How to Encode Video to Correct Format Using HandBrake?

Steps to Convert via HandBrake

HandBrake is a Free and Open Source tool for converting videos from nearly any format to a selection of modern, widely supported codecs.

Here is how to convert your video files into mp4 format with HandBrake:

Download and install HandBrake by choosing the version for your operating system from http://handbrake.fr/



The Windows User interface requires Microsoft .NET Desktop Runtime 6.0 for HandBrake to work. If you do not already have this, you can download it from Microsoft's: .NET Desktop Runtime download page.

Please make sure you download the "Desktop Runtime - x64" version.

After installation, open HandBrake. The first step is to select your source video or directory by browsing your local storage or dragging the file or folder into the screen.



Next, select your output video file format.. We commonly recommend the use of an mp4 file extension as this format is supported by most of the platforms.


The default settings of HandBrake are already in accordance with our recommended settings. You may still choose to alter other settings before encoding your video to get your desired result.
For resolution, we recommend 1080p HD, also referred to, as FHD (Full HD) or 2K resolution as this results in a smoother and sharper display.
As for the frame rate, we generally recommend 30 fps. This gives your videos a cinematic feel and look.

Before you start encoding your video, you might want to check the destination path to which folder the output would be saved. Click the Browse button to choose a different folder on your local storage.



Now, click on Save New Preset and give your preset a name. Choose the category as New, keep Resolution Limit as 1080p HD and click Add.



Now, choose this preset from the preset selector.



Under the Summary tab, you can see the video thumbnail and a summary of the video settings on the left-hand side.



Click Web Optimized to optimize the video for live streaming.



Switch to Dimensions tab and modify the resolution according to your needs. Under Resolution and Scaling, set the Anamorphic section to None and check the box for Optimal Size. At the bottom right, under Final Dimensions, uncheck the box for Automatic and set the Display Size. Leave all other settings to HandBrake's default settings unless you want to change anything.



For the Display Size, keep in mind the max resolution supported by the platform you want to stream to. For Facebook, choose 1280x720. For other platforms, you can select 1920x1080.

Remember, for portrait videos, the height will always be bigger than the width.

You can only reduce from a higher resolution to a lower one. If your original video is, for example, 1280x720, you cannot increase the resolution to 1920x1080.

To maintain the same Aspect Ratio, please ensure that the Automatic box remains checked, particularly for Portrait videos.



Click Video tab and make sure Video Codec is H.264 (x264). Select Avg Bitrate (kbps) and enter a value of 4000.
Next, select the Framerate (FPS) and choose 30. You can select other values depending on the platform where you are streaming but, 30 is preferred by most platforms and is ideal. Select Constant Framerate afterwards.

Leave settings under Encoder Options to the default settings of HandBrake unless you require to make any specific alterations.



Now, you are ready with file settings. Click the Start Encode button and wait until the video encoding is completed, or click the Add to Queue button to place it in the queue and start working on another video.



If you choose to add it to the queue and work on another video, click the Open Source tab and upload your other video/s.



The encoding process will take some time, depending on the values of Resolution, FPS, and Encoder Preset. You will be able to see the status at the bottom of the window.



Handbrake will let you know when it has finished. You will notice Encode Finished at the bottom. Once the encoding process has finished, you may find the saved videos in the destination folder that you specified which you may then upload to OneStream Live storage.


Related Articles:

Recommended Video Settings for Live Streaming via OneStream

How to Convert Video File to the Correct Format?

Updated on: 11/14/2024