What are ppl's arguments for their preferred hanbrake appletv preset?

[marcel-v]

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Just wondering which to use:

#1 appletv legacy?
#2 appletv (under appletv tab)?
#3 high profile?

I encourage people to elaborate/reason for their choice.

Cheers, Marcel.

 

[NightStorm]

High Profile

Provides a high quality encode that is smaller in size when compared to the AppleTV preset due to the use of advanced x264 features (this hurts device compatibility, but all of my devices -- iMac, iPhone 4, AppleTV v2 -- can playback these files).

My custom default preset varies slightly from the high profile (audio, filters, anamorphic), but the meat of the preset -- x264 options -- are the same. For example, I tend to only enable detelecine and decomb filters for non-HDDVD/Bluray content.

 

[canyonblue737]

For A4 CPU devices (iPhone/iPad/AppleTV2) the following is OUTSTANDING:

1. High Profile [Best setting in Handbrake, but doesn't work on iPhone 3G or the old Apple TV]
2. RF of 19 for DVD, 20-22 for Bluray. [Smaller numbers are HIGHER quality, but lower than 18 gets no real increase in the quality you can see but will quickly exceed the original size of the DVD or Bluray, don't do it! These values create great transfers with reasonable, in some cases outstandingly small sizes, I use 20 for Bluray as I don't mind using a bit more space, but 21-22 are good too, try it.]
3. Framerate NTSC 29.97 and check the "Peak Framerate Box" [This tells Handbrake to use the NATIVE frame rate of the source unless it exceeds 29.97 in which case it would limit it to 29.97 which makes sure you stay compatible.]
4. Check the "Large File" box. [This helps with compatibility if your file exceeds 4GB, in most cases it won't.]
5. Add second audio track under Audio tab for Passthrough or DTS conversion if you are using the Apple TV connected to a surround system. [Important if you ever intend to use the file with a surround system, otherwise omit this.]
6. Under picture tab select "Anamorphic" and "Strict" for DVD, or "Anamorphic NONE" and set the width to 1280 for Bluray with the keep ratio box checked. [Experts now feels Strict is better than Loose Anamorphic for DVD (that's a change from the past) and there is no Anamorphic for Blurays so turn it off. 1280 for Blurays makes your files 720p for size and compatibility, ATV2 will convert 1080p files but there are hiccups that make it not worth try to push beyond the stated spec.]
7. Add detelcine, decomb filters for DVD, *NO* filters for Bluray. [DVDs can use a bit of help from the filters, which only kick in if they feel they are needed, while Bluray sources are so clean you actually hurt the image and slow encoding if you leave them on.]

Really incredible, small but beautiful files from this much better than the current presets.

 

[newagemac]

I would also add to use one of the latest Handbrake nightlies (from at least the middle of October) because I think that is when DTS audio conversion to AC3 was added which is necessary these days for getting surround sound from Blu Rays. It also fixes a few bugs and issues found on the current stable release.

 

[jamesschmidtke]

i use apple leagcy cuz it plays on p3 nicely as well. I got plenty of hd space so I don't care too much about file size. Would be interested in a high quality alternative though

 

[Omne666]

For A4 CPU devices (iPhone/iPad/AppleTV2) the following is OUTSTANDING:

1. High Profile [Best setting in Handbrake, but doesn't work on iPhone 3G or the old Apple TV]
2. RF of 19 for DVD, 20-22 for Bluray. [Smaller numbers are HIGHER quality, but lower than 18 gets no real increase in the quality you can see but will quickly exceed the original size of the DVD or Bluray, don't do it! These values create great transfers with reasonable, in some cases outstandingly small sizes, I use 20 for Bluray as I don't mind using a bit more space, but 21-22 are good too, try it.]
3. Framerate NTSC 29.97 and check the "Peak Framerate Box" [This tells Handbrake to use the NATIVE frame rate of the source unless it exceeds 29.97 in which case it would limit it to 29.97 which makes sure you stay compatible.]
4. Check the "Large File" box. [This helps with compatibility if your file exceeds 4GB, in most cases it won't.]
5. Add second audio track under Audio tab for Passthrough or DTS conversion if you are using the Apple TV connected to a surround system. [Important if you ever intend to use the file with a surround system, otherwise omit this.]
6. Under picture tab select "Anamorphic" and "Strict" for DVD, or "Anamorphic NONE" and set the width to 1280 for Bluray with the keep ratio box checked. [Experts now feels Strict is better than Loose Anamorphic for DVD (that's a change from the past) and there is no Anamorphic for Blurays so turn it off. 1280 for Blurays makes your files 720p for size and compatibility, ATV2 will convert 1080p files but there are hiccups that make it not worth try to push beyond the stated spec.]
7. Add detelcine, decomb filters for DVD, *NO* filters for Bluray. [DVDs can use a bit of help from the filters, which only kick in if they feel they are needed, while Bluray sources are so clean you actually hurt the image and slow encoding if you leave them on.]

