Looking for info on the AQ switch in x264

[markrb]

I have been reading heavily about background blocking and one thing mentioned was to use --AQ strength AQ sensitivity, but I can't seem to find much about this. Including the proper syntax, where to add it in the command line and what number range is used.

I have seen both good and bad things said, but I would like to try it as nothing I have done yet seems to help my background blocking and I have tried everything I have read here.

Another thing mentioned quickly was to use the .dif file on Sharktooths page, but again I cannot find any info on it at all. I don't know how to make it work, what command is needed or basically anything.

I can seem to find the bread crumbs all over the place, but they go in circles. Please help me locate the loaf.


Thanks,
Mark

[unmei]

if you have an enabled version (sharktooth ie), --help will show the synthax, valid ranges and default values.

--aq-strength <float>
Amount to adjust QP per MB [0.0]
0.0: no AQ
1.1: strong AQ
--aq-sensitivity <float>
"Flatness" threshold to trigger AQ [15.0]
5: applies to almost all blocks
22: only flat blocks

i myself use AQ 0.33 / 15 for anime and cartoon and usually none (or also 0.33 / 15) for other sources. If you use constant quant, more AQ will result in a higher bitrate as it lowers the block quantizers with the requested frame quant as base.