How to Convert MKV to MP4 Without Losing Quality

Converting MKV to MP4 can be a common task for video enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, if you find that the resulting MP4 file isn't as high in quality as the original MKV, you're not alone. Many users discover that the process often results in a loss of quality due to the nature of the MP4 format. In this article, we explore the best methods to convert MKV to MP4 without losing quality.

Understanding the Issue

When you convert an MKV file to MP4 using a transcoding tool, the process involves re-encoding the video stream which can result in a loss of quality. This happens because MP4 is a lossy format, meaning it compresses the file but at the cost of quality. Upon conversion, the original video quality may degrade because the video content is recompressed, leading to visible artifacts or a lower overall quality.

Better Alternatives: Remuxing MKV to MP4

To avoid re-encoding and maintain the original quality of the MKV file, you can use a process called remuxing. Remuxing simply changes the container format of the video file, copying the original video and audio streams into a new MP4 container without altering the content. This means that the overall quality is preserved.

Tools for Remuxing:

FFmpeg: This is a powerful command-line tool. For remuxing an MKV to MP4, you can run the following command in your terminal:

ffmpeg -i  -c:v copy -c:a copy 

XMedia Recode: A user-friendly interface that offers a guided process. Once you add your MKV file: Select MP4 as the output format. Choose “Copy” for both the video and audio tabs to prevent re-encoding. Start the encoding process. WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory: Another easy-to-use tool. Once you add your MKV file: Select MP4 as the output format. Preserve the default settings without any changes. Click “Run” to start the conversion.

Ensuring High-Quality Conversion with Professional Tools

For those who prefer a more automated and professional approach, there are tools designed specifically for high-quality conversion. Any Video Converter, for instance, is a powerful software that offers efficient H.264 video encoding. By using this tool, you can select the video frame rate and bit rate, ensuring a high-quality output. Choose your desired output format, such as 720p or 1080p, to maintain excellent video quality.

Converting MKV to MP4 on a Mac Without Sacrificing Quality

If you're working on a Mac, consider using Shutter Encoder. This tool offers a straightforward way to convert MKV to MP4 without sacrificing quality. Shutter Encoder extracts the files from the MKV container and places them into an MP4 container. Since the actual files are inserted into the MP4 without re-encoding, there is no loss of quality. This tool is free and supports multiple operating systems.

Summary

The key to converting MKV to MP4 without losing quality lies in remuxing the file or using professional tools that offer high-quality conversion. Whether you choose FFmpeg, XMedia Recode, WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory, or Any Video Converter, these methods ensure that the original video remains as crisp and clear as the source file. Remember, while MP4 is a lossy format, there are techniques and tools that can help you achieve a high-quality conversion.