Microsoft Recorded TV Show

[MariaGenero]

Mom in distress! I am trying to transfer my VCR tapes
to the TV in on my HP Media Center (873n) and record them
to my hard drive. That I can do! However, when I attempt to
transfer them from my hard drive to a DVD+RW a error that
reads: “Video_TS.IFO and Video_TS.BUP is not present” appears.
When I click properties of the file that I am trying to transfer to
DVD it states that it is a “Microsoft Recorded TV Show”
I am at a loss here!!! TY Maria

[sLiMpAuLy]

You need to "author" your video in a program such as Ulead DVD Workshop. You simply layout your "movie" in the order you want it to play in your DVD player adding menues and such if you wish. Then you will tell that program to "make DVD folder". Then you have to wait a bit till it's done. After that you can burn that folder ( consisting of .ifo ,.bup ,and .vob files) with you favorite burning program (as long as it supports dvd burning that is ) I use nero, and set it to "DVD-ROM UDF/ISO" mode.


Also it wouldn't hurt to add a empty folder named AUDIO_TS

Hope this helps.......

Cheers paul

[Greg12]

i must warn you against the evils of WMV format quickly.

Don't use WMV if you want to go to DVD. NO MATTER WHAT MS SAYS.

[MariaGenero]

Greetings Greg12:

Thanks for your advice.
But how can I make the necessary changes?
Brain dead in this area!
TY for any and all help rendered!
Maria

[mkelley]

Maria,

What you need to do is to convert your captured files on your hard drive into files that are DVD compliant. How you do this depends on the format of those files -- someone here is suggesting they are WMV. Ideally what you'd like to do is have them as an AVI, but in any case what you are trying to do is get them into MPEG format, specifically, MPEG2 format.

There are lots of programs that will convert files into MPEG2, but whether they can take WMV as input is another matter. TMPGEnc is one of the more common programs used (it has a 30 day free trial of MPEG2, and after that it will cost you $50 or so) but it's not the fastest by any means. If you intend to do a lot of this stuff I would recommend a program like MainConcept ($150) or CCE (I think they have a $50 version of their program that's somewhat limited but should do what you need).

MainConcept at least will not accept a WMV as input -- however, there are lots of programs to translate WMV to AVI. Here's a link to just a few:

http://www.imagespro.com/search.php3?q=wmv+to+avi+converter

Now let's assume you have your video/audio translated into MPEG2. All you need then, as was suggested by another poster, is a DVD authoring program. This program will create the Audio and Video files your HP is complaining about, so then you'll be able to burn the DVD just fine.

I would *strongly* recommend you look at a program called DVDLab -- it's one of the easiest and most powerful DVD authoring program around. It costs $79 right now and is a steal, but there's a fully functional 30 day demo so you can see if it works for you.

If you have other questions, ask away. This stuff is actually easy once you get the hang of it, and soon you'll have all your VCR stuff on DVD (and you'll be soooo happy :>)

[MariaGenero]

Thanks Mkelley!

My problem runs a tad deeper than that.
The file I am trying to convert and or author
is of the following type: MICROSOFT RECORDED TV SHOW.

I have a VCR connected to my HP Media Center 873n
and I am using the MY TV to record my kids videos to
my hard drive.
Every converting, authouring, or editing program I
have tried thus far, does not recognize the MICROSOFT
RECORDED TV SHOW as a "valid media file"
I have taken the previous advice given to me in some
of the preceeding posts and downloaded the authoring
software. Still no luck! It simply will not be recognized
as a valid media file!! Please help! Maria Genero,

[dcsos]

I'm assuming you can't see what format you recorded the file into without showing file extensions on your computer?
GO ANY MY COMPUTER WINDOW along the top go to TOOLS>FOLDER OPTIONS>
Then on the second TAB> selct VIEW...here put a check in the box that says SHOW ALL FILES and uncheck HIDE PROTECTED and HIDDEN FILES...
Voila now you can see the file extension on your
Microsoft Recorded TV Show.. is it an ASF or a WMV file..
If you can't accomplish the task of turning on file extensions and re-posting just WHAT KIND OF FILE YOU'VE got (as I don't have a XP media PC)then download this utility
http://www.headbands.com/gspot/
.. Its free and will tell you what you've got.
Once you know...soneone can suggesta DVD authing appliction --or transcoding application so you don't have to wait for WINDOWS DVD MAKER coming in the fall(I think)..also
You didn't say what quality you recorded your show at?
Quality — Selecting Fair, Good, Better, or Best is possible in the MY TV bullshit that MICROSFT is using.. I don't think you can choose other capture formats ..so the media center currently may be a poor choice for DVD authoring

[MariaGenero]

TY Dcsos

I used the Gspot Codec Info Appliance v2.2. . .ty for the link!
The Stat: File is ASF (.WMA/.WMV)

In the category STREAM TYPE AND A/V INTERLEAVE
Type: video/x-ms-asf
I/L: n.a.

Category: DIRECTSHOW RENDER
Video Src Type: MPEG2_video
Video Path: (S)–>Decrypt/Tag 0003–> MainConcept MPEG Video Decoder–> ®)

The category of Video Format Codec indicates n.a. in all areas.

I am still blank as to what to do next?
Is there an option for me? Or am I just screwed for
buying the HP?

Thanks again my friend!

