Guide: Converting Video Files to Work on the Evo.

Psywar · 06-08-2010, 12:13 PM

Converting video files to work on the HTC Evo

This is going to just be a simple "how-to" to convert an AVI file to play on your HTC Evo 4G.
(Note: you can convert more then just AVI Files with this program.)

First thing you want to do is download a program called: HandBrake

Its a nifty little program that easily converts any of your media files to a file the HTC Evo will play. (ie. m4v)

Open HandBrake:

Go to Tools > Options: Then set a default path for your converted files to go to. (Image shown below)
Then hit "Close" at the bottom.

Next Click on "Source" and choose "Video File" (Step 1 in the photo below)

From there we will search for and choose the video file you want to convert. (Step 2 in the photo below)

As you can see we are converting and .avi file: The Boondocks - Season 3 - Episoide 04 - 'The Story of Jimmy Rebel'
So once the file is chosen press "Open" at the bottom of the box.

On the main Handbrake program screen you should see "Destination:" this should be the default path you chose and then the name of the file we are converting.

This will be the name of the file once the process is complete. You will see in the image below I have renamed the output file just to make it shorter. You do not have to do this, its just personal preference.

Settings:

Now on the Main Screen of the HandBrake Program here are the options you will want to choose:
On the right hand side you will see a box called "Presets" - I chose Legacy > "Classic"

Now in the middle back on the left side under the "Picture Tab"
Set the width to 624. Then Check the box underneath to "Keep Aspect Ratio"
(Note: The Evo will support 800x600 video size. with this video I was unable to choose this setting.)

Set the Anamorphic to "None"

Next click the "Video Tab"

Use these settings:

Video Codec: MPEG-4 (FFmpeg)
Keep Framerate same as Source

Check the box 2-Pass Encoding

Under "Quality" Click on the "Avg Bitrate (kbps)" button and set it to "1500"

Next click on the "Audio Tab"

Only thing we are going to change here is just make sure the "Mixdown" is set to "Stereo"

Then we are finally ready to Encode the file:
Click "Start" at the top!

During this process the program will minimize in to your taskbar, and it will let you know when it is finished.

When the program is finished go to the destination the file is going to output to and you will see an M4V file.

Then just hook your HTC Evo to your PC and choose "Disk Drive (Mount as Disk Drive)" then open the HTC Evo's Folder.
In the Main Folder (Root Menu) I created a folder called "Downloads".
This is where I have been placing my PDF Files, Movies, etc..

You can make your own folder and name it whatever you want. Again this is just my personal preference on how I like things setup.

Then copy/cut (Whichever) your M4V file from the output destination, to the new folder you just made on the HTC Evo.

Once you are finished with this and the file is completely transfered you will want to "Wake" your Evo from sleep mode > unlock it.

Then swipe the top of the screen down where you see the "USB Logo" This will bring a drop down box and you will see an "Ongoing" Task.
Click on "Disk Drive" then set it back to "Charge Only" then click done.

If you do not set it back to "Charge mode" or just unhook the device from the USB cable you will not be able to access the SD Card, so you will not be able to play your new video file.

Now to view/watch your video file: At your "Home" Screen you will want to press the button to the left of "Phone" the button that brings you to and shows all of your widigits and applications.

In this section you will scroll down to "Videos" and then push on it to select it.
In here you will see all your videos assuming your reading this, this will most likely be your first and only video in here.
So you can just touch on the video to begin playing it.

The video quality is crystal clear, and the sound quality is really nice!

I will try and make a video of getting to the video screen and showing off the new encoded file so you can get an idea of how it looks and sounds. Though my video camera is a 10MP Samsung Digital Camera, so I am sure it will not do the Evo any Justice.

Here is my little video:

Hope this guide helps!

-Psywar (Chuck Coggins)

sdy284 · 06-08-2010, 01:01 PM

nice!

mack4477 · 06-08-2010, 02:02 PM

going to try it again with all these settings on my protected wmv files. hope it works

sdy284 · 06-08-2010, 02:20 PM

you may have to do this first, before you can shrink them
http://removedrmfromwmv.com/

mack4477 · 06-08-2010, 02:57 PM

the handbrake program keeps giving me an error and shutting down at different stages of the conversion. and the sound taxi program from the other site worked well.....for the 90 seconds it gave me on the demo lol not sure if i want to pay $40 for the full audio/video convertor though :-/

sdy284 · 06-08-2010, 03:19 PM

weird. I still say the problem lies in the DRM. I've converted rips of TV shows for my ipod and handbrake did great. Obviously those aren't copy-protected tho.

if you sniff around i know there are some free progs that remove that, just can't remember any off the top of my head

Psywar · 06-08-2010, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mack4477

the handbrake program keeps giving me an error and shutting down at different stages of the conversion. and the sound taxi program from the other site worked well.....for the 90 seconds it gave me on the demo lol not sure if i want to pay $40 for the full audio/video convertor though :-/

I agree with Sdy284, sounds like its that DRM on the WMV files..
This sounds like a pain in the butt, but should do the trick. I searched around a bit, and its the only real "Free" option I could find for you.
http://jsbi.blogspot.com/2007/03/how...-wmv-file.html

There is also this: http://www.iskysoft.com/article/remo...rotection.html
The first one called Freeme. I just glanced it over, and just by reading it, I kind of don't understand it. But I am the type of guy who needs to be looking at the files/program while reading a how to.

But this one does not require downgrading WMP11.

GeekSpeak411 · 06-08-2010, 09:33 PM

nice! Ill have to remember this, thanks!

neddamttocs · 06-09-2010, 11:32 PM

Nice guide.
If you choose Regular > Normal instead of Legacy classic can you set the width to 800?

The classic setting is made for older apple devices from what ive read.

jcj487 · 06-09-2010, 11:38 PM

very good post psywar it helped me tons, quick question though, when i play my videos on my EVO it looks great but when i when i use a hdmi cable to connect to my hdtv it looks just ok on the tv but not as great quality as i would expect. do i need to adjust settings on handbrake to make it look better on the hdtv as opposed to the evo. is there anything i can do to make it look sharper and better on the hdtv? Does it depend on the file itself? thx