Converted video quality is poor
If the converted video looks worse than the original, the issue is usually related to resolution, bitrate, export settings, or playback compatibility.
Follow the steps below in order.
Follow the steps below in order.
Start here
Before changing settings:
If the converted file genuinely looks lower quality, continue below.
- compare the original file and the converted file side by side
- make sure the issue affects the converted file itself, not just playback in a specific media player
If the converted file genuinely looks lower quality, continue below.
Case 1: Output resolution is lower than the original
A video’s resolution determines how much visual detail it can preserve.
It is usually expressed as width × height (for example, 1920 × 1080) or simply as 1080p.
If the output resolution is lower than the original, the video may appear blurry or less detailed.
What to do
Using the same resolution helps preserve the original visual detail. Lower resolutions reduce file size but also reduce quality.
⚠️ Increasing resolution above the original does not improve quality.
It is usually expressed as width × height (for example, 1920 × 1080) or simply as 1080p.
If the output resolution is lower than the original, the video may appear blurry or less detailed.
What to do
- Check the resolution of the original file.
- Select the same resolution for the output.
- If needed, adjust the resolution manually in the preset settings.
Using the same resolution helps preserve the original visual detail. Lower resolutions reduce file size but also reduce quality.
⚠️ Increasing resolution above the original does not improve quality.
Case 2: Bitrate is too low
Bitrate determines how much data is used to encode each second of video.
If the output resolution matches the original but quality is still lower, check the bitrate setting.
What to do
⚠️ It is not possible to increase quality beyond the original source. You can only preserve it.
- Higher bitrate → better quality, larger file size
- Lower bitrate → smaller file size, possible quality loss
If the output resolution matches the original but quality is still lower, check the bitrate setting.
What to do
- Compare the original file’s bitrate with the selected output bitrate.
- Increase the bitrate if it is significantly lower than the original.
⚠️ It is not possible to increase quality beyond the original source. You can only preserve it.
Case 3: Graphics driver issues during conversion
In rare cases, outdated or unstable graphics drivers may affect encoding quality.
What to do
For step-by-step instructions, see: How to update graphics card drivers
What to do
- Update your graphics card drivers using the manufacturer’s official website.
- Restart the computer after updating.
- Convert the file again and compare the result.
For step-by-step instructions, see: How to update graphics card drivers
Case 4: Playback issue, not conversion issue
If the converted file looks poor only in one specific media player, the issue may be related to playback compatibility rather than conversion.
What to do
If the video looks correct in other players, the issue is related to playback software, not the conversion process.
What to do
- Open the converted file inside Movavi Video Converter
- Try playing the file in another media player
If the video looks correct in other players, the issue is related to playback software, not the conversion process.
Case 5: Device-specific preset does not match the device
If you converted the file using a device preset and the video looks incorrect on that device:
- Check the device’s supported resolution and codec specifications.
- Adjust the preset manually.
- Test with a standard format such as MP4 (H.264).
When to contact Movavi Customer Service
Contact Movavi Customer Service if:
Include:
- output resolution and bitrate match the original
- playback looks poor across multiple media players
- the issue persists after updating drivers
Include:
- the original file properties (resolution and bitrate)
- the selected output settings
- a short sample of both the original and converted file (if possible)
+1-855-5220335
The phone is available Monday to Friday from 08:00 AM to midnight UTC / 01:00 AM to 05:00 PM PST
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