Converting video files from various media sources can be a huge chore. That task can be much more manageable with HandBrake, a GPL-licensed, multiplatform, multithreaded video transcoder. It is available for MacOS X, Linux, and Windows, which makes working on more than one platform a bit more convenient. The latest version of Linux, 0.10, released on Nov. 23, has many upgrades. However, the Linux version lacks a few of the features in the Windows and Mac versions.
Still, given the scarcity of any king-of-the-hill video transcoders for Linux, HandBrake is certainly worth trying. It converts from many common multimedia file formats, including unprotected DVD or BluRay sources, to a handful of modern output file formats.
For the last year or two I have put to good use Arista Transcoder. That product lets you select source videosin any encoding and file type as long as they are readable by GStreamer.HandBrake does many of the same things and is nearly as flexible with the file types it handles.
I have used HandBrake’s earlier versions as a backup for a while with good results. The improvements to its features and user interface makeit a very suitable alternative choice for video and audio conversions. Its collection of built-in device presets makes using it a lot easier. The devices covered with presets include Universal, iPod/iPad,iPhone, AppleTV, Android, and Android Tablet.
Not a Do-All Tool
If you are looking for a ripper tool, Handbrake (or Arista, for that matter) is not what you want. HandBrake converts from one format to another, so you can use the file in non-proprietary players and editors.
What HandBrake does well is convert video/audio from most formats to a few modern ones. It does not rip the file or crack the latest DVD copy protection schemes.
HandBrake is also not a video/audio editing or viewing application. It facilitates file format conversion so you can view/edit media files in the software that handles the converted format.
Under the Hood
HandBrake version 0.10 adds support for more encoders, such as H.265 and VP8. These additional encoders let you create smaller, higher-quality videos.
The H.265 encoder is now available through x265 1.4. This encoder is fairly new and is evolving—err, being further developed. The VP8 Encoder uses the libvpx encoder and is available in MKV files only.
VP8 replaces Theora (VP3). It is a more modern encoder that provides users with better-quality encodes at lower file sizes.
More Upgrades
Libavformat is now used for muxing instead of mp4v2 and libmkv. The “LargeFile Size” checkbox has now been removed for mp4, as the new muxer will transition to 64-bit files automatically.
Mpeg2dec has also been replaced by libav. Its AAC encoder is now the default, as FAAC has been removed due to GPL compatibility issues. This encoder should work fine for most needs, but it still has quirks. SoHandBrake also enabled support for the FDK-AAC encoder.
The drawback is that FDK-AAC is much slower and may create a bottleneck during the encoding process. The upside is that it produces better-quality audio.
Work in Progress
HandBrake’s Linux version is not perfect, but it is getting there. Support for two key technologies, Intel QuickSync VideoEncode/Decode and hardware decode support via DXVA, is slated for an upcoming upgrade but still missing from the Linux version.
To get the best use out of HandBrake, your hardware should include AMD or Intel GPU support for OpenCL Scaling. This is a new feature in HandBrake. Be aware that Nvidia GPUs are not currently supported.
I had some trouble with this on several of my computers. As is the case with new features, they can be a problem.
Using It
Developers also made some changes to the GUI. Most of the settings and feature access are available from the application’s main window.
The top row holds the menus for File, Queue, View, and Help. The Help feature is particularly useful and welcome. It connects you directly to a wiki-driven guide that makes learning HandBrake’s various functions quick and simple.
The second row holds buttons for Source, Start, Pause, Engueue, Queue, Picture Settings, and Activity.
Below this are selection boxes for titles and chapters and the Filedestination.
A tabbed viewing area provides convenient functionality. It is easy to see key information and enter new data. The tabs are Summary, Video, Audio, Subtitles, Advanced, Chapters, and Tags.
Feature Roundup
Overall, the Linux version now has some much-needed fine-tuning. The audio and subtitle controls now support default behaviors, which you can store in presets. This simplifies the workflow for many batch encoding scenarios.
Two other nice refinements are the improvements to the Auto-Naming feature and the ability to batch add to a queue by list selection. Also, you can resize or crop video dimensions or picture settings.
This is not the same as full-scale video frame-by-frame editing. You can set/change dimensions by cropping, storage, and display options of black borders and rounding the number of pixels displayed. Two options are possible: Auto and Loose Crop.
You can filter the picture settings with Grayscale, Denoise, Decomb and Detelecine. You can also choose the destination frame rate or set a target size for the converted file so you can be sure it’ll fit on your target device.
Getting It
The latest version is not yet in most distro repositories, making it a bit of a hassle to get it.
Clicking on the download button from the developer’s website takes you to a SourceForge.net location where you can download the file HandBrake-0.10.0-i686-Win_CLI.zip.
If you do not like the manual methodology involved in unzipping files and then proceeding with manual installation, try this approach using a terminal window. The process involves setting a PPA location and using APT (Advanced Packaging Tool) repositories.
Linux Mint 17.1 and 17 (and derivatives) users can install the latest HandBrake by using its official PPA:
Bottom Line
HandBrake does its job of converting a wide range of file formats to a format most player and editing apps can handle. It is not difficult to use.
HandBrake is one of the better choices for Linux users; however, it still has some limitations. Still, this current version release continues to makethis file converter tool a very useful application.
Suggest a Review
Is there a Linux software application or distro you’d like to suggest for review? Something you love or would like to get to know?
Email your ideas to me, and I’ll consider them for a future column.
And use the Reader Comments feature below to provide your input!
Loading ...
I don’t care for Hand Brake on any platform. It’s clunky, slow and has a terrible interface. There is other free software out there that performs better, it’s just not FOSS and you have to use WINE.