I shall clarify. I chose to use an RF of 18 based on a post from a long time ago where he did suggest using an RF of 19. So that was my choice.
I would have made that suggestion for dvd sources. Unless I had an "out of body experience" I would not have suggested using it for a blu ray source. In fact I don't even use 20, I use 22 for my own stuff.
I'm assuming something has changed in the ATV3 preset from when it was first introduced to today's version.
I'd also like to reiterate a comment I made in post #40. Is it possible the default values have changed since the ATV3 preset was introduced?
Okay all presets are using the x264 presets instead of the advanced panel we are all used to. There are a lot of reasons for this however, it should be noted that the advanced panel we are used to just uses individual options (as specified by that long string in the advanced panel) Basically they are like shortcuts. Now in changing the built ins to use the x264 presets we just converted the old string to so it turns out the same. Is it possible there is some slight difference? Yes. However *nothing* that would show what you are complaining about. I am going to suggest the difference is more the source.
Here is what you need to do to prove your theory. Get a source you encoded using your "older" nightly. Presuming you did encode it using the atv preset ... reencode it again using the new nightly and the same preset. Then compare. Has to be the exact same source. No difference as each source can swing the bitrate etc wildly. Then post your finding as well as the activity log for each on pastebin.com (frankly to verify you in fact used the same settings). Remember, HB stores encode logs from each encode you every do so you can retrieve the original from your first encode.
Beyond that test, there is little really to add since you are doing different sources so any comparison is a moot point tbh.
Additionally Edit: vbv opts put a "cap" on bitrate. so if anything given your insistent use of rf 18 my guess is you are getting capped by vbv. which means if anything its a lower bitrate than if no vbv settings. In fact its possible you are ending up with a constant bitrate by and large. If you ramp up the quality the way you are its being a bit jacked by the vbv settings.
Changing things without a full understanding of the repercussions can result in unexpected results. No offense meant in any way , shape or form but just as an fyi.
Built in presets are crafted to work together for the best results within reason for the most folks. We really don't ( contrary to popular belief ) throw a dart at a dartboard.