Really incredible, small but beautiful files from this much better than the current presets.

WOW!

Possibly the best explanation ive ever seen of high profile. My congrats.
I actually grasp why I'm changing some settings!

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Can someone give an example of the file size difference between High Profile, and AppleTV?

The entire time, I've been using AppleTV, Format: MP4 File, Video Codec: H.264, Frame Rate: Same as source, RF: 20 Constant Quality of 60.78%, and the Picture setting is 720p width.

So, just curious on the file size difference between the settings ive been using and the High Profile setting.

I've ripped over dozens of dvds thus far, I don't wanna have to go back and redo them all

 

[ngenerator]

Universal. I want my file to work on my iPhone, iPad and AppleTV seamlessly.

add: if it turns out the mp4 isn't good enough quality for my ATV, I just end up copying the AVI file to my PS3 and watching it that way. It's not too annoying, just so long as I'm not copying an entire season of a show over.

 

[From A Buick 8]

Can someone give an example of the file size difference between High Profile, and AppleTV?

The entire time, I've been using AppleTV, Format: MP4 File, Video Codec: H.264, Frame Rate: Same as source, RF: 20 Constant Quality of 60.78%, and the Picture setting is 720p width.

So, just curious on the file size difference between the settings ive been using and the High Profile setting.

I've ripped over dozens of dvds thus far, I don't wanna have to go back and redo them all

Same boat as you, i have about 100 riped using the ATV preset, and did my first batch this morning using the high profile setting above.

I will look tonight and see what the difference is in file size.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

Same boat as you, i have about 100 riped using the ATV preset, and did my first batch this morning using the high profile setting above.

I will look tonight and see what the difference is in file size.

I don't think it will be that big of a difference. My Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is just 2.68 GB, and the film length is 3 hrs 21 mins long.

For perspective, I got 74 movies, which is 5.4 Days of film, and just 70.62 GB. I don't really have a problem with this, since my iMac is 500GB, and I got an external HD (used for backing up files, so its pretty much still 500GB).

But I haven't noticed my computer slowing down or anything. I have less than 175GB used and over 325GB of space left.

 

[NicoleRichie]

For A4 CPU devices (iPhone/iPad/AppleTV2) the following is OUTSTANDING:

1. High Profile [Best setting in Handbrake, but doesn't work on iPhone 3G or the old Apple TV]
2. RF of 19 for DVD, 20-22 for Bluray. [Smaller numbers are HIGHER quality, but lower than 18 gets no real increase in the quality you can see but will quickly exceed the original size of the DVD or Bluray, don't do it! These values create great transfers with reasonable, in some cases outstandingly small sizes, I use 20 for Bluray as I don't mind using a bit more space, but 21-22 are good too, try it.]
3. Framerate NTSC 29.97 and check the "Peak Framerate Box" [This tells Handbrake to use the NATIVE frame rate of the source unless it exceeds 29.97 in which case it would limit it to 29.97 which makes sure you stay compatible.]
4. Check the "Large File" box. [This helps with compatibility if your file exceeds 4GB, in most cases it won't.]
5. Add second audio track under Audio tab for Passthrough or DTS conversion if you are using the Apple TV connected to a surround system. [Important if you ever intend to use the file with a surround system, otherwise omit this.]
6. Under picture tab select "Anamorphic" and "Strict" for DVD, or "Anamorphic NONE" and set the width to 1280 for Bluray with the keep ratio box checked. [Experts now feels Strict is better than Loose Anamorphic for DVD (that's a change from the past) and there is no Anamorphic for Blurays so turn it off. 1280 for Blurays makes your files 720p for size and compatibility, ATV2 will convert 1080p files but there are hiccups that make it not worth try to push beyond the stated spec.]
7. Add detelcine, decomb filters for DVD, *NO* filters for Bluray. [DVDs can use a bit of help from the filters, which only kick in if they feel they are needed, while Bluray sources are so clean you actually hurt the image and slow encoding if you leave them on.]

