HANDBRAKE H.264 PROBLEM SOLVED!! DOWNLOAD HERE!!!

whew, I just let Handbrake to an auto crop and it works like a charm.

If you do not deselect the "maintain aspect ratio," most (not all) applications will simply resize the width to 320 pixels and set the height to whatever dimension maintains the aspect ration. For a 16:9 aspect movie the final range is usually somewhere between 320 x 172 and 320 x 180. When displayed in QT, in iTunes, or on the iPod, the picture should look like a normal letterboxed movie on your TV. Any attempt to "crop and resize" a 16:9 aspect movie to fill a 4:3 monitor will end up distorting your picture. (I.e., there is no reason to "crop." The 320 x 240 is a limitation only and one which, depending on your codec, can be exceeded -- but only with due care and under certain conditions.)

Wow, this string has been absolutely useful! This works for me too.

May I ask though, what setting would be suitable if you're just going to watch the DVD on the iPod, and you don't want the file to be very big, while still retaining decent quality?

I am trying out as I speak: H.264 29.97fps, 500kbps, AAC 128kbps, 44100khz, 320x240 (cropped from widescreen). Is this about economical, or have anyone a bit stingy about space found a good setting?

Batman Begins shows a data rate of 918.05 kbits/sec.

The Interpreter shows a data rate of 948.35 kbits/sec.

Glor

I am trying out as I speak: H.264 29.97fps, 500kbps, AAC 128kbps, 44100khz, 320x240 (cropped from widescreen). Is this about economical, or have anyone a bit stingy about space found a good setting?

If by "cropped from widescreen" you mean resized to 320 x 240 with constrained aspect ratio, then your settings should be fine. You could have set it as low as 400 kbps and not see much difference on an iPod. The rate setting usually refers to the video stream only, so your final total average rate is likely to be more on the order of 600-650 kbps. You can also use a rule of thumb of setting target file size to about 4 MB of storage space for every minute of your video. (E.g., target a 25 minute TV show for 100 MB or a 120 minute movie at 480 MB.) This is the equivalent of about a 400 kbps video rate or 540-560 kbps overall average rate. Usually depends on the amount of light/dark scenes and/or amount of rapid action contained in the video.

yes, I indeed meant 320x240 with constrained aspect ratio. I think I'll try 400kbps as you advised next time. Wow, thanks for the detailed description!!!

I am using this version with 600 bitrate and I cant open it in itunes, which means it wont move to the ipod. I am doing everything here in the discussion, but its not working... is there a better application?

I am using this version with 600 bitrate and I cant open it in itunes, which means it wont move to the ipod. I am doing everything here in the discussion, but its not working... is there a better application?

Do you have the ability to "trim" off say a 10-second sample of your file and either post it for download or e-mail it as an attachment for further study?

Would need to know what our are trying to do and what problems you/the file is having before I could suggest alternate solutions.

Hi, Kerry!

Download Handbrake for iPod Click for immediate download.

Gary

Hi, I downloaded the latest handbrake and ripped Saving Private Ryan from a DVD. I went pretty big because I want to watch it on a TV later but It wont load to my iPod. That is the best quality setting in h.264 that I will be able to get into my I pod? BTW the one I ripped was 704x400 H.264, AAC at about 2.3 gig. Like I said, I want the best quality that will look the best on a TV later. Thanks for any help offered!!!!!

Based on your target file size, I would estimate your current settings have an average data rate about 4 times that which is supposed to be the max acceptable for the iPod using H.264 codec.

Hi Konrad and welcome to the discussions. The maximum resolution for the 5G iPod would be 640x352. Your Name sounds German.

Here is a German link you should read:
http://www.mac-essentials.de/index.php/mac/article/15965/

and the English info here:
http://www.hardmac.com/news/2005-10-27/#4675

Just beware the the bitrate has to be about 768 KBit/s

Thanks, what bit rate would you suggest I use? Are the dimensions OK(704x400)? Thanks for spoon feeding the not so tech savie of us

Thank you again for the German link! As well as the other info.