This is a descrition of how you can use the program Handbrake to convert video files to a lower bitrate  so they are better suited for use in the repository.

Using this method, video resolution will be reduced to 1280x720 if it is larger and the bitrate will be reduced to about 1Mbit/second. This is useful so the files can be played on all devices and not take up too much of the available bandwidth

The program is free and can be found here: https://handbrake.fr/
Explanations of all settings are shown in the program if you hover your mouse over them.

When you open the program it will ask you to open a file to convert. Use the File button to browse for it or drag and drop the file to the designated area

 

Initial settings

This section is only needed the first time you use the program or if you want to change the settings.

The first step is to create a preset to use for your file conversion, This is done by first loading a preset to start from.

We recommend loading the "Gmail large 3 Minutes 720p30" preset as shown in picture below

 

Then go to Tools / Preferences / Output files, check Automatically name output files" and set "Default Path" to where you want the files saved.
Also check that "MP4 File Extension" is set to "Always use MP4". Click Back when you're done.

 

Encode settings

Most of the settings from the loaded preset will be correct but in the Video tab there are a few things we need to change

• Framerate should be set to "Same as source" if you don't have a reason to change it
• Check that "Constant Framerate" is checked. This gives better compatibility of the ouput file.

If you have very long video files or your computer is slow then the default settings for Quality and Optimise video are often "good enough".

 

If you want the best possible quality while keeping the bitrate low it is recommended to use 2-pass encoding. The suggested bitrate in the picture below is sufficient in most cases. In this case, you should also remove the settings in "Extra Options".

 

In the Audio tab you can decide if you want to use the original audio or reencode it. If you want to keep the original audio, choose "AAC Passthru". Note that depending on how your file is encoded it might say MP3 Passthru or AC3 Passthru instead of AAC Passthru in the dropdown box
If you want to reencde the audio, leave it as it is.

 

Save Preset

Now, all settings should be done and it's time to save the preset. 
Click "Save New Preset" and give it a describing name. In my case i just used "Repository. Click "Add" and the Preset is saved.

 

Reencode Video

Open a video to reencode using "Source selection" and load the preset you created if it is not already loaded. Go through the tabs and check that all settings looks correct.

In the field "Save As" it's possible to change path and filename for the reencoded video.

Click "Start Encode" to start encoding directly or "Add to Queue" if you want to add more files and reencode them all in one batch.