Hi8 captured DV to MPEG2 or x264 MKV files

[pred02]

I have a bunch of DV files I digitally transfered from a Hi8 source (originals). As these files are huge in size and cannot be played on my network media player I was wondering what format I should convert them to. I was originally thinking MPEG2 -> because Hi8 with 480i lines is not that great quality to begin with, however I know now that there are better formats to encode in such as x264 with MKV container.

I will store this on my file server and play via media player. May burn a copy on the DVD for archival purposes.

Thanks!

[edDV]

If these are camcorder interlace source MPeg2 is preferred for maintaining interlace to the HDTV. The hardware processing in the HDTV will take advantage of interlace for smooth motion (including 120Hz) and does a superior job of deinterlace than most software techniques. Every time you upgrade your TV, the interlace processing will improve.

If these are movie source, an inverse telecine to 24p (23.976) will allow use of h.264 or other progressive codec for greater compression not greater quality.

With the cost of hard drives dropping like a rock, high compression is less a priority. The real cost is in the labor to do the conversion. I'd recommend keeping as much picture quality as practical. Also 480i MPeg2 compresses much faster than h.264.

BTW, I wouldn't dump those DV archive masters if these are important family recordings. A 1.5TB drive (just bought one for $114) can hold ~ 110 hours of DV.

[pred02]

Hi eDDV,
Thanks for the info. Will keep the originals somewhere safe, however will have to convert/compress the edited masters in order to be able to view them via the network media device (currently it does not play DV).

Will go the MPEG2 recommended route with a good encoder, 2-pass, and decent rate. This will also facilitate burning copies to DVD and distributing thereafter.

Thanks for your help!