[mythtv-users] Best settings for transcoding HD content to save space?

[jedi]

On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 11:03:58PM -0400, Eric Sharkey wrote:
> On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 6:07 PM, Michael T. Dean
> <mtdean at thirdcontact.com> wrote:
> > On 05/13/2014 03:45 PM, Eric Sharkey wrote:
> >>
> >> Although, hardware based transcoding tuners like the new HDHR units
> >> may provide a cost effective solution.  I'm assuming the electrical
> >> costs associated with transcoding in hardware will be a lot lower than
> >> doing it in software.  If the device works reliably, and you can just
> >> set it into transcode mode and forget it, all the arguments about
> >> human labor associated with the transcoding go away as well.
> >
> >
> > And you're only left with the argument, "Why reduce quality to save space
> > when storage is cheap?"  :)
> 
> Because it's not really that cheap and doesn't perceptibly reduce quality.
> 
> I just ordered a new disk which, after being installed, will take my
> backend up to around 13TB including space for all types of files
> (recordings, video ripped from optical disks, audio, photos, and home
> movies).  It fills up fast.  Using that space more efficiently is
> definitely attractive.
> 
> But for me, it really is mostly about compatibility with portable devices.

    That's certainly a plus. Although when I started out, those portable
devices didn't even exist yet. Fortunately, some of the better portable
devices are good enough that they can handle the transcoding options I 
settled on so long ago.