Re-saving mpg files

[Nuke_m]

Any guidance would be helpful.

I've been recording the Tour de France off a Hauppauge usb-freeview UK source.
The files are generally 4~5 a day, (avoiding adds) by 20days, total size per day 600~700mb, as an mpg, 544x576 pal, (2045 quality, only data given according to prog').
They're good enough and will burn on 3~4dvd's as originals, but I would like to "clean" them up a bit, lose some bad frames/trim ect and re-save (naturally).
I am happy if they will play on a computer only.

I have TMPGenc plus, Virtualdub, Movie maker2, but these will not save as a similar file size or type. I've wasted hours pratting about with them crashing (Movie maker2).
Best machine - Dell laptop 9400 dual core, 1gb ram.

Q - Can anyone suggest a prog that will give me save options that will be similar to original in size, quality.
Movie maker2 will only save a wmv file at a greatly compressed size as in 2.1 mbps pal (being the best)
Example file: original 229mb mpg to 51mb wmv.
Or a massive size as in DV-avi pal.

N

[lordsmurf]

You need a steam-copy MPEG editor.

such as:
Womble MPEG-VCR
Womble MPEG Video Wizard
VideoReDo

[Nuke_m]

Just dwnlded Womble MPEG Video Wizard last night, didnt install yet.

A reply from the king...
Thanks for all the hours of help you've posted and Ive read.

Any concise pros/cons to these programs?

Neil

[nightcat]

Nuke,

Hi. If you want to export file with the original size and quality, you should try to use Womble MPEG Video Wizard. This program can export files maintain the file size and non-recode, and the speed is fast.

The simple step below:
1. Drag your file on Timeline.
2. Click the export button to export the current project.
3. Set the 'Save as type' to 'Automatic' on exporting panel. and click the 'Detail' button to confirm the export file size. Then click 'Save' button to export.

The MPEG Video Wizrd can export the MPEG and AVI fils, but cannot export WMV files at all.

Have try

-nightcat

[Nuke_m]

Thanks, sussed that out and have trimmed and stitched a 48'/945mb file

Tried VideoRedo; very basic looking editor but thats a good point as its simple.
MPEG Video Wizrd is more involved, but have trouble getting the mpg files to play in Win media player.
The sleightest frame fault and WMP stops/returns to start.
Irfanview wont play them.
Hauppauge prog will, but only if usb tv receiver is plugged in.
Videodub will after a fashion.

Tried to recode to dvd format, 2% took 1/2hour, stuff that.
wmv format seems to be easier to play and smaller files,
so I may save original cuts as large mpg files and recode another batch as wmv for basic viewing.

I'm new to video editing, but advanced using Photoshop on stills.