Converting HEVC format
 

Hi, May I start by saying that I am an idiot when it comes to IT. I download a great many films snd tv series and increasingly these are in HEVC format which I can load onto my USB but which will not play on my rather old smart Samsung TV.
I am running w10 on Edge with VLC. I have just purchased for 79p from Microsoft HEVC video extension app. This has been installed. For a dummy run I found a film in HEVC format. Having downloaded I Put it on my USB which I plugged into my firestick and away I went. As before having the Microsoft app the film would not pay and informed me it was HEVC format.
Previous research said that VLC contained an app that would change HEVC to a playable format. Also Egde apparently contains a programme that will change the format.
I have played about with Edge, VLC and microsft app and still HEVC wont play on my tv.
Further sesearch confirms that most info goes over my head.
Would one of you knowledgeable guys/girls please advise me how to change HEVC format to a playable one. TIA

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

Two ways spring to mind:

1. Connect your PC to the TV with HDMI cable and play the video full-screen on the PC using VLC which should play almost everything. It might also play in Edge now that you have the HEVC/H265 app installed, but VLC should be all you need.

2. Use Handbrake on the PC to convert the HEVC/H265 file to a format the TV understands, e.g. H264 in an mp4 or mkv file and copy it to the USB stick and play on the TV.

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

There are many free online converter sites available, no account required.

Steve

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

Hi DLC, thank you so much for the info. I dont want to tie up the PC so shall go for the second option. I have downloaded Handbake as you suggest and up comes a screen which I need to complete. I shall have to google how to do this as it looks foreign to me. Being an idiot I was expectiong to download an app or Prog and when I am about to download a HEVC film or series that my Format converter would automatically kick in and "inform" Qbittorrent and VLC what I am doing and hay presto my HEVC would be convered into a playable source on my usb and tv. Me thinksI am expecting far too much. When I have a HEVC film or series I no doubt have to enter details thereof onto whichever format converter is appropriate and then HEVC is changed to another format. Would you please be so kind as to confirm that thus far I have got it right. Thanks again.

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

Many thanks Steve, Do you kmow of any that are purpose built for inexperience guys like me. thanks jack

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

I use Wonderfox HD video converter factory - Free version - as I have a similar problem. I have to play programs from USB via my old panasonic DVD player to my old Panasonic TV.
The DVD player cannot play 265 formats but is fine with 264 and others. I also have to strip any subtitles as again, the DVD player will say "can't play this file".
It is a bit of a pain having to run most videos through HD video Factory but it works well for me until I have to change the TV or DVD player to a modern unit!
There is a forum linked to the wondersoft site to help if you get stuck.
I have it set up to my preferred settings so just have to click on "Convert" , get video and click Run. Saves it to my TV folder for copying to USB.
Don't forget to delete the original file when converted or your Hard disk will fill up quite quickly!
I never really got on with Handbrake, but that's likely me and my age! I'm in my 80's and I managed to sort out how to use it!

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

Blimey ..... I gave up on all this stuff years ago ........ Just subscribe to a decent IPTV service, doesnt have to be expensive (assuming you have a reasonable internet connection as you are downloading films), youll then have all the films, series and TV programmes on demand and a lot less hassle :)

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

Hi UKMS, thanks for that and makes a great deal of sense. We have Teeveeing for all the uk channels that we need. I tend to download old films and tv series so Qbittorent and VLC are essential. I am now watching "Are you being served" and "foyles war" which I dont think I could get with IPTV. Many black and white films and again I dont think I could get these with IPTV. I agree it is hassle but probably unavoidable. Thanks again. jack

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

It's pretty simple, there's a 5 minute video which shows you how it's done:


You'd just need to drag each files from Qbittorrent's download directory into Handbrake, choose the output format and filename, and convert it, then drag the new file to the USB stick.

If you want something more automated, it'd be possible to get Qbittorrent to run Handbrake after downloading a file with the "Run external program on torrent completion" option but I guess you'd have to look at look at the command line options for Handbrake.

Re: Converting HEVC format
 

Hi DLC, many thanks for that I shall give it a go. jack.