Encode video with Handbrake

1 First steps

Click Source followed by ‘Detected DVD devices’ to select your DVD. Once the scan is complete, verify that the title matches what you want to encode, then use the Destination boxes to select a name and location for your converted file. Change .m4v to .mp4 via File > Preferences, untick ‘Use iPod/iTunes friendly (.m4v) file extension for MP4’ and click ‘OK’.

2 Tweak compression settings

Switch to the Video tab. Select ‘H.264 (x264)’ under ‘Video Encoder’. Leave ‘Same as source’ and ‘Variable Framerate’ selected, along with ‘Constant Quality’. The RF slider refers to x264’s clr setting ( seethe maintextforthis). Use the Preset slider to slow the encoding process and improve the finished result – experiment to find the best compromise. Enable ‘Fast Decode’ to improve playback performance.

3 Set up audio

Switch to the Picture tab to set any desired filters following our advice in the main text. Switch to the Audio List tab and, if English isn’t already among the options visible, click ‘Add’ to select it from the list. Use the Audio Defaults tab to change the encoder to AAC (FDK) to improve audio quality. The Dolby Pro Logic II setting is best for both surround and non-surround sound systems.

4 Test, then encode

Click ‘Preview’ and Handbrake will encode 15 seconds of your movie, giving you the chance to see how it looks. Make any further tweaks to the settings if required, then, when you’re ready, click ‘Start’ and wait while Handbrake encodes your movie. Be prepared to wait up to half an hour for the movie to encode – the actual times depend on your PC’s spec and your encoding settings.