Converting MKV to AVI

[Michael Miles]

On 05/08/2010 10:10 AM, Patrick O'Callaghan wrote:
> On Sat, 2010-05-08 at 09:53 -0700, Michael Miles wrote:
>    
>> On 05/08/2010 09:40 AM, Patrick O'Callaghan wrote:
>>      
>>> On Sat, 2010-05-08 at 08:51 -0700, Michael Miles wrote:
>>>
>>>        
>>>> On 05/08/2010 08:43 AM, Patrick O'Callaghan wrote:
>>>>
>>>>          
>>>>> On Fri, 2010-05-07 at 23:43 -0700, Michael Miles wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>            
>>>>>>> Anyway, my question is this: does anyone have a useful recipe for
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>                
>>>>>> this
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>              
>>>>>>> kind of thing?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> And for extra credit: how about converting FLV (Flash video)?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> poc
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>                
>>>>>> I use Avidemux.
>>>>>> It handles everything quite well
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>              
>>>>> Tried it, but a) even the GUI version is still quite confusing,
>>>>> definitely not for dummies, and b) it didn't work on my test file
>>>>> despite apparently reasonable settings.
>>>>>
>>>>> All the same I'm checking out the Wiki in search of illumination.
>>>>>
>>>>> poc
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>            
>>>> An easier one is Handbrake
>>>> Very limited in formats though
>>>>
>>>>          
>>> Yes, it only seems to output H.264 or Mpeg-4.
>>>
>>> poc
>>>
>>>
>>>        
>> It's really unfortunate but linux and video leaves something to be desired.
>>
>> The last one I have had some success is WinFF
>>
>> it uses ffmpeg to do it's work.
>>
>> Try it it does cover most files to avi.
>>      
> Generating avi output is not really the problem. Avi is just a container
> format. The real issue is how to specify the right codecs with the right
> parameters. There are just way too many options for the non-expert to be
> able to decide.
>
> poc
>
>    
Winff is a front end for ffmpeg.
It allows you to specify framerate, bitrate, size everything you would 
want to manipulate.

Go into the option menu for the extra control.

I wish standalone dvd players would support mkv and h.264 as it is the 
most efficient mpeg4 container
Some do support but are still expensive

a normal video parameters for a non hd player would be 720x480 
resolution, framerate ntsc 29.97 Videobitrate 1500-2500

Always select 2 pass for best results