H264 vs. H265?

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Level 1

112 points

H264 vs. H265?

I made 2 versions of the same 90 minute film. An H264 and an HEVC. The HEVC is a 2 GB's smaller file and seems to be cleaner, and smoother in the playback. I'm submitting the film to the Berlin film festival. They are asking for an H264 'screener' version to be uploaded.

If I upload my HEVC H265 version -- which seems to be more efficient, and better looking -- would it play as if it were an H264? Meaning would it play on whatever Player they are using to 'screen'?

I don't want them to have any issues on their end. But I also want them to see the best possible version of the film... given the 'screener' has to be HD and under 10 GB. And the original is 4K.

Any suggestions?

Ben

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.6

Posted on Oct 29, 2022 02:25 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Luis Sequeira1

Level 9

72,012 points

Oct 29, 2022 02:47 AM in response to Ben Low

I think you need to check with them.

If they can accept the HEVC, that's fine, but it is up to them. Maybe they ask for H264 as the lowest common denominator, but if they only accept that format you'll just have to comply.

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Answer 2

Ben Low Author

Level 1

112 points

Oct 29, 2022 06:50 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Sigh. The person who is organizing the festival run for me says the same thing: "Don't mess with the Germans, give them exactly what they ask for."

Thank you Luis. Will follow orders.

All the best ... B

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Answer 3

Oct 29, 2022 08:07 AM in response to Ben Low

The last time I tested, FCP preset "Computer" .mp4 was somewhat larger than "Apple devices" .m4v output so maybe it was slightly better quality. The said, I always output .m4v.

Did they say anything about the required wrapper?? .mp4, .m4v, .mov, ... .avi, .mkv?? AAC audio or some flavor PCM or maybe A_OPUS??

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Answer 4

Ben Low Author

Level 1

112 points

Oct 31, 2022 02:39 PM in response to Matti Haveri

Hi Matti,

Been on the road, crossing Canada via the Trans Canada highway, always an adventure. Lots of space.

I'm about to go online and dot the i's etc. for the submission. I suspect they won't say anything about wrappers. If I discover anything interesting I'll post it here. Otherwise, I'll just give them what they ask for, the H264.

Thanks for you advice,

Ben

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H264 vs. H265?

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