I know there are a few threads about this but they are from a few years ago. Does anyone know of a way to convert a 720p MKV to an Apple TV compatible format while keeping the HD quality and surround sound? Other threads suggest Visual Hub but that has been since discontinued, the developer has moved on. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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MKV to Apple TV
- Thread starter mgmusicman94
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I assume not one of those threads found via MRoogle has helped you?
Btw, just because VisualHub is no longer maintained, doesn't mean it doesn't work anymore. I see many posts where it still gets mentioned.
And yes to Handbrake too. Just tried it, and it works like a charm, I could open a transcoded .mp4 file in iTunes and play it.
Make sure you use the right Picture Settings.
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from https://macrumors.zendesk.com/hc/en-us#Minor_Problems
Btw, just because VisualHub is no longer maintained, doesn't mean it doesn't work anymore. I see many posts where it still gets mentioned.
And yes to Handbrake too. Just tried it, and it works like a charm, I could open a transcoded .mp4 file in iTunes and play it.
Make sure you use the right Picture Settings.
Bumping within 72 minutes is not really welcome.
Bumps.
Posts that bring a thread to the top of the New Posts list but add no content to the thread (bumps) are not permitted. This applies not only to posts that say "bump" but to those with the intent to bump, e.g. posts saying "anyone?" or the equivalent.
from https://macrumors.zendesk.com/hc/en-us#Minor_Problems
No, like I said, I looked at those threads and didn't find them helpful. I know VisualHub might still work but since it's no longer maintained I can't find a download link anywhere because every website links back to the developer's website where there is no download. You say I can use HandBrake if I use the right picture settings, but what are those picture settings!? I've tried the Apple TV preset but it doesn't optimize the HD and surround sound.
Use the Apple TV preset, then open PICTURE SETTINGS and set the width to match the source width (1280 if the footage is 720p, 1920 if it is 1080i/p).
For audio go to the AUDIO tab and select 6-channel discrete or Dolby (Pro Logic or Surround) from the MIXDOWN menu.
That should do it.
As I understand it, the current 
tv only supports 1280x720 when the frame rate is 24fps (film). With television content (30fps), the resolution is lower.
So if you select 30fps content at 1280x720, how does thetv handle it? Does it downscale it, or does it refuse to play it?
tv only supports 1280x720 when the frame rate is 24fps (film). With television content (30fps), the resolution is lower. So if you select 30fps content at 1280x720, how does the
tv handle it? Does it downscale it, or does it refuse to play it?Itune will not transfer it to the atv. for 30 fps you need to use 960 x 540So if you select 30fps content at 1280x720, how does the
There is an app called iSquint that actually rips about 2-3x faster than Handbrake. There is the odd file it doesn't rip though but most work fine. Handbrake is better for it's versatility but also doesn't rip everything.
For AppleTV rips just choose the "Optimize for TV" option. Leaving it at standard quality on the slider will keep it at least 90% the quality of the original.
For AppleTV rips just choose the "Optimize for TV" option. Leaving it at standard quality on the slider will keep it at least 90% the quality of the original.
Actually, AppleTV can handle anamorphic HD content. So, with 24 fps material, you can set the resolution in Handbrake to 1280 x 720 with a custom anamorphic setting. If you keep the aspect ratio it will give you an effective resolution of 1623 (or thereabouts) x 720 that will play beautifully on AppleTV.
I tried iSquint a few days ago with an avi to atv conversion and it got stuck at "Less than one minute left" for about a half an hour so I stopped it. I haven't tried iSquint for MKV but I have with some other files and it has worked.