HDTV .TS files to DVD?

[Valnar]

I've been out of the scene for awhile, but used to frequent this site for a year straight while I converted my whole analog/VHS collection to DVD. Things have changed.

Even though the quality will be downgraded to 720x480, I'm interested in converting my HDTV captures (either .TS or .MPG from QAM/ATSC sources) to a DVD. This will be re-encoding to MPEG2 and possibly changing the audio down to basic AC3 (if needed) or MP2. This is mostly to hold onto some favorite episodes as they are aired on TV. I'm looking at a program like TMPGEnc DVD Author, Ulead DVD Movie Factory or the like. Ease of use important, but most is compatibility. I need something that will take and understand whatever format HD is broadcast in and not throw up at some unknown audio codec, or the like.

Recommendations? Money is not necessarily a factor, unless I need to buy CCE or some DVD authoring package for $2K ! Then it matters.

-Robert

[Baldrick]

I guess it would be easiest with ConvertXtoDVD. But not the best dvd mpeg2 converter though.

[Valnar]

What would the less easy version be with better quality? I'm not adverse to using AVISynth and freeware programs, it's just been awhile and I don't want the 3 month learning curve again!

Robert

[Baldrick]

Maybe FAVC, but it doesn't mention that it supports ts...

[Valnar]

Looks good. I can convert from TS to MPG/AVI with another tool if needed.

Thanks,
Robert

Edit: 2nd alternative. What's a good program that just outputs any HDTV file into a DVD compatible mpg file which would allow me to use any DVD authoring package?

[bits]

For TS to DVD I use HDTV2DVD. It is freeware and works very nicely. Keeps the correct aspect ratio and is rock solid.

[Valnar]

Is there another tool that will convert a .ts or .mpg file directly to a supported format for FAVC conversion? It's my understanding that HDTV2DVD is another all in one like FAVC. If so, how is it's quality?

Robert

[bits]

Is there another tool that will convert a .ts or .mpg file directly to a supported format for FAVC conversion? It's my understanding that HDTV2DVD is another all in one like FAVC. If so, how is it's quality?

Robert

The quality is excellent IMO and it is fast. It is free and easy to use so why not just give it a try? It is designed for simplicity and therefore does not have many options. I use it quite often and it has always delivered great results. I find it hard to tell the difference between the converted file and the original HD OTA ts file. I have tried numerous other options and IMO HDTV2DVD is the best.

If you want more control over things like bitrate and audio then give Winff a try. It is also freeware and does a good job.