How do I compress a video so it can be uploaded to a Knowledge Track?

As you upload your own custom video content to MedBridge, you may need to compress the file size in order to stay within the 512MB maximum file size. If your file is larger than 512MB, you can use third party software such as HandBrake to compress your video.

HandBrake is a popular and easy-to-use open-source video transcoder that allows you to resize video files efficiently. This guide will walk you through the process of using HandBrake to compress video files while maintaining a balance between quality and file size.

Compressing Video Files with HandBrake

1. Download and install HandBrake
   1. Visit the official HandBrake website (https://handbrake.fr/).
   2. Download and install the appropriate version of HandBrake for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
2. Launch HandBrake and load your video
   1. Open HandBrake after installation.
   2. Select Open Source and locate the video file you want to compress from your computer. Select Open. 
3. Choose a preset
   1. On the right-hand side, select Presets to open the presets panel. These presets are pre-configured settings optimized for different use cases.
   2. Choose a preset that matches your requirements. We recommend "Fast 1080p30" and "Fast 720p30" as good starting points for general compression needs.
4. Adjust video settings (optional)
   1. If you’d like to fine tune the compression, select the Video tab.
   2. Adjust the Quality slider to control the trade-off between quality and file size. Lower values reduce the file size but may impact video quality.
   3. From this tab, you can also adjust the video encoder, frame rate, and more.
5. Modify audio settings (optional)
   1. Select the Audio tab to adjust audio settings if necessary.
   2. You can choose a different audio codec or lower the bitrate to reduce the audio file size.
6. Select output destination
   1. At the bottom of the HandBrake window, select Browse to choose the location where you want to save the compressed video file.
   2. Give your compressed video a new name if desired.
7. Start the compression process
   1. Once you've adjusted the settings to your satisfaction, select the Start button located at the top.
   2. HandBrake will begin compressing your video. The time it takes depends on the length of the video and your computer's processing power.
8. Check the compressed video
   1. Once the compression is complete, navigate to the output destination you selected earlier.
   2. Open the compressed video with a media player to ensure the quality meets your expectations, and that the file size meets MedBridge’s file size requirements. You may need to compress the video again to further reduce the file size if it does not meet the requirements.

Tips and Considerations:

• Experiment with different presets and settings to find the right balance between quality and file size.
• Keep the original video as a backup in case you're not satisfied with the compressed version.
• Note that very aggressive compression settings can result in a noticeable loss of quality.
• If you need more advanced options, explore the other tabs in HandBrake to fine-tune your compression settings.

HandBrake is a versatile tool that allows you to compress video file sizes without significant loss of quality. By following the steps outlined in this guide and experimenting with different settings, you can efficiently reduce the size of your video files while ensuring they remain high quality. Remember to strike the right balance between file size and quality based on your specific needs.

Learn more about creating and assigning Knowledge Tracks.