Some questions from a noob

[Mrsash]

Sorry for the newbee questions. Sorry guys I feel stupid already. I have not bothered until now to look into x264 or Mkv profiles and therefore am completely blown away by the information here. I started using Automkv recently.
What is the difference between Autox264 and Automkv?
Does one do a better job than the other for the size required?
Which of the two Mkv or x264 is better.
I read through the Wiki for Automkv and guides, what profiles are advised for Mkv opposed to x264?

Please be patient with the noob.....
thanks

[neuron2]

You've got over 50 posts so you don't get a pass on rule 9.

[Adub]

Bahahahahaha!!!

Sorry. You really are a noob.

Okay. You are getting a few things confused.

First) MKV and x264 are totally different things. MKV is what we call a container, like mp4 and avi. Basically imagine it like a folder where we can store some files. These files can be audio, video, subtitles, chapters, pictures, etc.
Second) x264 is an encoder implementation of the H.264 standard. In short, it's an encoder that compresses video very well. We take the files that it produces and stick them into our container (MKV in this case) so that we can play them using our favorite media player.

Third) AutoMKV and Autox264 are both GUI's made by the same author. GUI's provide a "Graphical User Interface" that makes it easy for everyone to use a variety of tools to compress our videos. Other alternatives are Ripbot, MeGUI, AutoMen, Handbrake, sx264, and a whole host of others. MeGUI, Ripbot and HandBrake are the most popular, but all have something different to bring to the table.

So, to answer your question, no, Auto* does not do a better job at reaching a specific file size. They both do exactly the same thing. You should have no problem reaching a specific file size. And if you want better quality at a specific file size, choose better (but slower) compression settings. That is the nice thing about MeGUI, as it comes with many predefined profiles already, which makes choosing what's right for you about as easy as cake.

[Mrsash]

Hmm Ok some things are clear while others leave some more questions. There are many profiles in AutoMKV which one for good quality to required size? Or is the coice of profile dependant of the size you choose?

MKV is a container and so is Mp4. Is there any specific difference other than choosing AC3 for Mkv? Drawbacks of either?

The gui AutoMKV as opposed to Autox264, what are the differences? Is one easier than the other on noobs like me?

When Automkv starts it gives me an option to pick from 2 options "one for unlimited file size and the other to get specific file size" === "Dvd_main_Cq_profile.xml is chosen" since I chose the 2nd option.
The thing is whatever I choose after this brings up another profile what seems to be willy nilly selection, which I guess its not. What am I doing wrong here? I dont care how long it takes?

thanks for the effort in replying