Really incredible, small but beautiful files from this much better than the current presets.

I like this, I think I will give it a try.

 

[Omne666]

Can someone give an example of the file size difference between High Profile, and AppleTV?

The entire time, I've been using AppleTV, Format: MP4 File, Video Codec: H.264, Frame Rate: Same as source, RF: 20 Constant Quality of 60.78%, and the Picture setting is 720p width.

So, just curious on the file size difference between the settings ive been using and the High Profile setting.

I've ripped over dozens of dvds thus far, I don't wanna have to go back and redo them all

720p is the height for HD, not the width. Obviously with DVDs not a big issue as they don't hit the HD world, but just so you know, full HD is 1920x1080, HD is 1280x720. That's width by height.

 

[Mr. Incredible]

720p is the height for HD, not the width. Obviously with DVDs not a big issue as they don't hit the HD world, but just so you know, full HD is 1920x1080, HD is 1280x720. That's width by height.

My apologies. 720p height. So, that basically means that all the content that I'm getting in my itunes is 720p, correct?

What I don't understand is this. My The Dark Knight Blu-Ray is Full HD (1920x1080), but it came with a Digital Copy. So when I put the Digital Copy code in iTunes, the format is 853x480, what gives?!

It's not even regular HD! So if the Digital Copy isn't even Full HD or HD, than why buy Blu-Ray movies with digital copies? The more logical thing seems to just buy dvd's with digital copies (if there is such a thing, not so sure yet).

 

[marcel-v]

3. Framerate NTSC 29.97 and check the "Peak Framerate Box" [This tells Handbrake to use the NATIVE frame rate of the source unless it exceeds 29.97 in which case it would limit it to 29.97 which makes sure you stay compatible.]

Do you know if an Australian bought AppleTV 2 supports both PAL and NTSC encoded mp4s or just PAL? As I suspect the AppleTV here (Australia) would most likely be PAL.

 

[NightStorm]

My apologies. 720p height. So, that basically means that all the content that I'm getting in my itunes is 720p, correct?

What I don't understand is this. My The Dark Knight Blu-Ray is Full HD (1920x1080), but it came with a Digital Copy. So when I put the Digital Copy code in iTunes, the format is 853x480, what gives?!

It's not even regular HD! So if the Digital Copy isn't even Full HD or HD, than why buy Blu-Ray movies with digital copies? The more logical thing seems to just buy dvd's with digital copies (if there is such a thing, not so sure yet).

Digital copies provided by the studios are meant for playback on portable devices; 853x480 is the same as you would download from iTunes in SD.

 

[marcel-v]

Digital copies provided by the studios are meant for playback on portable devices; 853x480 is the same as you would download from iTunes in SD.

Nobody cares about purchased digital copies pal or about plugging iTunes available purchases. We're talking about handbrake encoded movies incase you didn't read the subject of this thread.

 

[NightStorm]

Nobody cares about purchased digital copies pal or about plugging iTunes available purchases. We're talking about handbrake encoded movies incase you didn't read the subject of this thread.

Calm down, I was answering a question in the post that was quoted. I know what the thread is about, I was the first person to reply with an answer to your original post.

 

[tevans333]

So what is the difference/benfits between using a constant bitrate vs a variable bit rate. When variable is chosen it gives the option to make 2 passes at the encode, wouldn't this yeild a better result if process time isn't an issue?

