Handbrake settings for DVD-> MP4 Apple TV conversion

[ZV Yoda]

Hi folks... been lurking here for a while, but this is my first time to post.

I'm in the process of converting all of the kids DVDs to digital so they can be watched via iTunes / Frontrow on our HT Mac Mini (2.4GHz, 2Gb RAM, 320Gb hard drive + various external USB/FW drives). Its hooked up to a 40" Samsung LCD TV.

I am also streaming the content to a couple of (new) Apple TVs in other rooms (with 37" & 30" LCDs TVs)

The Apple stuff works really well together (as you'd expect). The only glitch in the whole setup is that the quality of the Handbrake conversion seems to be erratic. 98% of the time, the picture quality is indistinguishable from the DVD, but for scenes where the picture is muddy / murky (e.g. underwater scenes, or nigh time shots) the pixilation is very noticeable.

I have Handbrake working on the normal "Apple TV" preset. Any ideas on how I can improve this, or is it just something we'll have to live with? Each movie (typically 90 mins... Pixar/Disney stuff) is usually about 1.2Gb in MP4 format. I don’t particularly want to increase the file size if I can help it… (the kids don’t enjoy their movies any less because of it)… but if there’s an easy fix, I’d give it a try.

Thanks

[Smithcraft]

Try using the High Quality setting for movies that you care about.

SC
_________________
Grumpy old man of computing.

[Desktop] G4 mini - 1.5Ghz 1GB 80GB HDD - Newer miniStack v2 500GB - 10.5.8

[Media System] Intel i5 mini - 2.33Ghz 8GB 500GB HDD - 4 x Hitachi 2TB HDD in a qBOX-SF - 10.7.5 (Thanks Phil!)

Make sure it has pins!

[unblowupable5]

You can try boosting the constant quality to 62%, but other than that I think you're better off asking on the handbrake forums.

[ZV Yoda]

Thanks for the responses...

... truth be told, I'm probably getting the best compromise as it is. Can't really complain with file sizes averaging 1.2Gb.

At this stage, I've already converted nearly 100 DVDs, so unless the kids start to notice a difference, then I doubt a HD Barney movie is going to bother me any less than a pixelated one!
_________________
2011 2.3GHz i5 13" MBP 4Gb RAM, 320Gb64Gb 64Gb iPod Touch 3rd gen
16Gb wifi iPad 1
2010 2.4Ghz Mac Mini 8Gb RAM, 320Gb
2 x ATV2
Airport Express
Airport Extreme

[Smithcraft]

For future reference -

I just was reminded about DynaFlash, who is a knowledgeable member at the HB forums, has a blog that mostly deals with the AppleTV. Some time back he came up with a high quality setting.

You can find his blog here: http://dynaflashtech.net/

SC
_________________
Grumpy old man of computing.

[Desktop] G4 mini - 1.5Ghz 1GB 80GB HDD - Newer miniStack v2 500GB - 10.5.8

[Media System] Intel i5 mini - 2.33Ghz 8GB 500GB HDD - 4 x Hitachi 2TB HDD in a qBOX-SF - 10.7.5 (Thanks Phil!)

Make sure it has pins!