converting to mkv without losing quality

I download tv shows that are aprox 330 mb. I then want to convert the file to a mkv. i have been using anyvideoconverter and setting it to keep the frame size the same as the original. but when i watch the converted file the quality is very bad and i notice the file size drops by 100mb. how can i make it a mkv without losing quality? also just to let you know the files i download could be any format not just avi. do i need to try a different converter or is it a setting? here is a pic of what i see
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/8dl4c
thanks in advance
Answer #1
You could try freemake converter. Also try handbrake for your mp4’s. Version of handbrake i use doesn’t do avi’s, but other versions do. So that might be the best for you to try. There are also setting so you can set what size file you’d like it to become.
That’s also with version i use 0.9.5. Newer versions you have to set bitrate to match size you want.
Answer #2
Firstly, the moment you convert you will always lose some quality – the key is limit the loss.
If the file you have downloaded is an mp4, do not convert. Use Xmedia Recoder (free and without any of the garbage that comes with many other freeware) to split the video and audio streams – make sure to just copy the stream (an option from the dropdown boxes); then use MKV Toolkit to join the video and audio streams back together. Voila – mp4 to mkv without recoding and hence without loss of quality. This will work with any format that you can select from MKV Toolkit (includes flv’s for example).
Other formats you will have to convert – my fav atm is MediaCoder (free but be careful with the installation – it offers to install other garbage by default). Use 100% Bitrate ratio for video – this gives you a pretty good quality without taking months to convert.
Answer #3
In your s/shot it seems to suggest that you are converting to a XviD codec which is just what you DON’T want..
If your input file is AVI then that itself uses XviD, so you want to convert to MKV and use a codec that says H264,X264 or AVC.
These are the codecs that can give good quality at a smaller size.
Handbrake is one of the best of the serious converters…Will convert from AVI to MKV or MP4.
Here is a good tutorial…….But in the Audio settings, set the output to Stereo (not Mono!) and the bit rate to 96 or 128.
https://sites.google.com/site/taumox/handbrake-tutorial
Answer #4
why not just remux to an mkv container using mkvmerge
Answer #5
why not just remux to an mkv container using mkvmerge
Well you could but that doesn’t change the codec.
You end up with an XviD file in a MKV container instead of the AVI one.( I just tried it)
No change in size or quality, but it could end up confusing some players such as DVD players, or PS3 that can normally play AVI files..
The only point in changing from AVI to MKV is to change codecs so that a more efficient codec is used to allow a smaller file size.
For good results, a DVD or Blu-ray, should be ripped and converted once to the file type you want to end up with, normally MKV these days.
Continual converting is a bit like copying an old VHS tapes..Don’t take long for the quality to deteriorate….Still looking for a virgin copy of “Debbie Does Dallas”.
Answer #6
Install Sorenson Squeeze 8.5 pick your 264 encoder and use HE AAC2.
Soronson Squeeze has all 264 encoders and no command line botched on GUI.
Answer #7
I concur with . Handbrake beats anything else out there I’ve tried but there is a learning curve. My second choice is TMPGEnc Video Mastering Works 5 but the installation screens will be in Japanese.