Converting MKVs to MP4: Would This Decrease File Size?
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I have a massive amount of MKV files, usually ranging from 800MB to 1.5GB in size, with some variance there. My question is would converting them to MP4 make them smaller, but without losing quality? I know @scottalanmiller has told me they are the same codec I believe it was. However, my biggest issue is disk space. I need to cut each of these file sizes in half. If I lose a LITTLE quality, that's fine. These are all 720p versions. If converting them to save space dropped them to 480p, that'd be fine in my book.
If this makes sense, let me know. Also, if this makes sense, does anyone know of any program that would be great for this in large batches, and would preserve directory structure as well as filename?
Thanks,
A.J. -
One of the main reasons I ask is because I have this running on my home network right now:
I have 2TB with pretty much nothing but TV shows on it and it had only about 60ish GB left of free space. I'm transitioning some stuff over to my other NAS, which had ~650GB of free storage. However, my storage needs are obviously not aligned with my current levels of storage.
Thanks,
A.J. -
Mp4 isn't a codec its a wrapper.
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The hassle of re-encoding stuff is generally not worth it. I'd say just download mp4 versions of everything and that would save you time. Either way, with storage being so cheap I wouldn't bother with either.
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Same goes for mkv its an open source wrapper - mainly used by apple.
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Well apparently even iTunes doesn't use mkv anymore haha. But anyway most likely they are both going to be H.264. You could lower bit rate with something like Mpegstream clip or hand break.
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Good thread here on the differences: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2295992
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I've switched between them and nothing changes at all. Since the codec doesn't change, there is really no advantage. MP4 is the only one still used of the two, I believe.
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Handbreak them and change the size of the file that way.
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@scottalanmiller said:
Handbreak them and change the size of the file that way.
That's what I'm hearing overall.
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MKV is still used a lot - it's a more versatile container.
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What makes one container better than another?
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Compatibility, especially cross-platform, I'm guessing.
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@thanksajdotcom said:
Compatibility, especially cross-platform, I'm guessing.
I'd like a bit more information than that..
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Compatibility. Mp4 is more compatbible. Almost all non theather release deliverables are done in the mp4 wrapper. The only down side is it requires a licsence to use it. Mkv is open source but not well adopted.
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MKV is pretty well adopted in piracy circles
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@Nic said:
MKV is pretty well adopted in piracy circles
So now we know where AJ got these torrent-ed files..
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@thecreativeone91 said:
@Nic said:
MKV is pretty well adopted in piracy circles
So now we know where AJ got these torrent-ed files..
Already known as he has posted about it blatantly more than once.
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@Nic said:
MKV is pretty well adopted in piracy circles
I've gotten MKVs from some legitimate sources... but since it is a FOSS alternative it is being used to package a lot of pirated media.
