Converting video files to mp4 from mkv

[thomamon]

I’ve been backing up all my DVDs and Blu-rays by ripping them to MKV files. Now I’m trying to convert those MKVs to MP4s, but when I use HandBrake, the resulting files end up way smaller than expected and the quality looks awful — tons of visible compression.

I tried adjusting the settings (with help from ChatGPT), but it says the conversion could take up to 8 hours.

Is there a faster way to convert MKV to MP4 while keeping the original quality?

Thanks!

 

[DarkPremiumCho]

Try ffmpeg's -codec:v copy option. It does not reencode the video but repack the MKV to MP4.

 

[Nermal]

Subler can do it too. Just drag and drop the MKV onto it, then save as MP4. Like ffmpeg it doesn't touch the video, just repackages it.

 

[lin2log]

Just don't do MKV to begin with! Crappy, outdated codec/container.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Just don't do MKV to begin with! Crappy, outdated codec/container.

OP is probably using MakeMKV to rip. Do you know of other software that will do the tasks?

 

[thomamon]

OP is probably using MakeMKV to rip. Do you know of other software that will do the tasks?

Exactly what I’m doing and looking for a better way to do it.

 

[Idgit]

I’ve been backing up all my DVDs and Blu-rays by ripping them to MKV files. Now I’m trying to convert those MKVs to MP4s, but when I use HandBrake, the resulting files end up way smaller than expected and the quality looks awful — tons of visible compression.

I tried adjusting the settings (with help from ChatGPT), but it says the conversion could take up to 8 hours.

Is there a faster way to convert MKV to MP4 while keeping the original quality?

Thanks!

By using Handbrake, you're transcoding the files which means you're reducing quality and file size. Is that what you want? Or do you want to keep the original quality? If so, then use Subler to remux the MKV into a MP4 container without any quality loss.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Exactly what I’m doing and looking for a better way to do it.

I don't think there is one on macOS. Just use it, then open it with Subler and save.

 

[thomamon]

I can't do Handbrake, it will take me years to get it done at 8 hours per file

 

[RMMediccc]

Would VLC be an option with their conversion option?

 

[BrianBaughn]

Using Subler, the resulting mp4 file is the same size as the mkv file. Are you saying that's too large of a file?