In what way would the OP be best served learning how to use HandBrake, which he doesn't need, or Subler, which does the exact same thing as iFlicks (for instance) but where you're required to add the files to the queue individually instead of just dragging them all into the GUI?After picking up the ATV3 recently, I have converted several .mkv's to .mp4 (1080p). If the .mkv video file is H.264, I remux it using Subler. On my i7 iMac, it takes about 15 minutes. If the video isn't H.264, I convert it using HandBrake. It converts in real-time, that is, a 2-hour movie takes about 2 hours to convert. I use a setting similar to "High Profile" and the converted .mp4 file is about half the size of the .mkv file. Personally, I don't notice a drop in quality. Streams perfectly, too (loads in under 10 seconds, no dropped frames, hiccups, etc.). While I understand that the OP is a "newbie", he would be best served learning to use a program like HandBrake and/or Subler.
I use HandBrake, Subler, iSubtitle, iVI and iFlicks on a pretty much regular basis. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, but in no way do I understand how on earth anyone could recommend HandBrake or Subler over iFlicks to the OP, having read his initial post. I mean, he even says he's a heavy downloader - and iFlicks incorporates a folder script that you can activate so that it converts and adds downloaded files in iTunes automatically...
In your situation, HandBrake would be the best option, hands down. If you don't feel like trying out settings or feel like the presets aren't really what you're looking for, use MediaInfo and check out the advanced section on an illegal rip (there's a command prompt in HandBrake where you can just paste that whole line). Those groups know what they're doing, and I've found that's the best way of getting the best size/quality ratioYou are correct, HB does not do video pass thru. aTV requires the h264 codec. If the source material uses the h264 codec then you can just change containers (no transcode). If the source material is VC-1, mpeg4, etc it needs to be transcoded to h264. What I have run in to is that most dvd's are mpeg4 and most, but not all, blu rays are h264 (the other chunk usually being VC-1). Please correct me if I am incorrect on that as I would love to just change containers on all my stuff instead of transcode.
For a few of the blu rays I have that are h264, I have done a container change to mp4. Because of the large file size and lack of header optimization, streaming to the aTV over wifi has been problematic. If you're using ethernet, that problem would be solved.
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um, well it does take 3 clicks.
1. Scan a folder full of source video (choose the parent folder containing them) They will all be scanned into the Title menu in the hb gui.
2. Go to File > Add All Titles To Queue ...
3. Hit start.
...
Dammit.
Never seen that option before. Where's the "I'm ashamed" smiley?