I currently use Handbrake to compress oversized video files. It’s very good, but I find myself having to run a few test outputs to find the best balance between size and quality. But, maybe that’s just best practice anyway.

I would like to have a function where you can specify an output size (plus a few other parameters), and it just does the rest. Freemake Video Converter has a pretty good interface and does this, but it requires a subscription.

Can anyone recommend any good free video compressors for Windows, which have an output size option?

    • Carnildo@alien.topB
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      1 year ago

      Most lossy formats these days use variable bitrate encoding: fewer bits for low-detail parts, more bits for higher-detail ones. Forcing fixed-bitrate on one means lower quality in the action scenes because you’re wasting bits on fades and talking heads.

  • WikiBox@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    If you know the play time and the size you want, you can calculate the total bitrate you need to set. Subtract the audio bitrate from the total, and you get the video bitrate to set. Make a spreadsheet and fill in the numbers.

    Depending on the contents and aspect ratio, you may get bad results. Setting a lowest acceptable quality is better, but then size can vary a lot.

  • thealibo@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    /r/shutterencoder/ supports specifying the output file size. It’s free but I haven’t used it personally. VideoProc Converter AI also has a video compressor to let you directly specify the video size, and the output quality is pretty solid.

  • thealibo@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    /r/shutterencoder/ supports specifying the output file size. It’s free but I haven’t used it personally. VideoProc Converter AI also has a video compressor to let you directly specify the video size, and the output quality is pretty solid.