Page 1 of 1
Apple's encoding method
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:42 am
by Tiesto
Does anyone know what software Apple uses to encode the video in iTunes? Also, are the standard definition videos all encoded at a 1500 kbps data rate? Or does it vary from video to video? I'm just kind of curious as to how Apple does their encoding.
Re: Apple's encoding method
Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 7:57 am
by bxlr8ed
I am curious about this as well. I have been trying to figure out a workflow to begin archiving as I have heard of others doing. I do not get own apple tv but am coming closer to buying one. I would really like to figure out how to set up a home media server.
Re: Apple's encoding method
Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 4:50 pm
by rhester
For SD encoding, they use a modified Ateme encoder at 1500kbps ABR with custom zoning from direct digital sources (read: not DVD - much, MUCH higher resolution and bitrate) and do fixed-resolution anamorphic encodes.
Apple's encoding is lowest-common-denominator - they cannot go beyond the specs of the *original* 5G iPod. HandBrake is capable of easily generating content compatible with any specific model iPod (or alternately, anything newer than a 5G) providing vastly superior quality while maintaining compatibility. However, as with most things, the better the source, the better the result...and you will never come anywhere near the quality of Apple's sources, even with Blu-ray.
Rodney