Converting Video For The Google Nexus One

The Google Nexus One is an Android smartphone which was manufactured by HTC. It was designed as a showcase for Android's capabilities, and as part of Google's attempt to change the way US consumers bought phones. Although its direct to the customer approach didn't catch on in the US, nevertheless it was a major contributor to Android's success in competing with other smartphone operating systems.

In this guide you will learn how convert video in various formats to H.264 with AAC audio for playback on the Nexus One. Eventually it will include sections for using many different tools so you can learn to use whatever software makes the most sense for you. For now we'll be starting with instructions for using HandBrake. Each section will give complete instructions for a different program. Some also include steps requiring additional software, like a bitrate calculator or media player. Others only require a single piece of software which handles everything from beginning to end. All the software used can be downloaded from AfterDawn.com's Downloads section.

Video Enhancement

In addition to the standard text and images found in all of AfterDawn's guides, this one also includes embedded videos demonstrating how to use and configure the software described in the text. Many of these videos provide in depth explanations of various processes you will be using or decisions you will need to make.

	Visit the AfterDawn YouTube Channel to find the videos in this guide and more

Google Nexus One Supported H.264 Features

Just because a device supports H.264 video, it doesn't automatically follow that it supports every possible feature. In fact H.264 video runs the gamut from low bitrate, low resolution, low compression videos for low end mobile devices to 1080p movies on Blu-ray discs. The key is to figure out what features are supported on your device so you know how to get maximum quality at a minimum file size.

Below is a list of recommended settings for encoding video and audio for playback on the Nexus One. Some of these settings, such as Profile, are dictated by the device's limitations. But most have been selected with the goal of maintaining a balance between file size, quality & encoding speed. Some options are redundant, such as Baseline Profile and no B-frames. This is done intentionally to show the options you may need to select if your H.264 encoder doesn't allow you to directly set the profile.

You won't need to know any of these settings to follow along with the application specific instructions on the following pages, but if you prefer to use a tool we haven't added a section for yet, they are a good starting point.