Clang's Blog » computers

transcoding mkv video files with apple compressor

clang — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:30:21 +0000

Currently transcoding a huge mkv file to apple prores and the process is taking a while, so I figured I whip up a quick tutorial…

Mkv or matroska video files have been around for a while, and have been the encapsulation format of choice for the hd geeks when it comes to viewing hd.

Mkv is not a codec but a container format, just like avi and mov. movs and avi can contain videos with mpeg compression, etc. anyways, more about container formats here.

Processing mkv files can be cpu-intensive, expecially when the content is encoded hd (which is usually the case).

If you’re on a multi-core mac (or equivalent), here is a simple workaround if you want to speed up mkv transcoding via Compressor into an editing-friendly codec.

You have to be able to play mkv files natively. You need to download Perian, a free Quicktime component add-on that lets you play dozens of the newer formats (codecs) available, including matroska files.
Open the mkv file that you want to convert in Quicktime Player and wait for everything to finish caching then save it as a self-contained movie.
This will then changed the container format from mkv to mov. And no, renaming the file extension will not work.
With the encoded video file being in an mov container, you can now take it to Compressor and it will be more responsive.You can speed things up more by using the Apple QMaster trick, but let’s talk about that next time ‘coz my batch just finished rendering.

hud-tastic

clang — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:16:59 +0000

finally on vanilla 10.5.8 with hud modifications. stable so far.

Leopard 10.5.4

clangfu@gmail.com — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 06:14:05 +0000

so far, so good. i hope i didn’t speak too soon.

Leopard.

clangfu@gmail.com — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 12:13:00 +0000

a purrrrrrr…

Mac OSX running on Intel Pentium 4!

clangfu@gmail.com — Fri, 12 Aug 2005 00:03:00 +0000

Just a little more time….

Utak Lugaw

clangfu@gmail.com — Mon, 06 Dec 2004 06:53:00 +0000

Its now my second week on the new job and I’m still struggling trying to learn how to use Discreet’s Inferno and kids — i am having a difficult time!

Argh!

Being a die-hard after effects user for almost 6 years, it is very difficult for me to work on a different gui, expecially on something that runs on a cpu as big as my closet.

This is very frustrating, It’s like learning to fly an airplane.
Mainly because you’re all sweaty knowing that the unit costs millions of pesos, which also means you can never buy one for yourself, which basicaly means you can’t practice at home.

hahaay…