Converted files are un-playable

[kdpap]

Description of problem or question:
I am new to using decoding programs, so hopefully the following describes the problem that I am having accurately.

I used the program to convert 2 downloaded .mp4 videos to .mp4 files playable from a thumb drive on a portable USB/DVD player. After figuring out which preset settings were compatible, it worked great for the 2 videos.

But after trying this for more videos a week later, all videos are unplayable on the USB player and even on Windows Media player. The Windows media player gives the message: "Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The Player might not support the file type or might not support the codec that was used to compress the file."

I do not understand the change which is causing the program not to work anymore. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Steps to reproduce the problem (If Applicable):
Below, I included the Activity Log for a trial which results in an unplayable file. This trial was stopped after 2 minutes of running.
After this, I included a Log for the original conversion of the same file that resulted in a playable file.

HandBrake version (e.g., 1.0.0):
HandBrake V1.2.2 (2019022300)



Operating system and version (e.g., Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, Windows 10 Creators Update):
Windows 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1.

HandBrake Activity Log ***required*** (see How-to get an activity log)

Here is the Log for the last unplayable trial run. I stopped it after 2 minutes.

[HandBrake 1.2.2 (2019022300)
OS: Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
CPU: AMD C-50 Processor
Ram: 3818 MB,
GPU Information:
AMD Radeon HD 6250 Graphics - 8.861.0.0
Screen: 1366x768
Temp Dir: C:\Users\francine\AppData\Local\Temp\
Install Dir: C:\Program Files\HandBrake
Data Dir: C:\Users\francine\AppData\Roaming\HandBrake

