Converting MKV to MP4 with Handbrake problem

[EvelynW]

Hello, I am trying to convert a 720P MKV (AC3) file to MP4 with Handbrake. It did the conversion smoothly but the converted video (h.264/mp4) is not intact. MP4 file picture looks great, but the sound is as if every other word is missing. BTW, I’m using HB to convert AVI to mp4 conversion works easily but why does it struggle with the mkv files?

 

[EvelynW]

THX for your detailed explantion. I will give a try.

 

[jason221]

For converting mkv to mp4, use MKVtools or its new off-shoot MP4tools. Much faster.

 

[EvelynW]

Thank u so much, guys~

 

[EvelynW]

I finally figured out how to convert mkv to mp4 using Handbrake. Instead of using the Apple presets I now use the Normal preset with the following preferences:

- MP4 files
- Large file size
- H.264 codec
- Single pass encoding
- Target size equal to the source files size
- Picture settings: Anamorphic: none/loose and setting the size to the source files size.
If I choose strict anamorphic, the file doesn't open with Quicktime.

Also, if you are not familiar with the parameter setting, the other options you can take glimpse of Squared 5 or MacX Video converter pro, no complex setting.

@Marcie THX! my problem with handbrake seems solved, but the video and audio still are a bit out of sync. And ive tried squared 5 and macx video converter pro, they are nice and i like the output. I think maybe i should just those two instead of handbrake.

 

[lsvtecjohn3]

I finally figured out how to convert mkv to mp4 using Handbrake. Instead of using the Apple presets I now use the Normal preset with the following preferences:

- MP4 files
- Large file size
- H.264 codec
- Single pass encoding
- Target size equal to the source files size
- Picture settings: Anamorphic: none/loose and setting the size to the source files size.
If I choose strict anamorphic, the file doesn't open with Quicktime.

Also, if you are not familiar with the parameter setting, the other options you can take glimpse of Squared 5 or MacX Video converter pro, no complex setting.

Thank you I been having a problem with MKV for the last few months. Your solution worked.

 

[matrix07]

For converting mkv to mp4, use MKVtools or its new off-shoot MP4tools. Much faster.

But MP4tools will not convert audio to Apple format. It just mux file into MP4. Am I understanding it right?

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- Picture settings: Anamorphic: none/loose and setting the size to the source files size.
If I choose strict anamorphic, the file doesn't open with Quicktime.

For anyone that doesn't know, you should set anamorphic to none unless you're ripping DVD with anamorphic (for 16:9 TV). MKV file from Blu-Ray is not anamorphic so no need to set it.

 

[jason221]

But MP4tools will not convert audio to Apple format. It just mux file into MP4. Am I understanding it right?

No, you can convert audio too. It has preset tabs where you can select "iPad" etc. and it will tell you if you need to convert audio (usually to AAC 2.0).

 

[Aullison]

No, you can convert audio too. It has preset tabs where you can select "iPad" etc. and it will tell you if you need to convert audio (usually to AAC 2.0).

Yeah, before converting, you'd better preset audio codec to make it most suitable for MP4 format. Or you should turn to a professional video converter, so that you don’t need to change any settings.

 

[matrix07]

No, you can convert audio too. It has preset tabs where you can select "iPad" etc. and it will tell you if you need to convert audio (usually to AAC 2.0).

merci.

 

[jason221]

Yeah, before converting, you'd better preset audio codec to make it most suitable for MP4 format. Or you should turn to a professional video converter, so that you don’t need to change any settings.

Sure, if you want to wait hours for a completely unnecessary video conversion. The only difference between H.264 video in MKV and MP4 is the file container. The only thing that needs to actually be converted for iOS playback is the audio, which takes less than ten minutes in most cases. Is choosing an option in a dropdown box or two really that much of a hassle that you would rather use Handbrake, Evom, etc?

 

[NewbieCanada]

Sure, if you want to wait hours for a completely unnecessary video conversion.

Not only unnecessary, but you will ALWAYS lose quality when converting video, no matter how high a bit rate you use, how many passes, etc.

 

[Drag'nGT]

Hello, I am trying to convert a 720P MKV (AC3) file to MP4 with Handbrake. It did the conversion smoothly but the converted video (h.264/mp4) is not intact. MP4 file picture looks great, but the sound is as if every other word is missing. BTW, I’m using HB to convert AVI to mp4 conversion works easily but why does it struggle with the mkv files?

May I suggest running it through Subler and seeing how that works? I haven't done many but so far all the TV shows I take with me on the iPad work great remuxed. The audio is adjusted properly too.

 

[sally456]

How about use the MakeMkv?
or this tips from Google search can do some help:
http://www.ifunia.com/how-tos/how-to-convert-mkv-to-mp4-mac.html

 

[EvelynW]

Thx @sally456 @Drag'nGT, actually my problem has been solved with @Marcie's solution, but anyway ill try Subler and MakeMkv to see how capable they are.

Thx for all u guys' answers!

 

[Javalog]

Yeah, before converting, you'd better preset audio codec to make it most suitable for MP4 format. Or you should turn to a professional video converter, so that you don’t need to change any settings.

Do you have a pro video converter to recommend? Thanks.

 

[niub]

Handbrake is my best, free and easily.

 

[Menneisyys2]

Do you have a pro video converter to recommend? Thanks.

Subler is the most recommended as it's the fastest. iFlicks is also stated to be fast but in my tests, it turned out to be much, sometimes an order of magnitude slower than Subler.

If you don't need subtitle support, a lot other remuxers are worth checking out: MP4Tools, Smart Video Converter, AVIdemux etc.