MPEG2 to AVI conversion......worth it?

[vwcrusher]

I have been capturing VHS video in MPEG2 (note: I can only capture in MPEG2). I recently found a utility on my PC that will allow me to convert the MPEG2 file into an AVI file. Is there any advantage to doing this?

Oh, also of note is that there are three quality levels offered; I have been using the highest quality level.

I have been using Screenblast Movie Studio 3.0 for editing and plan on using TMPGenc Author for chapter points and burning.

Thanks

[bek]

I'm not an expert, but I don't think so. I spend a lot of time converting FROM AVI to MPEG.

[willy_annand]

I am incomplete agreement with Bek on this one.

If the only way you can caprure is MPEG, and your editing software can load MPEG, then leave it MPEG. No need to waste time on conversion.

[willy_annand]

Note to Bek, notice I did not say anything about his using TMPG to author
<big grin>

[bek]

Hehehe. For Will and I to agree, we must be right, 'cause we are diametrically opposed on another unnamed authoring issue.

[jarros]

Correct me if you're wrong, but can't you get a higher compression rate if you convert to AVI (using DivX)? It depends on what you want to use it for, too. If you'll be burning it back to DVD, you'd be better off just leaving it in MPEG2 so you don't have to convert the video twice.

[bek]

Yes, that's right.

But the only thing I can imagine converting to DivX for is to post it on the web or something. I pretty much always author for DVD.

[willy_annand]

I don't believe it, two ideas in one thread where Bek and I agree...

Re: DivX, yes you get smaller files sizes, but usually at the price of quality.

As Bek says, the only reason to use DivX (or XviD) would be for Internet distribution.

The original poster asked about MPEG and mentioned "for chapter points and burning". This can only be done with MPEG.

@Bek, we can't all agree on everything. If we did, there would be a need for only one of everything, our differences create the need for variety. Besides it is good every now and then to have a heated discussion to let off steam. In the end I hope we part online friends and agree to disagree on certain topics.

[bek]

@Bek, we can't all agree on everything. If we did, there would be a need for only one of everything, our differences create the need for variety. Besides it is good every now and then to have a heated discussion to let off steam. In the end I hope we part online friends and agree to disagree on certain topics.

Hey, sure thing. I may have gotten a bit irate because for a post or two, you reminded me of some Java guys I used to work with. Their motto was, "if the tool wasn't difficult, it's not worth using." But yeah, I have no ill will. It was a very useful discussion to me. And for the record, I may have to destroy TMPGEnc Author before it's over.