-------------------------------------------


# Starting Encode ...

[10:25:36] hb_init: starting libhb thread
[10:25:36] 1 job(s) to process
[10:25:36] json job:
{
"Audio": {
"AudioList": [
{
"Bitrate": 160,
"DRC": 0.0,
"Encoder": "mp3",
"Gain": 0.0,
"Mixdown": 4,
"NormalizeMixLevel": false,
"Samplerate": 0,
"Track": 0,
"DitherMethod": 0
}
],
"CopyMask": [
"copy:aac",
"copy:ac3",
"copy:dtshd",
"copy:dts",
"copy:eac3",
"copy:flac",
"copy:mp3",
"copy:truehd"
],
"FallbackEncoder": "ac3"
},
"Destination": {
"ChapterList": [
{
"Name": "Chapter 1"
}
],
"ChapterMarkers": true,
"AlignAVStart": true,
"File": "C:\\Users\\francine\\Documents\\Documents Keith\\Temporary KP\\RP1_Converted_Test2.mp4",
"Mp4Options": {
"IpodAtom": false,
"Mp4Optimize": false
},
"Mux": "mp4"
},
"Filters": {
"FilterList": [
{
"ID": 4,
"Settings": {
"mode": "7"
}
},
{
"ID": 3,
"Settings": {
"block-height": "16",
"block-thresh": "80",
"block-width": "16",
"filter-mode": "1",
"mode": "0",
"motion-thresh": "2",
"spatial-metric": "2",
"spatial-thresh": "3"
}
},
{
"ID": 11,
"Settings": {
"crop-bottom": "4",
"crop-left": "0",
"crop-right": "0",
"crop-top": "14",
"height": "462",
"width": "854"
}
},
{
"ID": 6,
"Settings": {
"mode": "2",
"rate": "27000000/900000"
}
}
]
},
"PAR": {
"Num": 3856,
"Den": 3843
},
"Metadata": {},
"SequenceID": 0,
"Source": {
"Angle": 1,
"Range": {
"Type": "chapter",
"Start": 1,
"End": 1
},
"Title": 1,
"Path": "E:\\RP Original Download\\RP1.mp4"
},
"Subtitle": {
"Search": {
"Burn": true,
"Default": false,
"Enable": true,
"Forced": true
},
"SubtitleList": []
},
"Video": {
"Encoder": "mpeg4",
"Level": "auto",
"TwoPass": false,
"Turbo": false,
"ColorMatrixCode": 0,
"Options": "",
"Quality": 1.0,
"QSV": {
"Decode": false,
"AsyncDepth": 0
}
}
}
[10:25:36] CPU: AMD C-50 Processor
[10:25:36] - logical processor count: 2
[10:25:36] Intel Quick Sync Video support: no
[10:25:36] hb_scan: path=E:\RP Original Download\RP1.mp4, title_index=1
udfread ERROR: ECMA 167 Volume Recognition failed
src/libbluray/disc/disc.c:323: failed opening UDF image E:\RP Original Download\RP1.mp4
src/libbluray/disc/disc.c:424: error opening file BDMV\index.bdmv
src/libbluray/disc/disc.c:424: error opening file BDMV\BACKUP\index.bdmv
[10:25:36] bd: not a bd - trying as a stream/file instead
libdvdnav: Using dvdnav version 6.0.0
libdvdread: Encrypted DVD support unavailable.
libdvdread:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.IFO failed
libdvdread:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.BUP failed
libdvdread: Can't open file VIDEO_TS.IFO.
libdvdnav: vm: failed to read VIDEO_TS.IFO
[10:25:36] dvd: not a dvd - trying as a stream/file instead
Input #0, mov,mp4,m4a,3gp,3g2,mj2, from 'E:\RP Original Download\RP1.mp4':
Metadata:
major_brand : isom
minor_version : 512
compatible_brands: isomiso2avc1mp41
encoder : Lavf57.71.100
Duration: 00:51:54.66, start: 0.000000, bitrate: 781 kb/s
Stream #0:0(und): Video: h264 (High) (avc1 / 0x31637661), yuv420p, 854x480 [SAR 3856:3843 DAR 241:135], 643 kb/s, 30 fps, 30 tbr, 15360 tbn, 60 tbc (default)
Metadata:
handler_name : VideoHandler
Stream #0:1(und): Audio: aac (LC) (mp4a / 0x6134706D), 44100 Hz, stereo, fltp, 129 kb/s (default)
Metadata:
handler_name : SoundHandler
[10:25:36] scan: decoding previews for title 1
[10:25:37] scan: audio 0x1: aac, rate=44100Hz, bitrate=129688 Unknown (AAC LC) (2.0 ch)
[10:25:38] scan: 10 previews, 854x480, 30.000 fps, autocrop = 14/4/0/0, aspect 16:9, PAR 3856:3843
[10:25:38] scan: supported video decoders: avcodec qsv
[10:25:38] libhb: scan thread found 1 valid title(s)
[10:25:38] Skipping subtitle scan. No suitable subtitle tracks.
[10:25:38] starting job
[10:25:38] decomb filter thread started for segment 0
[10:25:38] decomb check thread started for segment 0
[10:25:38] yadif thread started for segment 0
[10:25:38] work: compression level not specified, track 1 setting compression level 2.00
[10:25:38] work: only 1 chapter, disabling chapter markers
[10:25:38] job configuration:
[10:25:38] * source
[10:25:38] + E:\RP Original Download\RP1.mp4
[10:25:38] + title 1, chapter(s) 1 to 1
[10:25:38] + container: mov,mp4,m4a,3gp,3g2,mj2
[10:25:38] + data rate: 781 kbps
[10:25:38] * destination
[10:25:38] + C:\Users\francine\Documents\Documents Keith\Temporary KP\RP1_Converted_Test2.mp4
[10:25:38] + container: MPEG-4 (libavformat)
[10:25:38] + align initial A/V stream timestamps
[10:25:38] * video track
[10:25:38] + decoder: h264
[10:25:38] + bitrate 643 kbps
[10:25:38] + filters
[10:25:38] + Comb Detect (mode=0:spatial-metric=2:motion-thresh=2:spatial-thresh=3:filter-mode=1:block-thresh=80:block-width=16:block-height=16)
[10:25:38] + Decomb (mode=39)
[10:25:38] + Framerate Shaper (mode=2:rate=27000000/900000)
[10:25:38] + frame rate: 30.000 fps -> peak rate limited to 30.000 fps
[10:25:38] + Crop and Scale (width=854:height=462:crop-top=14:crop-bottom=4:crop-left=0:crop-right=0)
[10:25:38] + source: 854 * 480, crop (14/4/0/0): 854 * 462, scale: 854 * 462
[10:25:38] + Output geometry
[10:25:38] + storage dimensions: 854 x 462
[10:25:38] + pixel aspect ratio: 3856 : 3843
[10:25:38] + display dimensions: 856 x 462
[10:25:38] + encoder: MPEG-4 (libavcodec)
[10:25:38] + quality: 1.00 (QP)
[10:25:38] + color profile: 6-1-6
[10:25:38] * audio track 1
[10:25:38] + decoder: Unknown (AAC LC) (2.0 ch) (track 1, id 0x1)
[10:25:38] + bitrate: 129 kbps, samplerate: 44100 Hz
[10:25:38] + mixdown: Stereo
[10:25:38] + dither: none
[10:25:38] + encoder: MP3 (libmp3lame)
[10:25:38] + bitrate: 160 kbps, samplerate: 44100 Hz
[10:25:38] + compression level: 2.00
[10:25:38] decomb filter thread started for segment 1
[10:25:38] decomb check thread started for segment 1
[10:25:38] yadif thread started for segment 1
[10:25:39] sync: expecting 93439 video frames
[10:25:39] encavcodecInit: MPEG-4 ASP encoder
[10:25:39] encavcodec: encoding at constant quantizer 118
[10:25:39] encavcodec: encoding with stored aspect 3856/3843
[10:25:39] sync: first pts video is 0
[10:25:39] sync: "Chapter 1" (1) at frame 1 time 0
[10:25:39] sync: first pts audio 0x1 is 0

