Introduction to HandBrake: Your Ultimate Video Transcoder
HandBrake stands out as a robust, open-source video transcoder that operates seamlessly across multiple platforms, including MacOS, Linux, and Windows. This GPL-licensed tool excels at processing a wide array of multimedia files and can handle DVD or Blu-ray sources devoid of copy protection. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, HandBrake offers versatility and efficiency in video conversion.
Key Features of HandBrake
HandBrake is equipped with an array of features designed to cater to various user needs:
- Device Presets: Quickly choose from numerous profiles tailored for specific devices or opt for a universal profile to ensure high-quality conversion results. This streamlined process makes it user-friendly for all.
- Supported Input Sources: HandBrake supports a plethora of multimedia formats alongside unprotected DVD and Blu-ray sources, making it a versatile choice for content processing.
Output Formats and Options
HandBrake provides users with various output options, including:
- File Containers:. MP4 (.M4V) and. MKV
- Video Encoders: H.265 (x265, QuickSync), H.264 (x264, QuickSync), MPEG-4, MPEG-2, VP8, and Theora
- Audio Encoders: AAC, HE-AAC, MP3, FLAC, AC3, and Vorbis
- Audio Pass-Through: Options include AC-3, E-AC3, DTS, DTS-HD, TrueHD, AAC, and MP3 tracks
Additional Features Enhancing User Experience
In addition to the core functionalities, HandBrake boasts several additional features:
- Title and Chapter Selection
- Queue Management for Multiple Encodes
- Chapter Markers Support
- Subtitles in VobSub, Closed Captions CEA-608, SSA, and SRT formats
- Options for Constant Quality or Average BitRate Video Encoding
- Support for Variable Frame Rate (VFR) and Constant Frame Rate (CFR)
- Advanced Video Filters, including deinterlacing and scaling
- Live Video Preview Functionality
What’s New in HandBrake 1.9.0
The latest update, HandBrake 1.9.0, introduces a variety of enhancements across all platforms:
General Enhancements
- Integration of Intel QSV VVC (hardware) video decoder
- Option to enable AV1 Screen Content Coding (SCC) on Intel Lunar Lake QSV encoder
- Support for lossless VP9 encoding
- User preference added to retain duplicate Blu-ray titles
- New feature for Max Duration of Scan titles for disc-based sources (#6304)
Audio Improvements
- Introduction of ALAC encoder
- Support for Vorbis pass-through
- Enhanced scanning of DTS audio profiles
Subtitles and Quality Fixes
- Improved quality for burned-in subtitles
- Resolved rare video corruption issues during subtitle burning
Updated Libraries
Numerous third-party libraries have also been updated, enhancing overall functionality:
- AMF 1.4.35 for AMD video encoding
- FFmpeg 7.1 for decoding and filters
- FreeType 2.13.3 for subtitle support
- libdav1d 1.5.0 for AV1 video decoding
- x265 4.1 for H.265/HEVC video encoding
Platform-Specific Updates
Linux
- Fixed the Power Save option to pause encodes only when enabled
- Resolved issues stopping the queue when removing completed items
- Ensured proper saving of chapter names
Mac
- Added Range Limit controls in the “Add to Queue”selection window (#4146)
- Fixed potential video corruption with VideoToolbox HEVC multi-pass
Windows
- Introduced Range Limit controls for the “Add to Queue”window (#4146)
- Added support for DirectX and AV1 Media Foundation encoder on ARM devices
Download HandBrake 1.9.0
To experience the latest features and improvements, download HandBrake 1.9.0 from the following links:
For more detailed information, visit the HandBrake Official Website or check out our Guide to Available Operating Systems.
For additional insights and visuals, refer to this Source and Images.
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