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 Crappy, outdated codec/container.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 Crappy, outdated codec/container.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?

 

[thomamon]

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

Yeah, trying to shrink it some.

 

[BrianBaughn]

Yeah, trying to shrink it some.

You're getting a full-size rip of your DVDs and Blu-rays if I remember MakeMKV correctly.

What is your desired target for a movie file…file size, video dimensions, etc?

 

[thomamon]

You're getting a full-size rip of your DVDs and Blu-rays if I remember MakeMKV correctly.

What is your desired target for a movie file…file size, video dimensions, etc?

I’d like to keep original dimensions just want to files to be a little bit smaller

 

[BrianBaughn]

Transcoding would be the only way to reduce the size…and I don't think anything would be faster than Handbrake to achieve equal results.

Maybe someone will have suggestions for good Handbrake settings. Otherwise it's back to a web search for such info or just monkeying around with it for a while. The good thing is you can cue up several conversions for when you're not otherwise using the computer.

 

[Non-Euclidean]

I’d like to keep original dimensions just want to files to be a little bit smaller

TANSTAAFL

There is no easy solution for you, apart from buy more storage.

Try experimenting on a small file with different quality presets on Handbrake. So if its a DVD, rip VF576 and F576. Compare the differences in quality and size. Determine what works for you. The first step is determining where the sweet spot in the presets is for you.

Then you need to get down to transcoding.

 

[BigBlur]

Try experimenting on a small file with different quality presets on Handbrake. So if its a DVD, rip VF576 and F576. Compare the differences in quality and size. Determine what works for you. The first step is determining where the sweet spot in the presets is for you.

This. You don't necessarily need a small file though. You can just transcode a short range or chapter from the original movie to test out various settings quickly. You might even want to test out different scenes, such as fast-moving/action scenes and dark scenes.

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

8 hours isn't uncommon for a full movie, but you can queue up jobs in HandBrake. Once you find the settings you like, queue a bunch up and have them run overnight or while you're at work.