# Encode Stopped

[10:27:40] work: average encoding speed for job is 21.686445 fps
[10:27:40] comb detect: heavy 0 | light 56 | uncombed 2545 | total 2601
[10:27:40] decomb: deinterlaced 0 | blended 56 | unfiltered 2540 | total 2596
[10:27:40] vfr: 2592 frames output, 0 dropped and 0 duped for CFR/PFR
[10:27:40] vfr: lost time: 0 (0 frames)
[10:27:40] vfr: gained time: 0 (0 frames) (0 not accounted for)
[10:27:40] aac-decoder done: 3817 frames, 0 decoder errors
[10:27:40] h264-decoder done: 2658 frames, 0 decoder errors
[10:27:40] sync: got 2616 frames, 93439 expected
[10:27:40] sync: framerate min 17.685 fps, max 30.000 fps, avg 29.992 fps
[10:27:40] mux: track 0, 2588 frames, 38919856 bytes, 3581.58 kbps, fifo 1024
[10:27:40] mux: track 1, 3328 frames, 1738710 bytes, 160.00 kbps, fifo 1024
[10:27:41] libhb: work result = 1

# Encode Completed ...]


Log for original run which worked:

[HandBrake 1.2.2 (2019022300)
OS: Microsoft Windows NT 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1
CPU: AMD C-50 Processor
Ram: 3818 MB,
GPU Information:
AMD Radeon HD 6250 Graphics - 8.861.0.0
Screen: 1366x768
Temp Dir: C:\Users\francine\AppData\Local\Temp\
Install Dir: C:\Program Files\HandBrake
Data Dir: C:\Users\francine\AppData\Roaming\HandBrake

