Why does transcoding use a CRF value?

[Guest]

Let me explain, by using a CRF value, you aren't exactly getting the most efficient transcoding.

 

What I recommend, is to use a constant max-bitrate value rather than a CRF. The max-bitrate can be gotten from the players quality bitrate, and for auto, perhaps get the peak mean bitrate from the original file and use that.

 

That way, already low quality videos like rough DVD's dont turn unwatchable with the default 23 CRF.

[rbjtech 5284]

For low a quality source, then changing the h264 preset is likely more important than the CRF value (change to medium or better).

 

CQ mode is pretty much only used now when you need to have a fixed SIZE file - for transcoding, this is not relevant or possible unless you scan the entire file first (not an option).

 

ps - All the streamers (Netflix, Youtube etc) all use CRF ..