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Description of problem or question:
hey whats up guys. im new here and i have a few questions on how to use HandBrake better. 1st question is can you pick the bit rate that the file is being converted too. 2nd im burning some animes and dvds to digital so i can make my own media server. one thing i would like to do is to make my converted files into MP4 Files but when i do they take away the subtitles that translate the background or meanings of japanance subtitles. any help i would be greatful, thanks
Steps to reproduce the problem (If Applicable):
HandBrake version (e.g., 1.0.0):
1.8.1
Operating system and version (e.g., Ubuntu 16.04 LTS, macOS 10.13 High Sierra, Windows 10 Creators Update):
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If you are unable to do so, please state why so we can help you.
MP4 has a limitation on subtitle types. Anything above DVDs do not give you subtitles that can be included in MP4 EXCEPT as burned-in. MKV will accept a wider variety of subtitle types.
Bit rate is up to you. I typically do not care, choosing the RF level instead. RF below 22 (typically 18-20) works well for my use, and typically results in a 10:1 reduction in size for anime titles, 5:1 for regular content.
the only reason i wanted to keep the subtitles is mainly for ther background signs and meanings, im noit a huge fan of subtitles unless its like 12 or 13 episodes
Subtitles do not add a lot to the size of the file, so even on my titles that are Japanese-only, it isn't significant. And it is simple with MKV files to make them "optional" when watching with English audio. MP4 limits that for most of my stuff (BD and above), so I rarely use it as a destination.
Exception being stuff originally targeted at my phone or tablets; they handle MKV now, so I stopped making special versions.
Then there is when you have multiple subtitle tracks... like "forced only" (not tagged as such) and "everything". For playing MKV files on most players, you have to make sure the order they are defined is correct, AND that they're properly flagged. That's where an external program comes in handy.
MP4 eliminates that final step, because you have to select which will be displayed during the encode.