-------------------------------------------


# Starting Encode ...

[18:38:55] hb_init: starting libhb thread
[18:38:55] 1 job(s) to process
[18:38:55] json job:
{
"Audio": {
"AudioList": [
{
"Bitrate": 160,
"DRC": 0.0,
"Encoder": "mp3",
"Gain": 0.0,
"Mixdown": 4,
"NormalizeMixLevel": false,
"Samplerate": 0,
"Track": 0,
"DitherMethod": 0
}
],
"CopyMask": [
"copy:aac",
"copy:ac3",
"copy:dtshd",
"copy:dts",
"copy:eac3",
"copy:flac",
"copy:mp3",
"copy:truehd"
],
"FallbackEncoder": "ac3"
},
"Destination": {
"ChapterList": [
{
"Name": "Chapter 1"
}
],
"ChapterMarkers": true,
"AlignAVStart": true,
"File": "E:\\RP Converted\\RP1_Converted.mp4",
"Mp4Options": {
"IpodAtom": false,
"Mp4Optimize": false
},
"Mux": "mp4"
},
"Filters": {
"FilterList": [
{
"ID": 4,
"Settings": {
"mode": "7"
}
},
{
"ID": 3,
"Settings": {
"block-height": "16",
"block-thresh": "80",
"block-width": "16",
"filter-mode": "1",
"mode": "0",
"motion-thresh": "2",
"spatial-metric": "2",
"spatial-thresh": "3"
}
},
{
"ID": 11,
"Settings": {
"crop-bottom": "4",
"crop-left": "0",
"crop-right": "0",
"crop-top": "14",
"height": "462",
"width": "720"
}
},
{
"ID": 6,
"Settings": {
"mode": "2",
"rate": "27000000/900000"
}
}
]
},
"PAR": {
"Num": 482,
"Den": 405
},
"Metadata": {},
"SequenceID": 0,
"Source": {
"Angle": 1,
"Range": {
"Type": "chapter",
"Start": 1,
"End": 1
},
"Title": 1,
"Path": "E:\\RP Original DL\\RP1.mp4"
},
"Subtitle": {
"Search": {
"Burn": true,
"Default": false,
"Enable": true,
"Forced": true
},
"SubtitleList": []
},
"Video": {
"Encoder": "mpeg4",
"Level": "auto",
"TwoPass": false,
"Turbo": false,
"ColorMatrixCode": 0,
"Options": "",
"Quality": 1.0,
"QSV": {
"Decode": false,
"AsyncDepth": 0
}
}
}
[18:38:55] CPU: AMD C-50 Processor
[18:38:55] - logical processor count: 2
[18:38:55] Intel Quick Sync Video support: no
[18:38:55] hb_scan: path=E:\RP Original DL\RP1.mp4, title_index=1
udfread ERROR: ECMA 167 Volume Recognition failed
src/libbluray/disc/disc.c:323: failed opening UDF image E:\RP Original DL\RP1.mp4
src/libbluray/disc/disc.c:424: error opening file BDMV\index.bdmv
src/libbluray/disc/disc.c:424: error opening file BDMV\BACKUP\index.bdmv
[18:38:56] bd: not a bd - trying as a stream/file instead
libdvdnav: Using dvdnav version 6.0.0
libdvdread: Encrypted DVD support unavailable.
libdvdread:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.IFO failed
libdvdread:DVDOpenFileUDF:UDFFindFile /VIDEO_TS/VIDEO_TS.BUP failed
libdvdread: Can't open file VIDEO_TS.IFO.
libdvdnav: vm: failed to read VIDEO_TS.IFO
[18:38:56] dvd: not a dvd - trying as a stream/file instead
Input #0, mov,mp4,m4a,3gp,3g2,mj2, from 'E:\RP Original DL\RP1.mp4':
Metadata:
major_brand : isom
minor_version : 512
compatible_brands: isomiso2avc1mp41
encoder : Lavf57.71.100
Duration: 00:51:54.66, start: 0.000000, bitrate: 781 kb/s
Stream #0:0(und): Video: h264 (High) (avc1 / 0x31637661), yuv420p, 854x480 [SAR 3856:3843 DAR 241:135], 643 kb/s, 30 fps, 30 tbr, 15360 tbn, 60 tbc (default)
Metadata:
handler_name : VideoHandler
Stream #0:1(und): Audio: aac (LC) (mp4a / 0x6134706D), 44100 Hz, stereo, fltp, 129 kb/s (default)
Metadata:
handler_name : SoundHandler
[18:38:56] scan: decoding previews for title 1
[18:38:56] scan: audio 0x1: aac, rate=44100Hz, bitrate=129688 Unknown (AAC LC) (2.0 ch)
[18:38:57] scan: 10 previews, 854x480, 30.000 fps, autocrop = 14/4/0/0, aspect 16:9, PAR 3856:3843
