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HandBrake is a video converter program intended to both rip and convert video files to work on a number of supported devices.
The features of this converter are easy enough to understand. An advanced computer user will most likely be able to use HandBrake for its full purpose, but a user who knows the basics should be able to figure out how to work through the main steps. You simply have to have a file or DVD to work with, and HandBrake will help with some of the less obvious steps by indicating the missing information that needs to be inserted. It took a couple tries to correctly convert a 15-minute video file the first time. It seemed to shut down without finishing, but eventually it worked. That took about 40 minutes to finish converting and encoding. Time results will obviously vary depending on the file size. DVD ripping seems to work fine and the time varies here as well, depending on the DVD length. The Help button will take you to the publisher's Web site, where some of the information is easy to understand but the more-detailed parts are intended for a more advanced user. It is certainly not the easiest, most efficient converter program we have seen out there.
It didn't take long to download, and the installation process was very simple. There weren't any extra downloads or offers hidden within the installation process, and you'll find that setting this is easy.
Publisher's Description
From HandBrake:
HandBrake is a GPL'd multiplatform, multithreaded DVD to MPEG-4 ripper or converter. HandBrake was originally available on the BeOS, but now has been ported over to MacOS X and to GNU/Linux.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 121 votes
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Current version:
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"Worked very well until I had OS X re-installed"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
Fast, easy and works well with iTunes
Cons
Hasn't worked since I had OS X re-installed
Summary
I used Handbrake for about a year and a half with no problems but after I had to take my computer to Apple and they re-installed OS X, Handbrake hasn't worked. It scans OK but 2-4 seconds after you hit, Start, it says that it is finished. I am using Version 0.9.8 x86_64 and I don't know how to fix it. I really like(d) Handbrake and would like to use it again but I don't know what happened and why I can't put my movies on my computer.
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"Clean Interface, usually works as intended"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
Converts to .mkv and .mp4 formats with option of either setting a target file size or using user variable levels of compression
Cons
SOMETIMES converts to .m4v format DESPITE .mp4 being selected.
Summary
Does a good job. The only other bell and whistle which would be a nice inclusion would be a rudimentary editing function.
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"Good tool for high quality video compression"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
+ Many advanced video editing filters to remove image noise or optimize compression quality. Highly recommended for storage purposes.
+ Uses the no. 1 video compression codec: x264
+ Great user discussion forum & lots of presets you can download
+ Useful for finalizing digitized analogue recordings (VHS tape recordings), because you can remove image noise in many ways
+ Handbrake has existed for about 7 or 8 years
+ Does not contain any 'crapware'. WYSIWYG.Cons
- Not recommended for beginners. Use the preview feature before you run a big conversion job
- Lacks a visual (non-linear) video editing feature (but that was not what Handbrake was made for)Summary
With the right amount of experience and patience Handbrake can produce video output that can compete with expensive paid software.
Handbrake is state-of-the-art freeware on the video editing scene for all computer OSes (Windows, MacOS, Linux). -
"Total Loss of functionality"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
None since it doesn't do what it used to.
Cons
This version of Handbrake can not -- WILL NOT- convert and compress an entire, large Mkv file. I've tried it with both an MKV to MP4 and MKV to MKV outputs and in both cases the finished result is only the first part of the entire movie file.
The exclusion of custom output file size settings in this version is also a dumb and baffling move from an app that has always been so smart.
The only thing I've been able to get this version of HB to do is convert small avi and MP4 files to Mkv's. That's it. Really disappointing time waster. -
"Unusable on Win 7 x64"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
Unknown, since it crashed the first time I used it.
Cons
Crashes, and then must be killed with the Task Manager. It has two processes running in the Task Manager: and, one of them required repeated terminations to stop.
A question posted to their user forum asking about the crash was replied to with a terse statement to see a link: the linked-to page contined information on the inability of HandBrake to copy DRM, or other copy-protected, software.
While I do not believe the DVD I was trying to copy was copy-protected: even if it was: the application should be able to handle an error, and present a message to the user, not just crash, and require termination via the Task Manager.Summary
Open source software is often worth what you pay for it.
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"Still some work to do to make it better"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
Can encode a short moment for preview. Have some options for "Denoising" which become useful when you encode video coming from cheap IP Cameras (it detect less changes and compression get better)
Cons
It doesn't remember every settings when you click on some toolbar options (like output resolution). GUI become unresponsive when you select a folder. Generate random results... you got to test many output format to get one working
Summary
Note: To all haters who will answer "No" to "Was this review helpful?", please comment otherwise everyone arround here will think that all these votes come from the publisher itself! It's lame.
Some people mentionned "Random result" in the past review, and this is absolutely true. Google for 5 minutes about "handbrake black screen" or "handbrake blank screen" and thousands of significant links will appear. And yes, after some conversion i've got no sound too.
The GUI become unresponsive when we click on some options like selecting a folder. I'm not talking here about "Add All (experimental)" option which at least show a progression by showing which file is beeing read. I'm talking about SOURCE / FOLDER. When you click on that option, every buttons become grayed out, there's no status showing anything, and it's frozen like this for few minutes! Windows doesn't show an "Application Not Responding", but this behavior is still not really nice.
I also get random result about output resolution. On 2 differents computers, with the same video to compress, when i select KEEP ASPECT RATIO, i don't have the same height on both computers if i specify 800 pixels width. This is not making much sense.
So basically, this software still need a lot of work to make it good. At least it should stop producing Black Screens on output video. If it's unable to convert properly, at least it should detect that the whole screen is black for 2 minutes... then stop the compression. -
"Easy to Use and Comprehensive too"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
I needed to convert an avi file to mp4 to put into a training program and was able to do it in seconds.
Prompts and suggestions about errors.
Comprehensive, I have yet to use all the tools this program has to offer but can't wait to do so.Cons
I can't seem to figure out how to put audio into my file with out recording it first then overlapping it.
Summary
I highly recommend this program.
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"Basic and limited but functional"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
Simple interface
Cons
Limited choice of output formats
Fixed set of preset image sizes with no option to customise
Heavily geared towards apple products/formatsSummary
This software promises a lot and to all purposes delivers. This is just a DVD ripper and you will need additional software if you want to convert the captured image, it's basic and limited but functional
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"Must Have Utility
Most Have Utility"Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
Quick, easy, high quality
Cons
Lots of options for the average user
Summary
This is a must have for any iOS user.
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"Failed to start"
Version: HandBrake 0.9.8
Pros
It sounded promising. Says it can crop and get the aspect ratio correct, which most people/programs can't seem to do.
Cons
On my XP it just fails to "initialize' trying to start.
Also the installer crashes the computer when it's closed, either by Cancel or Finish. Blue screen, which is recoverable with no problem by restarting.Summary
Can't get a chance to try it. Software flaws.
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