Video compression without loss of quality 2022 | Handbrake Tutorial
Introduction
In this article, I want to share with you the quickest way I've converted a video file of over 5 gigabytes into just under 500 megabytes. The process involves a remarkable percentage reduction in file size without affecting the quality of either the video or audio. For this, you'll need a simple, open-source video transcoder called Handbrake.
Getting Started with Handbrake
To get started, visit the official Handbrake website at handbrake.fr, you’ll see the option to drag and drop your video file directly into the application. Alternatively, you can click on "Open File" to locate and open the video.
Adjusting Video Quality Settings
Once your video file is loaded into Handbrake, you might be tempted to tweak various settings. However, I recommend keeping it simple. Navigate to the “Video” section, where you’ll see a quality slider. This is set to 23 by default. Moving this slider to the right will increase quality, while moving it to the left will decrease it.
For optimal file size reduction while maintaining quality, I found that setting it to 26 works best. After adjusting this value, specify the output location for the converted file. In my case, I chose to save it in the same location as the original file.
Starting the Encoding Process
Once everything is set, you can start the encoding process by clicking on the “Start Encoding” button. Handbrake will begin compressing the video. You can pause or stop the encoding at any point if necessary.
Finished Product
Once the encoding is complete, let’s compare the results. The starting file size was 5.35 gigabytes, and the finished product is an impressive 417 megabytes! The difference is astounding, yet when I play both files, there’s no noticeable change in video or audio quality.
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With this simple method using Handbrake, you can effectively reduce video file sizes without compromising on quality. Thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing you in my next tutorial!
Keywords
- Handbrake
- Video compression
- File size reduction
- Lossless quality
- Open-source software
- Encoding process
FAQ
Q: What is Handbrake?
A: Handbrake is an open-source video transcoder that allows users to convert video files to a range of formats while managing file sizes and quality.
Q: Can I reduce file size without losing quality?
A: Yes, using Handbrake, you can significantly reduce file size with minimal loss in quality, optimizing settings appropriately.
Q: Where can I download Handbrake?
A: Handbrake can be downloaded for free from their official website at handbrake.fr.
Q: Is Handbrake easy to use?
A: Yes, Handbrake has a simple interface, making it easy for users to load a video file and customize compression settings.
Q: What factors affect the quality of the compressed video?
A: The quality of the compressed video can be adjusted using the quality slider within Handbrake, which influences the encoding settings.
