Encoding Recommendations

Contents

Introduction

VBOSS accepts many different video formats. For best results, however, we recommend users upload using the following settings:

Software Specific Recommendations

Container Format

Please choose from MOV, MP4 or WMV.

MOV/MP4 settings

Option Value
Format MOV or MP4
Video Codec H.264 / AVC
CABAC* Yes
Video Bitrate Mode VBR 2-pass for highest quality, CBR for faster encoding
Video Quality* "Med-High" or about 66%
Video Bitrate No less than 1100 kbps
Recommended: 1500-2100 kbps
Video Framerate Original framerate recommended. Fliqz encodes to 24 fps

Frame Reordering*

no
Video Keyframes* Automatic
Resolution 16:9 = 640x360, 4:3 = 640x480, or original
Field Order* None (Progressive). De-interlace footage before encoding
Audio Codec AAC or MP3
Audio Bitrate 128 kbps
Audio SampleRate 44.1 or 48 kHz
  • if applicable

Windows Media (WMV) settings

Option Value
Format WMV
Video Codec Windows Media Video 9
Video Encoding Passes One (Two takes far too long for negligible increase in quality)
Video Bitrate Mode Constant or VBR
Video Bitrate 1100-2100 kbps. Higher increases quality, but also increases file size
Video Framerate Original framerate recommended. Fliqz encodes to 24 fps
Resolution 16:9 = 640x360, 4:3 = 640x480, or original
Field Order None (Progressive) - De-interlace footage before exporting
Audio Codec Windows Media Audio 9.2

... defaults for all other settings are generally fine

My File's Too Large!

If your video is too large to fit within your package's size limits FAQ#What_is_the_maximum_file_size_I_can_upload you may contact us to upgrade your package. Alternatively, you may consider re-encoding your video. One solution is to utilize the free program Handbrake, which allows you to set a target filesize. See this page for more information.

File Sizes and Quality

Assuming you encode with best quality settings (H.264 codec, Main or High Profile, VBR two-pass), you may use this chart to determine expected quality:

60 min @ 900 MB 1920 kbps great quality 480p (good for Standard Definition material)
60 min @ 600 MB 1200 kbps good quality 480p (optimal tradeoff of filesize/quality; RECOMMENDED)
60 min @ 400 MB 780 kbps acceptable quality at 360p (slightly below Fliqz’s eventual streaming rate, so negligible loss in quality)
60 min @ 300 MB 540 kbps decent quality at 360p (some loss in quality)
60 min @ 100 MB 97 kbps terrible quality (not recommended!!!)

Of course, your results will depend on the content of your video and the encoding settings used. However, in general I would expect anything above 10 MB per minute ( = 600 MB ) to provide diminishing returns if the eventual target is the standard Fliqz encoding profile.

Note: When uploading HD material double these recommended video bitrates.

For fitting a video within 300 MB (when uploading to Bronze accounts) use this table to determine your video bitrate:

< 30 min 1100 - 1500 kbps
30 min 1200 kbps
45 min 782 kbps
60 min 554 kbps

Note: encoding options and settings may vary depending on OS and software. If you have questions about specific software let us know.