".TS" to DVD conversion question

[njscan]

Hi to all:
1st time poster, so please pardon any errors I may make.
I have several video files captured on a Panasat FTA receiver. The files have a “.TS” extension. In addition to that file, each recording session creates a “.idx” file. I’ve read that these files can be opened using “Video Redo”. I tried that program, but each time I try to open it I get an “end of stream” error message.

I’ve copied both files to a folder on my hard drive. Unsuccessful either reading directly from 4 GB flash drive or from files copied to hard drive.

My goal is to be able to create a DVD from these files.
Thanks

[Baldrick]

It could be .ts with mpeg4 video and then wont videoredo work. Try mediainfo and see if it can read what it contains and post the information here.

[njscan]

Tried that, doesn't say much...

General
Complete name : F:\FRESH[2008-6-21-12-11-44].ts
Format : MPEG-TS
File size : 9.50 MiB

[poisondeathray]

Can you upload a small sample to a free hosting site, such as mediafire or megaupload ?

[njscan]

Sure. Never used any of these services but I'll see what's required to do the upload. I'll post back here later tonight
Thanks

[njscan]

Here are the two files:
http://www.mediafire.com/?l1jmljjddih
http://www.mediafire.com/?wm2zndnzwb1

[poisondeathray]

**LOL you should warn folks that there is adult content in that sample clip...NSFW...or some folks here might get a nasty surprise

Anyway, you can open the .ts file with avidemux (use the latest svn build here http://www.razorbyte.com.au/avidemux/)

From there, you can edit, append clips, even make dvd's. A simple way for DVD preset is auto=>dvd

Your sample is also interlaced, so you may want to deinterlace it before you encode it to something else (there are built in filters such as yadif in avidemux)

Cheers

[njscan]

Thanks.. Actually, I got tha video clip from a friend who is using the same receiver. But, your point is well noted. Going to download the prog you suggested. I may have afew questions once I install it. Again, thanks!

[njscan]

OK, so downloaded it and yes, it opens the file just fine. Just a few questions.

1. The program indicates the source file is 1:1 aspect ratio. This surprises me as the original program material is broadcast in 4:3. Looks like I can choose the output aspect ratio.

2. I don't see any provision for burning the DVD from this program. I assume I can save it it AVI or another format and use a program like Nero to create the DVD from the filke I same?

Otherwise, looks like a great program - thanks!

[poisondeathray]

Thanks.. Actually, I got tha video clip from a friend who is using the same receiver.

hahha....sure..... :P just joking!

You can only author or encode files with avidemux. You can author a dvd compliant video file ready to burn with avidemux. Use the auto=>dvd. You can configure options like aspect ratios, filters etc... However, no menus. There is no burning engine, use imgburn or nero. I would avoid converting to .AVI then to .VOB because you have 2 rounds of lossy conversion = quality loss.

[njscan]

OK, may I ask what the prefered file format to convert to is, assuming I want the end result to be a DVD?

[poisondeathray]

The preferred format is authoring straight to dvd. (i.e. MPEG-2 vob files). I suggested this earlier auto (in the top menu) =>DVD. This will give you presets already for DVD.

[poisondeathray]

FYI, convertxtodvd also was able to open this file. It's not free but its a very easy 1-click solution for authoring, encoding and burning a DVD with simple menus even

[njscan]

Thanks again... lot's of playing to do now!

[njscan]

Tried Avidemux, it worked but the files it creates don't seem to be the generic DVD files I'd see on a commercial movie. Tried playing the video file it created with Windows Media Player. Plays the audio, but NG with the video.

I used the default "DVD" choice as the format to convert to. Are there codec choices I need to make?

[poisondeathray]

Yes sorry for the confusion, it just gives you a DVD compliant MPEG-2 file, which you have to use in a DVD authoring application such as DVDauthorGUI, DVDLabPro or dozens of others....

Note that the audio in the default is MP2 not the standard AC3, although most players should support both anyway. You can change it to AC3 if you want (along with other settings like aspect ratio, borders, etc...)

It's odd that you can't play back the video, I just tried and it worked fine for me in MPC and VLC. If you can play it back OK in VLC (which has self-contained codecs) this suggests it might be a codec problem on your end.

I suggested ConvertXtoDVD because it does everything in 1 step (including the authoring, menus, which avidemux does not)

Cheers

[njscan]

OK, so I'll try it again and use Nero.
Tried ConvertXtoDVD. It made a DVD, but the disk can't be read in 5 different DVD players. Again, close but no cigar! I'll continue to tinker, getting closer.

[poisondeathray]

Did you try playing the Video_TS folder made by convertxtodvd on the PC? You can try playing with VLC

If it works fine, it may be a media problem (i.e bad quality disc) or bad burn (try using imgburn to burn instead of the VSO burning engine from convertxtodvd, which is not known to be the most reliable)

The last resort would be to use avidemux to convert to an intermediate avi, then convert that to dvd (2 lossy conversions, and waste of time)