Can new ATV do better with standard definition?

[scgf]

Standard def on the Apple TV was always much worse than a DVD - particularly in the UK where PAL DVDs are 720 x 576 pixels (NTSC DVDs are 720 x 480).

I was just wondering if there is anything better on ATV 2? Like getting Handbrake to convert to a higher quality?

What is the default resolution of SD on ATV 1?

 

[BlackMangoTree]

use the High Profile preset in Handbrake. Set the RF to 18 you'll end up with a file thats virtually on par with the original.

 

[scgf]

Thanks for that. Just trying it out now with a SD DVD. I have converted a couple of HD mkv files using High Profile and it does indeed result in a rather nice picture.

What does the High Profile preset do that makes it better than the ATV preset in Handbrake?

 

[canyonblue737]

No question that 18 is "better" than a higher number but literally everyone with experience on the handbrake forums is saying anything lower than 19-19.25 RF is not improving SD DVD video quality in a way perceptible to the human eye but is increasing file size. They recommend no lower than 19 and most say 19.25 is even better.