[gentoo-user] Re: libav/ffmpeg's bitrate options have no effect in Gentoo

[Nikos Chantziaras <realnc@arcor.de>]

On 09/06/2011 02:48 PM, Casper Ti. Vector wrote:
> Recently I found that the `-b' and `-ab' options used for setting the
> output bitrate in ffmpeg and libav have no effect on my Gentoo machine.
> With Ubuntu (and the Medibuntu repository enabled), this does not
> happen.
>
> For example, for any `<bitrate>' I use in
>      % ffmpeg -ab<bitrate>  -i test.ape test.mp3
> I get only `test.mp3' in 64kbps bitrate (as default setting). It's
> similar as for other audio/video formats and/or the `-b' option.
>
> My Gentoo system is updated daily with global ~amd64 keyword in use. I
> recently switched from ffmpeg to libav and they are both affected by
> this issue.
>
> Is anybody facing the same issue? Has anyone got any idea about the
> possible causes and/or solutions? Please tell me if more information is
> needed, thanks.

When running ffmpeg, it says:

"This program is not developed anymore and is only provided for 
compatibility. Use avconv instead (see Changelog for the list of 
incompatible changes)."

So try with avconv instead.  But for MP3, you should probably be using 
LAME with a VBR quality setting instead.