Easiest way to reduce the file size when converting an MKV file

[AussieDropbear]

Hi folks,

I'm trying to convert multiple 1080 mkv files that are around 1GB in file size, to something much smaller (around 200-300MB)

I try converting to mp4 using the "video for 720p TV/device" profile and usually one of two things happen.

* The file converts to an mp4 with exactly the same size
* I get a file around 30 MB with audio only and no video.

I've tried tinkering with the profile settings (which probably was to my detriment) so I went in and reset all the preferences. I've tried multiple profiles and I think I'm just lost.

I guess my questions are:

* Does resetting preferences reset all the conversion profiles?
* What should I be looking for in the properties of the original video to help me convert?
* What should I play around with as far as settings? Which profile aka codec etc should I try first

Any other help or pointing me elsewhere would be invaluable. Thanks

[Lotesdelere]

* Does resetting preferences reset all the conversion profiles?

Yes, it does.

* What should I play around with as far as settings?

First, notice that when you reencode a video with a lossy codec like H.264, you always lose quality.
That said, I suggest you not to force a bitrate but to use the CRF value of x264, in VLC the setting is named Quality-based VBR in Tools -> Preferences -> Show settings: All -> Input/Codecs -> Video codecs -> x264. Limits are 18 and 28, the default is 23. Higher value = more compression. And I suggest to use the Film tune setting, except if you're encoding anim.

[AussieDropbear]

Thanks so much Will give this a go.