Video · Software guide
Shutter Encoder: convert videos for event playback
Before converting a file, compare what you received with what the playback system needs. This guide refers to Shutter Encoder 20.4 and the official function documentation consulted October 23, 2026. Record the operating system, installed build and input and output codecs; available acceleration depends on the workstation.
Prepare the copy and destination brief
Agree with the playback operator on the delivery codec and profile, container, resolution, frame rate, audio and transparency. Keep originals, samples and final files separate. In Outputs, check Change, the name or suffix and the output folder. Leave Delete source file disabled and check for configured automatic uploads before starting.
Save the selected function, its settings and the sample filename. Before reusing a preset from another delivery, compare the input files and the new destination’s requirements. Test a sample before applying it to the full batch.
Preserved original → selected operation → sample in new folder → review → identified batch
Is Rewrap enough, or is conversion needed?
Rewrap preserves streams while changing the container, provided that container supports their codecs. For a different codec, resolution or image processing, evaluate conversion against the agreed specification.
Renaming an extension performs neither operation. For an exact cut, also check the selected function: Cut without re-encoding can move cuts to the closest keyframe for compressed codecs.
Which Conform option is appropriate?
The main Conform function changes frame rate metadata; it does not convert VFR to CFR. To prepare a conversion, choose the codec and review Conform under Advanced Features. Mode matters: Speed changes duration; Drop removes frames without changing it; Blending and Interpolation produce cadence in different ways.
Decide whether duration or playback speed needs to stay the same before selecting a mode. Check motion, duration and audiovisual sync in the sample. Compare the file’s frame rate data: a rounded reading in a player may be insufficient to diagnose its cadence.
Picture looks right, but channels or transparency are missing?
In Audio 1–16, check the requested channel count and order, and listen to each channel required for delivery. To retain transparency, select a compatible combination and turn on Enable alpha if the source already has alpha. This preserves an existing channel; it does not remove an opaque background.
Check edges over two backgrounds, voice and music, the start and end, and any change in duration. When comparing color, distinguish converting image values from changing the tags that describe them. Identify which operation the deliverable needs before correcting levels.
Example: an opening, stings and an alpha graphic
To prepare an opening video, stings and an alpha graphic, group the files by the playback system’s requirements. Convert a sample from each group and record the codec, frame rate and audio mapping. Review those samples on the destination system before processing the remaining files.
If the editable master is available, compare a fresh Resolve export with a conversion of the compressed file. Keep both versions clearly identified and check gradients, motion and audio on the playback system to choose the deliverable.