x264 quality results based on source If I was to compare a 720p video encoded (using x264) from an untouched 1080p Blu-ray rip with the same video encoded at a similar bitrate but from a 1080p x264 rip, which one is more likely to look better in terms of perceived quality?
If the 1080p encode has a high enough bitrate, one shouldn't notice a significant difference, else the BD source offers greater headroom to retain detail.