Correct Handbrake settings for Apple Tv (current version_)

[Defender2010]

Hello, I've been reading through the forums on converting movie files to Apple TV format and there are a lot of conflicting arguments,,,,
Can someone tell me the correct Handbrake settings to convert my MKV (ranging from 2-6 GB each) for Apple TV. Will I use the Apple TV pre-set on Handbrake? Will the quality of each movie stay the same? They are 720p at the moment and I are amazing quality if played directly on a USB on my Samsung LE40C750. I would hate to convert them and then see a decrease in quality (especially not seeing the black "blocky" effect one can see on smaller files). I also want to keep the exact same aspect ratio for each movie........I know about file formats etc, but a little confused as to whether the Pre-set will work ok, or should I do some more tinkering with the settings. Also want the files to be playable on iPad2 also. Many thanks in advance!

 

[AdrianK]

ATV Preset should work. Though I would just use 4000kbps 2 pass rather than constant quality, but that's just me *waits for people to tell me CQ is the best thing since sliced bread*.

I highly suggest that you try a small sample first, then if that's not quite right, tweak the settings and try another sample. On windows it will ask you where to save the previews/samples, on OS X they're under user/you/library/Application Support/Handbrake.

Just so you know, you will notice a degradation in quality, encoding re-encodes of a source is not something I'd encourage but it's that's what you've got to work with...

 

[newagemac]

What's the issue? The Handbrake team has already thought all of this through and you are unnecessarily complicating things. Just use the new ATV2 preset. The HD files will also play on your iPad, iPhone 4, and latest iPod Touch.

 

[AdrianK]

The Handbrake team has already thought all of this through and you are unnecessarily complicating things.

There is no right or wrong answer to the compromise between filesize and quality, it's personal preference.

 

[peterjcat]

That's true, but CQ is still the best thing since sliced bread

 

[AdrianK]

*shakes fist*

Just tried ATV2 on a scene from The Bourne Ultimatum (sourced from VC1 1080p bluray), the resultant output was video at 1300kbps. I think I've made my point.

 

[newagemac]

There is no right or wrong answer to the compromise between filesize and quality, it's personal preference.

That's true. And yes you can tweak settings per movie to get it just right for your tastes but based on the OP's clear confusion and appearing to just want a general setting that works very well and supports his iPad, then he should be using the ATV2 preset.

 

[Omne666]

*shakes fist*

Just tried ATV2 on a scene from The Bourne Ultimatum (sourced from VC1 1080p bluray), the resultant output was video at 1300kbps. I think I've made my point.

Dont burst my bubble!!! I rely on the HB team to lead my in the right direction!!

If someone now shows me that the ATV2 Preset isnt the best thing since sliced bread......*shudder*.....it really will mean 2012 is nigh!!!!!

*SLICED BREAD* *SLICED BREAD* *SLICED BREAD*

 

[Alrescha]

*shakes fist*

Just tried ATV2 on a scene from The Bourne Ultimatum (sourced from VC1 1080p bluray), the resultant output was video at 1300kbps. I think I've made my point.

I don't think you have. Depending on the scene and the content, 1.3Mbps might have been overkill.

A.

 

[AdrianK]

I don't think you have. Depending on the scene and the content, 1.3Mbps might have been overkill.

A.

I did try some other scenes, and notices higher average bitrates, though as I'd seen on previous tests of RF 20 there were obvious compression artefacts (though not as bad as I've seen previously with RF20 on another BD).

 

[lucinosferatu]

I've been converting my entire library for the apple tv/ipad, and I've tried everything that can be suggested.
What I've found to work the BEST regarding mkv's and avi's is mkvtools. It seems that most MKV(and AVI) video is encoded with mpeg 4, so converting the video via handbrake is a waste of time. in MKVtools you can just use the apple tv preset (under mp4 tab), and choose to bypass video encoding, and only convert the audio to aac. You can select 2 ch, 5.1 ch, etc if the source supports it. It will extract both video and audio, convert the audio, and mux it all back together in an m4v container. Run it through Identify 2 for tagging and covers.
This process has probably saved me a month worth or conversion, as most video doesn't actually need to be converted.

 

[pslice]

Which HB settings work for both ATV1 and ATV2?

I have an AppleTV 1st and 2nd and was wondering if someone has some HandBrake settings that will work for both generations of AppleTV. Don't really want to dump my ATV1 for this reason. Thanks

 

[Tech198]

*shakes fist*.

lol. !

Yep... I just stick with the the default presest.. File size, roughly is about 1.4 Gig

I favour quality anyday, while keeping compression (reletevly) small.

Plus, 1.4 Gig is, basically nothing ,with 25 movies, weather its 500Gig or 3TB Hard drive.