FAQs about the concept of mini mkv encoding

Before learning how make a mini mkv, we should first take a little look on the basic information about it.




What is a mini mkv?

The mini mkv is a video which is encoded with the primary purpose of drastically reducing the file size from its original video source. Since the file size is the primary factor beyond the mini mkv concept, we can dictate the exact size of a video output (with up to 99% accuracy on file size target).

Since dictating a definite file size target, video encoding is normally done by setting an Average Bit Rate (ABR) and using 2-pass encoding. We will elaborate that later on the guide.



What devices support mini mkv playback?

To maximize the video compression for mini-mkv means touching every advanced options of h264 video format which is primarily used on modern high quality streams, the mini-mkv encoding is making a unrestricted video format, and is limited/intended for PC playback.



How small can a mini mkv be made?

A mini mkv video should just be reduced into only as small as the bit rate can allow good quality output. Of course you can encode it as small as possible, but take in mind that as the file size is decreased, the rate of quality reduction is also increased.



Why is mkv preferred over mp4, avi, and other containers on mini encoding?

Matroska(mkv) is a multimedia container which is adept at holding multiple tracks. This means that a mkv video can have a dual/multiple subs and audio tracks inside a single file. And that also means that multiple softsubs in different languages makes video compression better, since subtitles don't have to be encoded within the video stream, and you don't have to encode multiple videos with each subs on it. Subtitles can also be turned off by preference.



Does a mini mkv have 100% quality of the source video?

Technically, there is no such thing as 100% video quality preservation on mini mkv encoding. The very concept of this method is reducing the file size while minimizing the quality loss.


For example, reducing a video size from 400MB into 100 MB is like deducting 75% of file size. It doesn't necessarily mean that the quality is also reduced by 75%. This is where the efficient encoding comes. With certain adjustments on some vide aspects like Chroma QP Offset and Adaptive Quantizers, as well as others, we intend to reduce the file size while minimizing the reduction of quality.

In fact, there are instances when a very high quality video with file size around 750MB can be reduced into 90MB while maintaining almost the same video quality on the same screen resolution.