[Mark Ryan]

Hi John,
Things are going very well with the MXF renders. However, I am having one trouble afterwards with the audio channels when converting to MP4. The main issue is that when in Handbrake that either converting with just one mono or the two mono channels, set to convert to 320kbps they come out around 220kbps. So it seems something’s not going right there, either due to how Handbrake MXF audio channels or something in my setup, though I don’t think that had been an issue in the past converting other formats/files.

I tried out another more generic/versatile converter, Brorsoft, which output accurate audio and video quality according to specs, and visually is good but seems to have phasing issues with the audio. My interest in Handbrake (or similar converters like that which have more advanced options) has been because I got the impression it had quite a good compression method, whatever it is that it does behind the scenes. But I’ll use whatever works, really.

Do you have any thoughts on what would normally be the best method/s for converting Sony MXF to MP4?

[Mark Ryan]

Hey Scott,
I hope you had some luck in finding a work around for this.
Did you end up finding any solution for this as I am currently doing the same thing with converting Sony MXF 422 in Handbrake to MP4 and finding that when I convert it with either one mono channel or the two separate audio channels included, with it aiming for 320kbps they come out around 220kbps or so. That doesn’t seem to happen with other Handbrake file conversions and other people have issues with MXF audio conversions so I’m inclined to think it’s to do with that.
Did you work anything out on this, even using different converters?

[Mark Ryan]

Great, thanks John. That makes things simple. I’ll just go with MXF for any high quality renders and convert to MP4 in Handbrake as needed.

[Mark Ryan]

For reference, the FX being used would generally be basic Sony color/Unsharp tools for grading but can also be things like Neat Video or BCC UpRez.

[Mark Ryan]

That’s great. And if I do use FX and render to Sony MXF will it still handle it very well?
What about for the original MP4 footage, would you convert it MXF before editing in Vegas and would you leave it as that when rendering or use it as a proxy and replace it? If so, are there any recommendations for converter programs to convert to MXF?

Also, I wanted to say thanks a lot John because I think I’ve been reading your helpful advice online from a distance for the past 18 months or so and it’s helped a lot with regards to any video editing and computer setups, etc. so I appreciate the help you give to everyone.

[Mark Ryan]

Thanks for the detailed response.
My video settings are 1080p 25fps progressive and the footage is the same, coming from video cameras, XDCAM or DSLR. The videos are done as part of a full time not for profit organisation, so the videos won’t be going to clients or transferred on the production side of things. Regarding system specs (I think you were asking for this info) one older computer has an i5 2500K + Radeon HD 7800 series 2GB + 8GB RAM and a new computer has an i7 7700 + RX 480 Gaming X + 16GB RAM.

A final MP4 file will be used predominantly for YouTube, however, we’ll also do things like Vimeo and possibly online TV channels or web streaming and each may use different format settings. This is the reason that I’m quite interested in the idea of rendering to a high quality version (either highest quality MP4 or a near lossless option) which then allows of the option to convert to any format/size for the streaming medium as needed.

As an alternative to the near uncompressed formats mentioned (i.e. DNxHD, cineform, etc.) I am considering simply rendering to the highest quality MP4 and converting down appropriately, probably through Handbrake. Is that a good idea, doing a second conversion afterwards to the lower quality MP4? If so, which Vegas MP4 codec would you recommend in general for best quality and speed?

I did some export tests on the older computer of a 1 minute video, for anyone interested. These were the results for render time, size, bitrate:

MainConcept MP4: 20 minutes, 118mb, 16mb/s.
Sony AVC MP4: 8 minutes, 116mb, 16mb/s.
Sony XAVCS MP4: 8min30secs, 408mb, 56mb/s.
XDCAM EX MP4: 7min15secs, 202mb, 28mb/s.
Avid DNxHD: 8 minutes, 900mb, 123mb/s.
Cineform High: 8min15secs, 700mb, 97mb/s. (Oddly found Cineform renders not sharp/focused)
Handbrake FS MP4: 10 minutes, 73mb, 10mb/s. (Set at CRF18, Slow, High 4.1. Looked decent)

Based on this I feel happy with the XAVCS for the balance of higher quality MP4 and speed. It’s nice to know the DNxHD is still comparable in render time but the file size is unnecessary when I can do the other option. That’s interesting about DNxHD possibly causing an issue though, would you mind sharing how that can affect workflow? Another thing was for some Cineform didn’t look good visually (not like horribly bad, but just not focused or sharp like it should be) despite coming out with high settings in MediaInfo.
What do you think would be the best MP4 I should go with, Aaron? Thanks for your help again. I wouldn’t have experimented with all the new options otherwise so I really appreciate it 🙂

[Mark Ryan]

Thanks a lot, Aaron. This is really helpful.
I am thinking of going with the i7 7700 and the MSI Radeon RX 480 Gaming X 8GB.
Could you please help me clarify which motherboard I should go with (e.g. the Z270) and do you have any recommendations for brands or models?
The computer will likely do streaming at some point with a capture card like you mentioned and is mostly for 1080p video editing but knowing that 4K is a possibility would be nice too. I saw a few sites say Asus Prime Z270-A was a good all-rounder but I don’t know what to look for when it comes to motherboards with respects to video editing so your help is really appreciated.

[Mark Ryan]

Thanks for the help everyone. That’s good to know about the GPUs.
If anybody has any thoughts on the i7 6700 vs the new 7700 that would be very helpful as I am tossing up between the two. I’m unsure whether to play safe with the 6700 which has proven well for others or if there are any recommendations for the new 7700.