OK to change x264-version in pass2?

[AntiJ]

Hey,
I wonder, is it generally OK to change to a newer x264-version in the 2nd pass of an encode? New x264-versions comes up rather often, so that's why I'm asking.

[LoRd_MuldeR]

I think unless something important was changed - something that either changes the stats file format or its meaning - you should be fine ;)

For example many changes to x264 are "only" speed-optimizations...

[Sagekilla]

It's perfectly fine unless the stats file has some change to it, like LoRd_MuldeR said. But, this only happens very rarely. The last time a stats file change happened was a few months back (maybe half a year) so I wouldn't worry about it.

[LoRd_MuldeR]

Well, I think it's not only the stats file format. Also if any code was changed, which influences the bit cost calculation or frame type decision, the first pass should be repeated.

But that doesn't happen very often either...

[cogman]

Well, I think it's not only the stats file format. Also if any code was changed, which influences the bit cost calculation or frame type decision, the first pass should be repeated.

But that doesn't happen very often either...

I would also say that actual changes are usually not huge as far as where the new bits would be placed. Yes there would be some loss in quality, but I doubt it would be too noticeable.