This guide explains the most important settings when converting HD/UHD videos to high quality videos using the H.265 codec. H.265 aka HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) is a video compression standard and basically the successor of H.264 aka AVC (Advanced Video Coding). H.265 offers a better compression rate (2:1 in comparison to H.264) still utilizing the same video quality. It also supports UHD resolutions up to 8K UHD which seems to be a good choice for the future.
Even though a newer and more efficient video codec (H.266, also called VCC) has been finalized in 2020, it’s currently not available in Handbrake.
So before we start to convert videos, there is one important thing to consider:
What’s the best option: MP4 or MKV video containers?
MP4 is used by a lot of mobile devices out of compatibility reasons, and the video file size is generally much smaller than MKV files. This is mainly because the video quality (maximum resolution) is limited. Video and audio codecs which can be used within the container are restricted (defined by MPEG). If you would like to stream your videos online and don’t care about quality, MP4 might be the better choice for you.
MKV is more flexible in regards for choosing the correct audio and video codec. It supports video resolutions designed for HD and UHD videos. If you don’t care about file sizes and extensive compatibility and care about video quality, MKV should be you choice.
Preparations
The following tools are needed:
- Use your favorite tool to backup the content of your DVD/Blu-ray disc to your hard disk:
- MovieRescuer (freeware but no longer developed)
- MakeMKV (freeware / trial, depending on the status of the BETA version)
- AnyDVD HD (trial)
- Handbrake to convert your videos
Using Handbrake
Select Blu-ray Disc (if AnyDVD runs in the background) or preferably the folder containing your video files as source.
Select the right Matroska preset based on the video resolution of your video input file, and modify it to create your own one 😉
Video Settings
Video Framerate
If you don’t have any needs to downsize/convert your input resolution, keep the same dimensions as your input source.
Video Quality
If the source is based on a HD video (720p), use a setting between 19 and 23
If the source is based on a Full HD video (1080p), use a setting between 20 and 24
If the source is based on 4K UHD (2160p), use a setting between 22 and 28
NOTE:
A lower rate factor (RF) produces videos in higher quality!
A reasonable value is 20, which results into really high quality HD videos. This value should be increased when dealing with UHD videos, to avoid extremely large video files which can cause problems during their playback.
These recommendations are based on Handbrake’s recommended quality settings.
Audio Settings
Audio Options
Pass Thru options copy the audio bit-for-bit from its source which means, it offers no loss in audio quality. Audio tracks can be quite large and can impact the final size of the output file.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) is lossy, but as an international standard (ISO) it is widely supported by media players and mobile devices. AAC provides better audio quality than AC3 with the same bitrate, especially on low bitrates. Its high efficient compression ratio is also better than AC3.
AC3 (Dolby Digital – Audio Compression 3) is lossy and older than AAC and is widely used in DVDs and Blu-ray discs. Dolby Digital enthusiasts might still go for this option to enjoy the full effects of their theater systems.
DTS (Digital Theater Systems) is lossless and provides a better sound quality than AC3/AAC. Is is mainly used on DVDs while DTS HD is used on Blu-ray discs . It is “louder” than lossy codecs but needs also more space.
Audio Bitrate
For good results use 256 kbps (can also be worse like 160 kbps, but don’t go below)
The mixdown is set to Dolby ProLogic II by default, which sounds good on both stereo and multi-channel audio systems. If you want the true experience you can choose the appropriate channel surround option.
Subtitle Settings
A default subtitle track is added by default. You should keep it as it is (having the “Forced Only” and “Burn In” options enabled) to keep the basic subtitle track. This subtitle track is used only in foreign language sections of the video and Handbrake detects it automatically, if it contains less than 10% of the content than “normal” subtitles would have. The “Burn In” option preserves the subtitle styling (e.g. fonts, colors, etc).
That’s it! Don’t forget to specify the output path and file name and once your settings are set you can add your job to the queue (CTRL+A) or start encoding immediately.
Sit back, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy your converted videos!