Convert: Rewrap vs. Transcode Explained

The Convert tool in vPrism gives two options for converting a video file: Rewrap and Transcode. Access both tools by clicking Render in the Tool Panel.

Rewrap changes the container format of the video without touching the video or audio data inside it. The encoded streams are read from the source file and written into a new container, along with new metadata so the player can read them correctly.

The underlying codec and bitstream remain identical to the original. Because no decoding or re-encoding takes place, rewrapping is fast and preserves the original compressed data exactly as recorded.

To rewrap in vPrism, select Rewrap, choose a Container Format from the dropdown, and click Convert. Copy will maintain the original container format.

Transcode is a more substantial operation. It fully decodes the original video data and then re-encodes it, which allows changing the codec, quality, frame rate, and audio codec independently.

Because the video is decoded and re-encoded, the resulting file is almost always different from the original at the data level.

To transcode, select Transcode, then configure Container Format, Video Codec, Audio Codec, Quality, and Frame Rate. Each can be set to Copy to pass that stream through unchanged, or changed to a specific target format. Click Convert when ready.

Whether the goal is maximum compatibility or format flexibility, Convert handles both without leaving vPrism.