to MP4, it is best to convert to that same resolution. This is because converting from480/576p, to let’s say 1080p, does not increase the quality as it is impossible to do so. It instead increases just the file size.
[General Settings] – Video codec: H.264 (x264) video; Encoder Profile: High
- HQ 480p30 Surround – Framerate: 30fps; Constant Quality: 18-20 Constant Rate Factor ; Encoder Preset: Slow; Encoder Level: 3.1
- Super HQ 480p30 Surround – Framerate: 30fps; Constant Quality: 16 Constant Rate Factor ; Encoder Preset: Very Slow; Encoder Level: 3.1
- HQ 576p25 Surround – Framerate: 25fps; Constant Quality: 18-20 Constant Rate Factor; Encoder Preset: Slow; Encoder Level: 3.1
- Super HQ 576p25 Surround – Framerate: 25fps; Constant Quality: 16 Constant Rate Factor; Encoder Preset: Very Slow; Encoder Level: 3.1
Recommended HandBrake Setting for Speedy DVD to MP4 Conversion
Lower resolution videos require simpler algorithms and take less time to convert, unlike a video with a larger resolution. This means that if you are comfortable with a lower resolution video, taking the fast route can serve you well.
[General Settings] – Video Codec: H.264 (x264)
- Very Fast 480p30 Surround – Framerate: 30 fps; Constant Quality: 20-22 Constant Rate Factor; Encoder Preset: Very fast/Superfast; Encoder Profile: Main; Encoder Level: 3.1
- Very Fast 576p25 Surround – Framerate: 25 fps; Constant Quality: 20-22 Constant Rate Factor; Encoder Preset: Very fast/Superfast; Encoder Profile: Main; Encoder Level: 3.1
- Fast 480p30 Surround – Framerate: 30 fps; Constant Quality: 20 Constant Rate Factor; Encoder Preset: Fast; Encoder Profile: Main; Encoder Level: 3.1
- Fast 576p25 Surround – Framerate: 25 fps; Constant Quality: 20 Constant Rate Factor; Encoder Preset: Fast; Encoder Profile: Main; Encoder Level: 3.1
While these are just suggestions, I am sure they will serve you well on your journey of video conversion.
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