converting video files - data usage

cudsy1

would converting e.g. mkv to mp4 use up data usage on a mobile data plan?

thanks

Spear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058242788/converting-video-files-data-usage

Where are you converting them? Are you really trying to convert video on a remote server over a mobile connection?

cudsy1

no no just using free software on my laptop? and yeah it would be using mobile data connection. i have limited allowance so wouldnt bother converting files if its heavy on the data usage

once you're not using a web / browser based piece of software it won't use any data

if it is web-based then it will use data both uploading the original and downloading the converted file

use software that is locally installed

Spear

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118960419#Comment_118960419

What does converting the files have to do with the mobile data usage? Surely the only data usage comes when the original file is downloaded locally?

ThreeGreens

Disconnect from the internet. Then try to convert. If it still works, then you aren't using mobile data.

cudsy1

outstanding, thanks very much all! no doubt a silly question in the first place

Alun

mp4 and mkv are just containers anyway. "Converting" (it's remuxing strictly speaking) an mp4 file to mkv won't affect the size in any significant way, so a bit pointless really whether you're doing it locally or on a web based "conversion" site.

cudsy1

Its for playback on a tv via usb. I googled alternative means but nothing easy seemed to present itself. Anyone know a way? I assume codecs would be involved

5uspect

Downloading video transcoding software like Handbrake will require some data to obtain the installer but not when it’s running.

Handbrake has lots of profiles to convert video to your desired platforms. The default is 1080p30 mp4.

pleasant Co.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118961136#Comment_118961136

That depends entirely on the source codec, output codec, and your settings. Not "pointless" at all.

riclad

Go to YouTube setting, s set video quality to 720p . Don't watch any videos in 1080p or higher, if you look in chrome settings there's a data saver option. I have never gone over my data limit, i thinks its about 300gig per month depends on your mobile provider. You can switch off images in browser settings, but that won't save much data. I used to go to go to a cafe and use WiFi, free, now I just buy 20 euro data credit i don't know if library's are open now

people used to go to a library use free WiFi before the pandemic before 2020

riclad

I go to some websites that download YouTube video in 720p mode just so I can Watch them later copy em to an sdcard