[FFmpeg-user] backtrack parameters from existing file

[Lou]

On Fri, 4 Jan 2013 19:26:27 -0600 (CST)
"Scott Goldman" <scottg at emailhosting.com> wrote:

> Greetings,
> Is there anyway that ffmpeg can look at an existing video file and provide
> the switches used to create that fiile - or at worst case, provide
> switches to create similar output?
> 
> We are trying to use ffmpeg to transcode to mp4 and need to match
> quality/bitrate/etc of an existing file as close as possible.
> 
> Thanks in advance
> Scott

It depends on the format and the encoder. Using the same bitrate to
attempt to achieve a similar quality is usually a waste of time (and/or
bits). Not all encoders are equal in terms of how many bits are required
to reach a certain (subjective) quality.

"mp4" is a container format that can utilize several video and audio
formats. You'll need to be more specific as to what you need exactly.

If you tell us what you're doing and what you're trying to achieve we
can try to provide examples suited for your needs.