[18:38:57] scan: supported video decoders: avcodec qsv
[18:38:57] libhb: scan thread found 1 valid title(s)
[18:38:57] Skipping subtitle scan. No suitable subtitle tracks.
[18:38:57] starting job
[18:38:57] decomb filter thread started for segment 0
[18:38:57] decomb filter thread started for segment 1
[18:38:57] decomb check thread started for segment 0
[18:38:57] decomb check thread started for segment 1
[18:38:57] yadif thread started for segment 0
[18:38:57] yadif thread started for segment 1
[18:38:57] work: compression level not specified, track 1 setting compression level 2.00
[18:38:57] work: only 1 chapter, disabling chapter markers
[18:38:57] job configuration:
[18:38:57] * source
[18:38:57] + E:\RP Original DL\RP1.mp4
[18:38:57] + title 1, chapter(s) 1 to 1
[18:38:57] + container: mov,mp4,m4a,3gp,3g2,mj2
[18:38:57] + data rate: 781 kbps
[18:38:57] * destination
[18:38:57] + E:\RP Converted\RP1_Converted.mp4
[18:38:57] + container: MPEG-4 (libavformat)
[18:38:57] + align initial A/V stream timestamps
[18:38:57] * video track
[18:38:57] + decoder: h264
[18:38:57] + bitrate 643 kbps
[18:38:57] + filters
[18:38:57] + Comb Detect (mode=0:spatial-metric=2:motion-thresh=2:spatial-thresh=3:filter-mode=1:block-thresh=80:block-width=16:block-height=16)
[18:38:57] + Decomb (mode=39)
[18:38:57] + Framerate Shaper (mode=2:rate=27000000/900000)
[18:38:57] + frame rate: 30.000 fps -> peak rate limited to 30.000 fps
[18:38:57] + Crop and Scale (width=720:height=462:crop-top=14:crop-bottom=4:crop-left=0:crop-right=0)
[18:38:57] + source: 854 * 480, crop (14/4/0/0): 854 * 462, scale: 720 * 462
[18:38:57] + Output geometry
[18:38:57] + storage dimensions: 720 x 462
[18:38:57] + pixel aspect ratio: 482 : 405
[18:38:57] + display dimensions: 856 x 462
[18:38:57] + encoder: MPEG-4 (libavcodec)
[18:38:57] + quality: 1.00 (QP)
[18:38:57] + color profile: 6-1-6
[18:38:57] * audio track 1
[18:38:57] + decoder: Unknown (AAC LC) (2.0 ch) (track 1, id 0x1)
[18:38:57] + bitrate: 129 kbps, samplerate: 44100 Hz
[18:38:57] + mixdown: Stereo
[18:38:57] + dither: none
[18:38:57] + encoder: MP3 (libmp3lame)
[18:38:57] + bitrate: 160 kbps, samplerate: 44100 Hz
[18:38:57] + compression level: 2.00
[18:38:57] sync: expecting 93439 video frames
[18:38:57] encavcodecInit: MPEG-4 ASP encoder
[18:38:57] encavcodec: encoding at constant quantizer 118
[18:38:57] encavcodec: encoding with stored aspect 482/405
[18:38:57] sync: first pts video is 0
[18:38:57] sync: "Chapter 1" (1) at frame 1 time 0
[18:38:57] sync: first pts audio 0x1 is 0
[19:49:01] reader: done. 1 scr changes
[19:49:03] work: average encoding speed for job is 22.217205 fps
[19:49:03] comb detect: heavy 4 | light 962 | uncombed 92471 | total 93437
[19:49:03] decomb: deinterlaced 4 | blended 962 | unfiltered 92471 | total 93437
[19:49:03] vfr: 93437 frames output, 0 dropped and 0 duped for CFR/PFR
[19:49:03] vfr: lost time: 0 (0 frames)
[19:49:03] vfr: gained time: 0 (0 frames) (0 not accounted for)
[19:49:03] aac-decoder done: 134137 frames, 0 decoder errors
[19:49:03] h264-decoder done: 93437 frames, 0 decoder errors
[19:49:03] sync: got 93437 frames, 93439 expected
[19:49:03] sync: framerate min 17.685 fps, max 30.000 fps, avg 30.000 fps
[19:49:10] mux: track 0, 93437 frames, 1396004814 bytes, 3585.63 kbps, fifo 2048
[19:49:10] mux: track 1, 119233 frames, 62293159 bytes, 160.00 kbps, fifo 2048
[19:49:10] libhb: work result = 0

