Alternative to MP4

[Haddock]

Strangely, some clients have difficulties to read some MP4 files on their portable computer... I propose them to install VLC. BUT in big companies, they are not admistrator of their PC... so, I am looking for an alternate codec with quality.

During years, I have export from Edius in wmv-hd. Result correct but less quality and progressive so lateral movments where vibrating.

Any other universal codec from Edius export recommended (with parameters for HD) is welcome

[Jost]

How about giving them the portable version of vlc, which has all codec included?

http://download.videolan.org/pub/videolan/vlc/3.0.3/win64/vlc-3.0.3-win64.zip

[Captain]

I suppose, it is most unlikely to find such a universal codec that has good quality AND good compression AND is more common than mp4. Therefore, if you find a similar one, you might end up in the same situation: one customer has is, the next doesn't. And according to Murphy's Law, the ones who don't have it, are not allowed to install software by their own.

Therefore, I would rather recommend to let your customer speak with his administrator and tell you which codec is installed/allowed. Then give them their desired format/codec and additionally, give them mp4 and/or mpeg2HD.

I usually also give my customers different bitrate files. They receive an mpeg2HD master for their archives (which I export from Edius anyway). From that I use Handbrake to convert into mp4. One version with a bitrate of ~25Mbit, which is good quality for most people's eyes. In case they need it smaller for file size or their playing device is struggling with the amount of data, they also receive a separate mp4-file with ~8Mbit.

[antonsvideo]

I have not had anyone who was not able to play mp4 made with Handbrake

I don't use EDIUS for making mp4

[Haddock]

I have not had anyone who was not able to play mp4 made with Handbrake

I don't use EDIUS for making mp4

Thanks for your 2 last messages... Yes realistic and field experience...

So I will go to "Handbrake"... Looking in the forum it seems that the best is to start from an HQ or HQX file... (I suppose there is no way or plugIn to start from the Edius Timeline ?)

Thanks again

[antonsvideo]

no, there is no plugin

I feed Handbrake with mpeg2 HD program stream with closeed GOP and PCM audio, it provides the fastest encoding speed (with my PC, 235 frames per second)

when feeding HQX, encoding will be several times slower, maybe 100 frames per second

if you need an interlaced mp4, be sure you type tff=1 in the extra options field

[Haddock]

no, there is no plugin

I feed Handbrake with mpeg2 HD program stream, it provides the fastest encoding speed (with my PC, 235 frames per second)

when feeding HQX, encoding will be several times slower

if you need an interlaced mp4, be sure you type tff=1 in the extra options field

Thanks again for all these recommendations... My "modus operandi", I have to change...

[antonsvideo]

also, I don't use the latest version Handbrake as it is bloated with lots of useless phone presets

you can still download the previous versions, in my case 0.10.5.0 64bit

[vortigern]

I have not had anyone who was not able to play mp4 made with Handbrake

I don't use EDIUS for making mp4

In exporting from the timeline this would mean two conversions? Export edited story to make one file probably Edius HQ and then import that file in to Handbrake to make the mp4.

[BernH]

Agreed, MP4 is the most universal codec for any computer built after the Windows XP era or OSX 10.6 (Snow Leopard). It also works on most tablets and phones.

If a corporate client can't play them, it is likely due to their IT departments restrictions on software. This is something that you can't really forsee or easily address without involving their IT people.

The only plugin for Edius that can also make MP4 would be the TMPGEnc AVC export plugin. It can give similar quality to Handbrake, but I can't guarantee that it will be any more successful with these corporate clients.

[Jerry]

Strangely, some clients have difficulties to read some MP4 files on their portable computer... I propose them to install VLC. BUT in big companies, they are not admistrator of their PC... so, I am looking for an alternate codec with quality.

During years, I have export from Edius in wmv-hd. Result correct but less quality and progressive so lateral movments where vibrating.

Any other universal codec from Edius export recommended (with parameters for HD) is welcome

Did you ask if the users having issues had Windows Media Player installed?
If so, that should play the .mp4 for them.
Sometimes all it might be is linking the .mp4 codec with a specific player.

I would ask the iT people at the places that are having issues what player they use and their preferred codec. Then you might be able to cater to their playback needs.

[vish1]

Hi Friends

Give MediaPlayerClassic (MPC-BE.1.5.1x64) a try. Its FREE and works well.
No need to load the next clip, just click on next or previous etc if clips are in the same file. Also excellent for playing clips straight form memory cards.

[Haddock]

... I would ask the iT people at the places that are having issues what player they use and their preferred codec. Then you might be able to cater to their playback needs.

Exactly, that's what they have to do inside their companies... but they don't or the queue inside is long or they refuse to maintain unity...

[Haddock]

Hi Friends

Give MediaPlayerClassic (MPC-BE.1.5.1x64) a try. Its FREE and works well.
No need to load the next clip, just click on next or previous etc if clips are in the same file. Also excellent for playing clips straight form memory cards.

Good to know... but if not admistrator they can't install

[Haddock]

... If a corporate client can't play them, it is likely due to their IT departments restrictions on software. This is something that you can't really forsee or easily address without involving their IT people....

Very good resume of the problem....