change in UI for x264 CRF setting - warning about old preset

[fredbe9300]

I was a little miffed today, when my conversion resulted in bizarrely small files.

Just before, I had done a new clean install (+revert settings) of build 0.8.29.5600 (Mar 2014) - replacing 0.8.28.5588 (Jan) - there were a few builds in between that I never tried

I soon realized that the UI for video settings has changed, but not the preset file field

I was reusing an older preset, like this (simplified)

Code: Select all

<MediaCoderPrefs>
    <node key="overall.task.keepTemp">On Error</node>
    <node key="overall.audio.source">FFmpeg</node>
    <node key="overall.audio.format">HE-AAC</node>
    <node key="overall.video.mode">VBR</node>
    <node key="overall.video.autoBitrate">By Ratio</node>
    <node key="overall.video.quality">56</node>
    <node key="overall.video.source">FFmpeg</node>
    <node key="overall.preview.mode">Off</node>
</MediaCoderPrefs>
 

The line overall.video.quality=56 used to be interpreted as a percentage and, there was a (probably unclear to most humans) formula used to determine the CRF passed to x264.exe (I believe it was probalby (CRF value = (100 - overall.video.quality) / 2 )... the formula meant that you had to pick values between 50 and 64 to end up in the most typical range of crf 18-25.

Anyway, the UI no longer uses %, but expects the exact CRF value. (an improvement )

but it's still based on the same field in the preset files, so overall.video.quality=56 became -crf 56 input to x264.exe


I read this forum with some irregularity, but had not found any notice here nor in the changelog.

So, yeah, just sharing with other users then.

PS: I guess there is no pleasing everyone, and I do prefer the exact CRF input field... But I would have liked the program to use a new field in preset files, and have the capability to use old presets under their old 'meaning'. (that, or a note in the changelog). I've donated, so, I'm not a freetard. Just constructive feedback (hopefully)

Thanks for the very useful software and frequent updates.

[meRobs]

There is, of course, a general comment on Presets in new builds, at: viewtopic.php?f=17&t=8521&start=0.
It is listed under Tips & Guides.

[stanley]

You are right. It seems I shouldn't use the same key path.