# Encode Completed ...]

[s55]

Doesn't appear to be anything wrong with the file.

DVD players are notorious for having horrible support for media files. (The old Windows media player out the box isn't much better)
If I were to guess, it could be related to the fact your using Anamorphic, the output bitrate could be too high, it might take issue with variable framerate.

[kdpap]

s55 thank you for the reply.

The thing I do not understand is that the same source video worked fine the first time after extensive trial and error with the preset settings. I believe that I am using the same preset for the conversion for the new runs which don't work. The only difference is that for the new runs, I saved the preset as a custom one so that I do not have to enter all of the parameters each time.

During my initial troubleshoot, I started with the built-in preset "Fast 480p30", which began working on the player once I set the Audio Codec to MP3. I then increased the quality of the video to a maximum of "1 QP". I did notice that the audio codec kept switching back to "AAC" and I think it was set to "MP3" during the successful runs. I later found instructions on how to set the default audio codec in the "Selection Behavior" window to keep it from reverting back to "AAC".

When I compared the 2 logs, I noticed that there is a difference in the ""ID": 11" section. The unplayable run had "width": "854" but the run that worked had "width": "720". I am confused why there would be a difference if the same preset was used on the same source file (original source is 854 x 480). Also there are other differences in the logs such as: "PAR" section each have different values for "Num" and "Den" Could there be a setting in the new preset that is causing the problem?

Also both logs seem to show identical errors, so do you think these can be ruled out as the problem?

Thank you again

[Deleted User 13735]

You want AAC audio passthrough. Mp3 is not universally recognized, and was / is not the reason your encodes began working. That's a misattribution.

If you will but take a logical troubleshooting approach:

• Change only one thing at a time, then test
  Write it down
  Change it back before doing anything else
  Trust the defaults, not your imagination.

You will figure out your errors on your own.
If you make random changes expecting to pull a rabbit out of a hat, be careful what you wish for.

[masterjp]

One of the biggest problems with most of the DVD/Bluray-Player and SmartTVs are the settings of video compression.
If you want high quality mp4 video files handbrake often use a higher Level of h264/h265 e.g. 5 and most of the TVs and other players only support Level 4.1.

It is the setting in the video tab near the profile. Although most of the players support aac audio and no other exotic format (opus, e-ac3, DTS, etc.).

[Deleted User 13735]

If you want high quality mp4 video files handbrake often use a higher Level

The Level is not a quality metric, no such forward relationship exists. It is but an indicator of file architecture -- bitrate, resolution, and frame rate -- that comes after the fact, and not as a determinant.

The thing I do not understand is that the same source video worked fine the first time after extensive trial and error with the preset settings. I believe that I am using the same preset for the conversion for the new runs which don't work.

