MPEG Layer 2 video file, is it an editor friendly file type?

[ferran275]

I have (maybe) a ton of work coming with lots and lots of files that will need to be re-compressed as something else, since right now, they're unusable. The only format I seem to be able to get them to re-compress to is MPEG Layer 2 file. I will be working in Final Cut Pro, is file size and edibility good on this file type? I learned the hard way that you never edit with H.264 files

[guns1inger]

Mpeg-2 video is also highly compressed unless you use very high bitrates (HDV is 25Mbps), and doesn't enjoy being re-encoded. It very quickly starts to show artifact. You are better off using an uncompressed or losslessly compressed. If you are using FCP then the Apple Intermediate Codec is probably the best option.

[edDV]

I have (maybe) a ton of work coming with lots and lots of files that will need to be re-compressed as something else, since right now, they're unusable. The only format I seem to be able to get them to re-compress to is MPEG Layer 2 file. I will be working in Final Cut Pro, is file size and edibility good on this file type? I learned the hard way that you never edit with H.264 files

"Work" as being paid? What kind of files are coming?

Why "unusable"?

FCP is probably the most uninterested editor for unusable files.

[ferran275]

I have (maybe) a ton of work coming with lots and lots of files that will need to be re-compressed as something else, since right now, they're unusable. The only format I seem to be able to get them to re-compress to is MPEG Layer 2 file. I will be working in Final Cut Pro, is file size and edibility good on this file type? I learned the hard way that you never edit with H.264 files

"Work" as being paid? What kind of files are coming?

Why "unusable"?

FCP is probably the most uninterested editor for unusable files.

sorry, should have been a bit more specific...
These files were brought in by the camera crew, they have no clue how to open them, I was able to open the one they sent me by using VLC, no other program I have has been able to even inspect the clip, and since exporting is rather limited in VLC I went looking for other programs I could use to open and maybe change this file.

I have a much older program that they don't update anymore called "Visual Hub" it was my video swiss army knife a few years back since it will take pretty much anything Apple's Compressor won't take. But again, the compressions are limited, they are FLV, MPEG, WMP, MP4, AVI, DVD, DV, PSP, and iTunes. So, with this program, I can create all of these compressions. Nothing else (other than VLC) that I've tried can even open the file.

And work as in, showing that I can take on this task for possible paid work in the future

[guns1inger]

Maybe mpeg-stream clip can be used to open and convert the files, but it would be nice to know what they actually are

[aedipuss]

And work as in, showing that I can take on this task for possible paid work in the future

wow a "camera crew" that can't identify the format they shot video in. lol. consider yourself failed.

[ferran275]

here's what I got out of the file...

Mpeg Streamclip doesn't understand the file either

[poisondeathray]

It looks like xdcam footage

You probably need to rewrap it into .mov instead of .mp4

Your shooters should have this software; it's called "sony xdcam transfer software for mac" or something along those lines

or just edit it on a PC , which would have no issues

[ferran275]

It looks like xdcam footage

You probably need to rewrap it into .mov instead of .mp4

Your shooters should have this software; it's called "sony xdcam transfer software for mac" or something along those lines

or just edit it on a PC , which would have no issues

I've noticed this board is very PC based

Thanks for the help, I'll mention this when I talk with these guys...

[poisondeathray]

I've noticed this board is very PC based

Thanks for the help, I'll mention this when I talk with these guys...

Well there is a mac subforum, but I'm 99% certain that you need a .mov wrapped stream for it to be compatible on a mac (i.e. the same video/audio , but just in a different container)

[Noahtuck]

I've noticed this board is very PC based

That's because most of the world is PC based

[aedipuss]

I've noticed this board is very PC based

That's because most of the world is PC based

hehe. if it's got an intel cpu in it, it is a "pc" "mac"s died long ago.

[netmask56]

What problem did MPEGStreamclip have - if it came up with an error message it's possible it also had an option "open anyway" otherwise get hold of ProjectX for MAC (the video demux tool and not the data program called Project X) and run it through that, preferably using the demux option as it will clean up a few problems and give you a video and audio track that you can use in FCP

[edDV]

If it is XDCAM-EX, the latest Apple Studio FCP will open and natively edit them.

[lordsmurf]

I've noticed this board is very PC based
Thanks for the help, I'll mention this when I talk with these guys...

It's not just "this board". Mac has slowly turned into a very video-unfriendly OS over the past 10 years. Compared to what can be done in Windows, Apple has very limited hardware and software options, and far fewer workflow choices available. There are many tasks that simply CANNOT BE DONE on Mac.

I used to use both OS9/OS X + Windows XP for years and years there, but have been Mac-free for about a year now. It sat in a drawer more than anything else.

[ferran275]

I've noticed this board is very PC based
Thanks for the help, I'll mention this when I talk with these guys...

It's not just "this board". Mac has slowly turned into a very video-unfriendly OS over the past 10 years. Compared to what can be done in Windows, Apple has very limited hardware and software options, and far fewer workflow choices available. There are many tasks that simply CANNOT BE DONE on Mac.

I used to use both OS9/OS X + Windows XP for years and years there, but have been Mac-free for about a year now. It sat in a drawer more than anything else.

I have a pretty decent PC at home, what software would you suggest for editing if I ever decided to move over?

As for the Mpeg Streamclip question, it does give me the option to open anyway, I say ok, and I get an error: "File Open Error: can't find video or audio tracks"

I only use Final Cut because that is what I was taught, I'm always about learning new programs and workflows, especially if this job takes off and the footage is in fact friendlier with the PC...

[ferran275]

If it is XDCAM-EX, the latest Apple Studio FCP will open and natively edit them.

must not be then, I have the latest version and it spits out an error, unknown file type

[lordsmurf]

Maybe the file is simply corrupt?

[aedipuss]

if you upload a sample the kind folks here will take a look at it and see what can be done. make or cut about a 50mb sample and host it on a file sharing site.

http://www.filedropper.com/ looks like it works ok without any sign up or anything.