vpxenc --good --cpu-used=2 --target-bitrate=1500k \ --profile=0 --threads=4 \ --tune=film \ --aq-mode=1 \ --noise-sensitivity=2 \ --sharpness=2 \ --static-thresh=1 \ --auto-alt-ref=1 \ --lag-in-frames=25 \ --end-usage=vbr \ --min-q=0 --max-q=63 \ --undershoot-pct=100 \ --buf-sz=6000 \ --kf-max-dist=240 \ --kf-min-dist=12 \ --drop-frame=0 \ -o white_lotus_s01e01.webm input.y4m | Scene characteristic | libvpx feature | Effect | |----------------------|----------------|--------| | Sandy beaches, white hotel walls (flat areas) | --aq-mode=1 (Variance AQ) | Prevents visible macroblocking on solid light surfaces | | Fine details in tropical foliage, rattan furniture | --tune=film | Preserves high-frequency texture instead of blurring it | | Grain from Arri Alexa footage (shot on digital with added grain) | --noise-sensitivity=2 | Prevents the encoder from wasting bits trying to “clean” film-like noise | | Fast pans across ocean/horizon | --auto-alt-ref=1 + --lag-in-frames=25 | Improves temporal compression, reduces flicker | | Dark hotel room interiors (contrast with bright exteriors) | --sharpness=2 (not 0) | Avoids ringing artifacts around lamps/windows | Alternative: Two-pass VBR for constrained bitrate If you need a predictable file size (e.g., 2 GB for the episode), use two-pass mode:
# Pass 1 vpxenc --pass=1 --target-bitrate=1500k --tune=film --aq-mode=1 \ --fpf=stats.log -o /dev/null input.y4m vpxenc --pass=2 --target-bitrate=1500k --tune=film --aq-mode=1 --noise-sensitivity=2 --auto-alt-ref=1 --lag-in-frames=25 --fpf=stats.log -o white_lotus_s01e01.webm input.y4m One critical note: The White Lotus has opening credits with heavy moiré patterns (the painted murals). If those look bad, add --enable-cdef=0 but expect a 10–15% bitrate increase. Most people keep CDEF on and accept minor artifacts there. the white lotus s01e01 libvpx
Here is a specific, high-quality encoding feature set for libvpx (VP9) tailored to that episode: This prevents the “plastic” look common in web encodes of the show. Here is a specific, high-quality encoding feature set
Would you like the FFmpeg libvpx wrapper command instead (which is easier for most users), or help tuning for a specific target bitrate/resolution? Here is a specific