Are you converting videos between different formats to make sure they are compatible, optimized, or even compressed? Nowadays it is relatively easy to convert videos using the various software or online converters that are available – but it is important that you go about it the right way.
Simply put there are several common mistakes that you should try to avoid when you convert your video formats. Some of these mistakes could impact the quality of the video in the long term.
To be more specific, you could start by avoiding these three mistakes:
As a rule it is best to avoid transcoding the same file too many times – which can be done by choosing to encode it in the right format from the get go. For example encoding the video in MP4 with H.264 is normally a good option because that is the format preferred by online platforms and is widely supported by most devices.
On top of that storing the original video will let you alter and optimize your video in other ways without worrying about permanently affecting its quality. For example you could downscale its resolution, compress it by reducing its bitrate, and so on – and can go back to the original at any time if you need it.
For high quality videos with high resolutions and frame rates, the difference between software and hardware support is significant. In some cases as video decoded using hardware will require only 10% of the power that it would if decoded using software. As you can imagine that will make a world of difference, especially on devices with limited battery life such as mobile devices.
The next time you convert a video, try to make it a point to avoid the mistakes listed above. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using software or an online MP4 converter such as Convertio – as avoiding the mistakes should help when you convert any videos.
Think of the tips listed above as ways to ensure that you’re able to convert videos reliably without affecting their quality (or having as minimal an impact to it as possible) – even in the long term. It isn’t that difficult to avoid any of the mistakes, and now that you’re aware of them you should be able to sidestep them without much effort.
Simply put there are several common mistakes that you should try to avoid when you convert your video formats. Some of these mistakes could impact the quality of the video in the long term.
To be more specific, you could start by avoiding these three mistakes:
Transcoding the same file repeatedly
Every time you transcode a video and convert it from one codec to another, some data will be lost as the compression is converted. Because of that if you transcode the same file repeatedly, over time more and more data will be lost and it will start to deteriorate.As a rule it is best to avoid transcoding the same file too many times – which can be done by choosing to encode it in the right format from the get go. For example encoding the video in MP4 with H.264 is normally a good option because that is the format preferred by online platforms and is widely supported by most devices.
Not storing the original video file
Storing the original video file of any video that you’re likely to want to convert is always a good idea. In fact it will even help you avoid the mistake of transcoding the same file repeatedly, as you can always transcode it from the original instead if necessary.
On top of that storing the original video will let you alter and optimize your video in other ways without worrying about permanently affecting its quality. For example you could downscale its resolution, compress it by reducing its bitrate, and so on – and can go back to the original at any time if you need it.
Relying solely on software support
While it is possible to play videos using software decoding, you should be aware that it is processor intensive and will consume a lot of power. That is why when you convert videos for compatibility, you should not rely on software support – but look for hardware support (i.e. hardware acceleration) as well.For high quality videos with high resolutions and frame rates, the difference between software and hardware support is significant. In some cases as video decoded using hardware will require only 10% of the power that it would if decoded using software. As you can imagine that will make a world of difference, especially on devices with limited battery life such as mobile devices.
The next time you convert a video, try to make it a point to avoid the mistakes listed above. It doesn’t matter whether you’re using software or an online MP4 converter such as Convertio – as avoiding the mistakes should help when you convert any videos.
Think of the tips listed above as ways to ensure that you’re able to convert videos reliably without affecting their quality (or having as minimal an impact to it as possible) – even in the long term. It isn’t that difficult to avoid any of the mistakes, and now that you’re aware of them you should be able to sidestep them without much effort.
