Compressing a Video

2 min read

Quick start #

The learn.ahtp.com.au learning portal has a maximum upload file size of 200 MB. This is more than enough for an assignment or quiz submission. As mobile phones become more advanced, the file size of videos can become quite large. Therefore it may be necessary to compress your video before uploading it to our website.

HandBrake takes videos you already have and makes new ones that are a lot smaller in file size but does not degrade the video quality.

Video Dimensions #

The common size for a video is 1080p 30

File formats accepted on Aspire are .mov & .mp4

Installing HandBrake #

This quick start guide assumes you have already downloaded and installed HandBrake. If you do not already have HandBrake, please see Downloading and installing HandBrake.

Let’s get started.

Launch HandBrake #

Launch HandBrake by quickly clicking twice (double-clicking) on the cocktail & pineapple icon. Depending on your system settings, a single click may suffice.

Open your existing video. #

HandBrake calls the video you already have the Source.

Select the Open Source button on the toolbar to browse your files for a video to open. You may also drag your Source video onto HandBrake’s main window.

open-source-dialog-1.1.0 — The Open Source dialog allows you to browse your files for a video to open.

Opening a video source via drag and drop — In addition to the Open Source dialog, you may also open a video by dragging it to HandBrake’s main window.

Select a title #

Some Sources may contain more than one video clip, or a collection of Titles. Use HandBrake’s Title control to select which video clip you want to use.

Selecting a title — Some sources may contain more than one video clip. The title control lets you select which video clip you want to use.

Some Sources have only one Title. Blu-ray and DVD Sources often have multiple Titles.

Select a preset #

HandBrake provides a number of settings Presets to make your new video work well with your playback devices and software. For instance, when uploading assignments to the AHTP website, you may wish to select the general 1080p30 preset under Devices.

The default Fast 1080p30 preset is often a good choice because it’s fast and compatible with most devices.

Selecting a preset — Presets are one-click settings to save you time and help ensure compatibility with your devices.

Presets can affect compatibility (whether your video will work with your devices and software) and encoding time. Learn more about Selecting a preset.

Select a destination #

HandBrake calls the file name and location of your new video the Destination.

Save As Is the file name of your new video. You can change it by typing directly in the box.

To is the location where HandBrake will place your new video. You can select the Browse... button to choose a different location.

Selecting a destination — The Destination is where HandBrake will place your new video.

Please take special care to note your destination. Otherwise, you won’t be able to find your new video. You can move it later if you desire.

Start the encode #

Select the Start button on the toolbar to make your new video.

Encoding complete alert — HandBrake shows a notification when finished encoding.

HandBrake will report its progress while it’s working and alert you when it’s finished. Then you will have a new video file at the Destination you specified.