looking for mac-friendly MKV to PS3-friendly vid file

[domerdel]

I can play MKV's fine on my Intel Mac Pro. I want to convert the files for my PS3. was wondering if there was a DivX HD / VC-1 solution so that i dont sacrifice picture/audio quality.

file size is a non-issue, i'm streaming the files over the network via MediaLink

[domerdel]

i figured it out

1. Quicktime Pro
2. Divx HD Pro
3. Perian 1.0

Problem? To export a MKV to DivX HD and to salvage resolution audio (going from 4.3 gb to 3.6 gb file) takes 32 hrs... gather this...

i'm running a dual dual-core Xeon 2.66 mac pro with 3 gb ram raid 0 drives.

[B4tm4n]

This method only works with 720p encodes.

Apps needed.
Crossover (http://www.mac-bb.org/showthread.php?t=2032&highlight=crossover) (needs to be installed)
H264info (https://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=138139&package_id=225029)
TsMuxer (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=134104&highlight=tsmuxer)
Mkvtools (http://www.bunkus.org/videotools/mkvtoolnix/macosx/MKVToolnix-2.zip) (needs to be installed)
iMkvExtract (http://www.divshare.com/download/3719676-beb)

Method.
First install crossover, you need this to run the PC apps.

Second demux your mkv with iMkvExtract. If the audio is ac3 carry on with next step, if DTS then convert to ac3. (I don't know how to do this on my mac I use a XP running via Boot camp. Using eac3to (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1097368#post1097368))

Third with H264info change your profile to 4.1 by entering 4.1 in the level box and have the write pps every picture box ticked. Leave all other boxes empty. ( this can take some time, I'm on a C2D Macbook 2GB Ram)

Fourth using tsMuxer remux the new video file with the ac3 file.

Finally stream, transfer or burn to disc to play on your PS3, with no quality loss.

[domerdel]

pardon my ignorance to MKV, but seeing my trial and error, and your methods, I'm having difficulty seeing the benefits of having this format all together. Even with converting a sample file mkv to a divx hd file, the size was 20% less. I'm sure the same could be done with xvid hd as well.

Seems like we either have to wait a long time, or go through many programs (as you've mentioned above) just to get a proper/universal format to play.

[B4tm4n]

You mentioned it takes 32hrs to convert, and this will be with loss of quality. Using the method I outlined above it taked roughly between 15 min to 45 min dependending on size of your source file, with out any loss of quality.
If you don't care about the quality and are more interested in saving space then converting to divx or xvid is your best bet.

Cheers.

[domerdel]

loss of "audio" quality. yeah, but i have to be running two OS's in order to everything you mentioned.

I want to make clear I do not bash or harp on you taking the time to share your methodology to help me out, I very much appreciate it. It just seems A) a lot of time B) a lot of tedious steps in order to get the product I want.

I'd be happy if Sony would just support MKV then I wouldn't be wasting forum space lol.