 

[NightStorm]

So what is the difference/benfits between using a constant bitrate vs a variable bit rate. When variable is chosen it gives the option to make 2 passes at the encode, wouldn't this yeild a better result if process time isn't an issue?

Constant quality allows the encoder to use as little or as much bitrate as necessary to deliver a certain level of quality. So, less complex scenes take less bits to encode while more complex scenes use more. The algorithms used by x264 to make these determinations are very mature and will yield a constant quality throughout the encode at the expense of being able to estimate final encode file size. Sometimes the resulting file will be smaller than a file encoded using average bitrate, sometimes it will be larger.

 

[tevans333]

Constant quality allows the encoder to use as little or as much bitrate as necessary to deliver a certain level of quality. So, less complex scenes take less bits to encode while more complex scenes use more. The algorithms used by x264 to make these determinations are very mature and will yield a constant quality throughout the encode at the expense of being able to estimate final encode file size. Sometimes the resulting file will be smaller than a file encoded using average bitrate, sometimes it will be larger.

Thanks that makes perfect sense. Is it possible that a scene would be so complex that the bit rate would exceed what any of the A4 devices are capable of assuming an RF setting for bluray of 20?

Also, going by the above description and settings by canyonblue737 for DVD, would this yield a quality equal to the original DVD? I have a bunch of DVDs that I'd like to encode, but want to keep 100% of the quality, encode time and file size are of no concern.

 

[NightStorm]

Thanks that makes perfect sense. Is it possible that a scene would be so complex that the bit rate would exceed what any of the A4 devices are capable of assuming an RF setting for bluray of 20?

Also, going by the above description and settings by canyonblue737 for DVD, would this yield a quality equal to the original DVD? I have a bunch of DVDs that I'd like to encode, but want to keep 100% of the quality, encode time and file size are of no concern.

So far, I haven't been able to find a Bluray/HD source that exhibited stuttering when encoded at RF20 for any of my A4 devices (iPhone 4, ATV v2). I believe others have tried much lower RF values with similar results, but honestly you won't notice much difference going lower than 20... other than bloated file sizes.

For DVDs, most Handbrake devs/contributors feel that RF 19.5-19.25 is pretty much transparent quality for DVDs. As stated above, you'll see negligible different in quality going below RF 20 for HDDVD/Bluray (with most recommending 22-21).

 

[tevans333]

I just encoded my first bluray using the above method and an RF setting of 20 and the picture looks great. I was very surprised at the file size though. I converted Iron Man 2 which is 2 hours and 7 minutes long and the file was only about 3GB in size. The source stream was originally 35GB. Is this the file size that should be expected? I was expecting something more in the 6-8GB range.

 

[techguy40]

High Profile

Provides a high quality encode that is smaller in size when compared to the AppleTV preset due to the use of advanced x264 features (this hurts device compatibility, but all of my devices -- iMac, iPhone 4, AppleTV v2 -- can playback these files).

My custom default preset varies slightly from the high profile (audio, filters, anamorphic), but the meat of the preset -- x264 options -- are the same. For example, I tend to only enable detelecine and decomb filters for non-HDDVD/Bluray content.

I agree with high profile. Always get the latest handbrake nightly build.

Filters off works great for standard DVD too.

I use RF 18.

 

[emaja]

I converted Iron Man 2 which is 2 hours and 7 minutes long and the file was only about 3GB in size. The source stream was originally 35GB. Is this the file size that should be expected? I was expecting something more in the 6-8GB range.

That's about what I get for a 2 hour movie with those same HB settings. I too was impressed - and surprised - by the small file size.

 

[tommylotto]

I use the AppleTV preset because I have 2 old AppleTV's and I need the compatibility. Also, with widescreen HD material, I take advantage of Handbrake's custom anamorphic setting. I max out the resolution at exactly 1280x720 and keep the aspect ratio. This trick will give you a simulated horizontal resolution in the 1700's and a real vertical resolution of 720 instead of approximately 544. This trick gives you much higher resolution when watching the file on a computer or old AppleTV. Unfortunately, the new AppleTV is limited to 720p output. So it cannot take advantage of this trick, but it plays the files perfectly.