Codec Advice

[Dolby]

I'd like to download a series that I already have again - but in higher quality.

I'm just going on faith that what I am downloading is better than what I currently, as it's 760MB vs 700MB and 720x400 vs 640x368. I also know the new one is XVID ... but no idea on the current.

How do I find what I currently have?
What is the best container/codec to go for?

I've learnt to simply not look at file size, as an episode I downloaded earlier was only 350MB vs mine 700MB and was twice as good!

 

[Pada]

The best codec is x264. Pretty much all the HD (720p / 1080p) videos are ripped with the x264 codec.

I'm using NZBMatrix to find all my episodes, and they have separate lists for the different series resolutions (SD & HD).

If you need a codec pack, use k-lite codec pack.

 

[T-Man]

Not sure which codec is best, but as a player I love VLC. Haven't found anything it can't play.

 

[Dolby]

Pada - does the container make any difference to quality?

Say for example a AVI, a MKV, a MP4?
Identical quality if encoded with the same codec?

 

[Pada]

No, the container does not affect the quality.

They should give you the same quality if you use the same codec with the same encoding quality settings.

You can read up more on containers and codecs here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/213612/all_about_video_codecs_and_containers.html
MKV/MP4 files are associated with higher quality bitrates/encoding than AVI files.

VLC's video quality is slightly poorer than like MPC (Media Player Classic) / Windows Media Player.

 

[Gnome]

For SD you'll use a MPEG-4 ASP encoder, the best of which is currently xVid (highly optimized).
For HD you'll use an H.264/MPEG-4 AVC encoder, the best of which is currently x264.

Both are the best at what they do currently and both happen to be open source & freeware (awesome!).

In terms of containers, AVI is deprecated and should be avoided (it is very old anyway). Many release groups still use it for SD to keep compatibility up but it's going to die eventually. (Google if you are curious about AVIs many flaws)

Also have a look here: (for a good video playback solution)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1357375

 

[ponder]

How do I find what I currently have?

In VLC right click on the video, Intereface-->Codec Information (or simply press CTRL-J)

 

[techead]

maybe worth noting that many players will not be able to play the new *.MP4 container but people need to get over it. the advantages over avi are mind boggling

and if you have a MKV file that you cant play on your device, change the container to MP4 (you will get an audio stream warning) but it still works.