Convert .mkv to MPEG for AppleTV using Quicktime Pro???

[ryankrameretc]

Ok so I have an .mkv file that I'd like to convert to mp4 so that I can watch it on my AppleTV. I have read a lot of forums and the trick is, apparently:

1. Buy Quicktime Pro - check
2. Install the Perian plugin - check
3. Open the .mkv in quicktime pro and save it as a .mov
4. Convert it to MP4

As far as I can tell, this process should work fine. However, when I open the MKV in quicktime, for some reason it chooses to play the wrong audio (its a blue ray rip and its only playing the audio with commentary). How do I switch the audio so that its ready for conversion?

I have already tried going view->languages->and selecting all fo the options. It doesnt change.

 

[jmann]

If it doesn't work you can always try using something like visualhub. I use that for all my video converting need. I think handbrake (free) might work too. There are a bunch of options.

 

[ryankrameretc]

Ok in case anyone runs into the same problem, I just figured it out. In quicktime, go to Window -> Show Movie Properties. There is a listing of all the audio track and you can enable whichever ones you like.

 

[Thomss]

I remember QT taking ages to encode, have you tried Handbrake to do this?

 

[mallbritton]

Handbrake 0.9.3 is THE best tool for this. One step, and you're done.

Regards,
Michael

 

[Sky Blue]

Handbrake 0.9.3 is THE best tool for this. One step, and you're done.

Regards,
Michael

Yup, and it's free.

 

[Tom Foolery]

I've been using handbreak to convert 720p mkv files to mp4. however there is a significant quality loss this way

 

[Thomss]

I've been using handbreak to convert 720p mkv files to mp4. however there is a significant quality loss this way

Not that Ive seen.
What settings are you using?

 

[Tom Foolery]

 

[northy124]

^^1300kbps you have to be kidding right, and you expect that to be HD you need at least 4000kbps.

 

[Tom Foolery]

i just used the preset settings in handbreak. i guess that's my problem

 

[mallbritton]

Indeed.

1. If you have not already done so upgrade to HB 0.9.3.
2. Then make sure you update all the Pre-sets by pulling down the "gear" menu, in the pre-sets drawer, and clicking "update built-in presets."
3. Use the AppleTV pre-set to encode your .mkv videos to .m4v. The ONLY change I made to that pre-set was in the Picture Settings I set Anamorphic to "strict" so the aspect ratio would always come out as 1280x720.

This will result in good looking HD encodes with little to no discernible loss in quality.

Regards,
Michael

 

[pmcb]

so in handbrake, i loaded up an mkv. and selected the "xbox" setting (thing is like my apple tv lol) and put the average bitrate at 4000 kbps. will i wake up to find a hd mp4 movie? i hope so. do i NEED to put the bitrate at 4000 kbps, i guess is my question.

edit: ETA is 61 DAYS?! errr...
edit: ok changed destination to my external hd. wow sure is time to replace this old macs hard drive.