OP should click a normal preset, press Start, report succes or failure after allowing completion, and post the logs. OP feels some need to swim upstream by making arbitrary changes based on "belief," or "trial and error."

For example, and there are others, forcing QP of 1 on a hardware codec seems to negate my notion of "playability," and sensibility (643 Kbps source) Why? (Isn't QP 18 considered as visually lossless?) To another observer, it's vanilla SD.

Add to that the untracked changes made between the two encodes, one can expect a clear invitation to start over and suppress the urge to fix something.

[kdpap]

All thanks for the help.


This weekend, I tried again with the same starting file from the logs above but this time changing only one parameter at a time and writing every parameter change down as I went along as musicvid suggested above. For all of the below, I did not convert the whole file, I performed only 3min runs to save time. I eventually got the file playing again on the portable usb player. Here is the sequence of parameter changes:

I started with the built in preset Fast 480p30 : This gave message on the usb player: video codec not supported
I changed video codec from H.264 to MPEG-4: usb player did not give any message, but still did not play
I changed Audio codec from AAC to MP3: usb player played file!

I then tried to make the quality better using the constant quality QP slider. When the above file played, it appeared blocky even on the small screen, so I decreased the QP factor from 20 to 15. (I am comparing the quality to the original file that was created in the above original log. When this file plays, it does not appear blocky and equivalent in sharpness to the original file on Windows media player). The resulting video still appeared blocky. After many trials, I found 5 QP to result in video which is equivalent to the original. I am confused, because from what I read, a value of 20 QP should be more than enough to match standard DVD quality.

Finally, I noticed a few things about the saved preset settings in the program that resulted in my original custom preset not working.
When I reopen the program and load my saved preset, I notice that the following settings are different even though I am positive that I saved them in the preset:

Dimensions/Width was at 854 even though the preset was saved with a value of 720. This changes the PAR values from 482x405 to 3856x3854. For some reason, the width keeps defaulting back to the source size of 854.

Audio/Codec was at AAC even though the preset was saved as MP3. I set the audio codec to MP3 in the selection behavior/Audio defaults/codec screen when i created the custom preset. For some reason it does not seem to save this and the codec keeps switching back to AAC.

Thanks again for any help.

[BradleyS]

RF is not the same as QP. QP 4-8 is probably a sane range for the old MPEG-4 codec.

[Deleted User 13735]

Understood. And it is codec-specific. h264 works quite well at QP18, and that is the apparent decoder listed in the first log, not oldschool mpeg-4.

If the OP would care to upload a clean source sample (not YouTube), there are others here who can run quantitative tests to back their trials, maybe come up with a more universally playable solution.

That said, I'm very skeptical about the net effect of any Q-based encoder on a machine-coded source video at <1Mbps. Only a talking head against a static background could hope to survive that harsh treatment, whether or not it plays well.

The original poster is to be acknowledged for at least trying, if a bit indirectly. I'll be glad to help if I can, probably not until after the holiday weekend.

[kdpap]

All

I performed many trial and error tests this holiday weekend and what I finally found is that the Handbrake settings were not the issue...it was the USB thumb drive!!

I am using a PNY 128GB USB 3.0 drive which is supposed to be backwards compatible to USB 2.0 per the package. My Windows 7 computer has a USB 2.0 port so everything should have worked fine. I even purchased a second identical USB 3.0 drive to see if the first one was defective. I had the same problem except that I could not even get any files to play from this drive.

When I repeated the test with an older USB 2.0 thumb drive, the video files played fine on both Windows media Player and the portable USB/DVD player!!

The incompatibility caused many weird results which led me to think it was the different settings for Handbrake that I was using. This included video files on the USB 3.0 drive working perfectly for only the first 2 videos that I converted a few weeks ago, but not for the rest. What clued me into this problem was that jpg picture files would not even work. But all this time text files were perfectly usable with Windows Notepad on both USB 3.0 drives.

Anyway, all thanks for the help