Advice on what to do with .ts files (DVB).

[elsmandino]

Hi there,

I have masses of files that I have recorded using Mediaportal (all standard definition).

I would like to edit out all the adverts from the files I would like to keep and also try and convert them to something a little smaller to try and save some space.

In particular, I would like to try and preserve soft subtitles and keep perceivable video quality as close to the original as possible.

I have decided that the best option would be to convert the .ts files into .mkvs with the h.264/AVC codec (or perhaps use the MP4 container).

I would be really grateful to know what I should consider.

My research so far has recommended VideoReDo for the editing out the adverts (it is quite pricey, but has the best error correction for guaranteeing a flawless outputted file).

In terms of re-encoding, I have been told that although VideoReDo can do this but there are better options - MCE Buddy or Handbrake for example.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much.

A

[elsmandino]

Just to add to the above - I suppose it does not really matter whether I choose mkv or mp4 as they are just containers and I should be able to conver between the two losslessly.

[Trippedout]

well I use mpg2cut beta like to help the chaps out but theres also stable version to it will edit out commercials you need to reload file between each edit or you will get audio problems its free you can find in download tools section TMPGEnc will also do a job for you same rules apply cancel wizard go strait to file mpg tools also available here for download try them out see if they work for you and I also use winavi not free but realy fast and very good apart from the edit function.

[elsmandino]

Thanks very much for that - I shall give both programs a whirl to see how I get on with them.

Do you know whether either bit of software has frame accurate editing and/or error correction?

Thanks

[The Mariner]

Howdy,

Here's what I do with my .ts files:

1).. Use Video ReDo to remove commercials etc.
2).. Save the edited file in .ts format.
3).. Use Freemake Video Converter to convert to .mkv. I tested many converters & Freemake gave me the best combination of quality, encoding speed etc.

[elsmandino]

Interesting Mariner - I did find Freemake pretty slow last time I used it but I shall have another look methinks. What settings are using for the out MKV? Also, are you able to preserve subtitles in the final file?

Once other quick thing - did you consider using VRD for the re-encoding as well and doing everything in one program?

[The Mariner]

I use:

- size up to 720x576 resolution
- H.264 codec, original frame rate, custom bitrate @ 950 kbps
- AAC audio, stereo, 48000 Hz @ 128kbps

If subtitles are in to the source .ts, they'll be preserved & burnt in to the output .mkv. I haven't tried using VRD for encoding but maybe I will give it a go.

[elsmandino]

It is very strange that so few people or use VRD for encoding - I can't tell whether it is not any good for this is whether it is the case that there are simply better options.

Do you notice any major degradation in quality going from M2P to AAC in terms of the audio? I have heard that M2P is already quite compressed, so re-encoding if further can make the quality somewhat.