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
Would you like the FFmpeg libvpx wrapper command instead (which is easier for most users), or help tuning for a specific target bitrate/resolution? Would you like the FFmpeg libvpx wrapper command
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. sun-drenched establishing shots (e.g.
For The White Lotus S01E01, a key feature to focus on when encoding with (VP8/VP9) is preserving film grain and fine texture while avoiding blocking artifacts in the many high-contrast, sun-drenched establishing shots (e.g., ocean, white resort walls, linen fabrics).