[flaninacupboard]

Maria,
the best advice i or anyone can give you is to follow all our guides. for capturing the video to your hard drive, follow the capture section. for turning the captured file into something a DVD player can play, use the convert guides. for adding the menus and laying out the disc properly, use the authoring guides. the material you are capturing is clearly important to you, so you should take steps to keep it the highest possible quality, which is why you should follow the guides
I don;t know how aware you are of common opinions about microsoft within the computer industry (and even more so on the internet) but, suffice to say, there's a lot of anger. microsfot products (their operating systems, web browser, and all of their multi media applications - that's media player, windows movie maker etc) are more and more geared to the philosophy that every computer user wants to just click "go" and be done with things. this isn't always the case, however microsoft leave any advanced options out of almost all of their products so that people don't "break" the software and call up software support. this means millions of people never have the chance to explore what they can really do with their computer because microsoft doesn;t encourage people to look beyond their own software and will in some cases even advise against it! a poignant example is the way their new operating system XP handles drivers, (the files which tell different bits of the computer how to communicate with each other) if the people who MADE a certain piece of hardware in your computer (say, the graphics card) provide a driver, you should use it. however, XP will bring up an "error" message when you try to do so, warning the driver is not certified by microsoft and therefore may be dangerous to use, and tells you not do use it. this is just set up to scare casual users into using the microsoft solution instead. for these reasons (among many many others) you will find people unlikely to give advice on support for microsoft products.
If you want to preserve your tapes as best you can, follow our guides. if and when you get stuck, post saying what you're doing with which application and what errors you're recieving, and we're all glad to help.

[gotodvdr]

Why don't we just follow this guide:
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/userguides/159800.php

[MariaGenero]

Thanks Flaninacupboard

People like you are sympathetic to newbies like me.
That is appreciated, no matter the outcome of my
problem burning DVD's!

I am still lost. . .I will admit.
MICROSOFT RECORDED TV SHOW. . absolutely
refuses to be recognized as a "valid media"
no matter what I do!
I am ready to throw this computer right out
my second story window!! lol
TY

[dcsos]

http://www.soufrancisco.brturbo.com/ptdivxsoft/15/virtualdub_ac3.zip

NOTE this is not a web page but the actual download LINK for an older version of VIRTUAL DUB needed for your conversion of the "DIGITAL MEDIA FILE" really just an ASF MPG-4 file that will be converted instantly out of the microfsoft propietary format with this utility.

then do this with the file:
Load your ASF file into VirtualDUB.

From the "Video" menu, select "Direct Stream Copy".

From the "Audio" menu, select "Direct Stream Copy".

Save the AVI file - your have just converted your ASF file to a brand new AVI file - it should have only taken a few seconds for the "conversion", since all you really did was change the container from ASF to AVI.

then folow the GUIDE these other folks posted..
If its not clear..POST again and I'll try to help out

[dcsos]

Please IGNORE PREVIOUS POST

I tried to convert a few ASF's over here using the method I posted.
It only worked on ONE of the 3 files I had..
I think It will fail for you too!
This is because MICROSFOT told all the companies that make converters to cease and desist and they hadda stop making this tool I recommended before the kind of ASF you have was invented (another words your file is too new for this method and MICROSOFT will not allow conversion at all!)

[dcsos]

MORE RESEARCH SHOW THERE IS A WAY FOR YOU
you need the windows medial encoder
THIS WILL CONVERT your file to another PROPIETARY microsoft format that is possible to BREAK OUT OF unlike the asf format:
READ THIS GUYS COMMENT:
I tried to convert an asf file to an mpeg file using tmpgenc but the sound wasn't converted. But I figured out a way to get it to work - maybe not the best soultion, but it did work. First, convert the asf file to a wmv file using windows media encoder. Then, use tmpgenc to convert the wmv file to a mpeg file. Larry
theres are the two links you neeed.
POST AGIN if you can't figgure it out

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5691ba02-e496-465a-bba9-b2f11...DisplayLang=en

be careful as the microsoft link is certainly longer than a url should be
and below for the TMPGencoder-convertor you need second.....

http://www.digital-digest.com/dvd/downloads/tmpgenc.html

Once you have a valid MPG file output from TMPGencoder you can make a DVD
with a DVD authoring program

[leebo]

Maria, ultimately, what you want (and I'm a guy, so I know what you want, right?) is to RECORD your tapes to your computer in the correct format IN THE FIRST PLACE, so you don't have to worry about converting the files later.

This depends on what hardware was included in your computer, and what software you have.

I believe your set up was intended for recording to and playing back from the computer (like a TIVO). However, you can probably change the type of file that is created when capturing TO the computer by changing an option in your recording software (be sure to change it back to the "Microsoft" file format so you can "TIVO" live TV when you want.

dcsos almost had it right (about the file extensions, that is). His directions will allow you to see hidden files on your computer. However, what you want is to SEE THE EXTENSIONS. So follow his directions above, but uncheck "Hide file extensions".


Now at least you can see what type of files you're dealing with.


Now, in your recording program, see if theres a way to select what type of file is created during recording.
Mpeg2 (DVD compliant) is preferable. This will produce a file you can simply AUTHOR into a DVD. Authoring is the process of creating a DVD, including creating menus and deciding on what the end user is allowed to do when they watch the DVD.

If the program does not allow capture directly to mpeg2, see if you can record in the AVI file format. This is easiest for editing later, then converting into an mpeg2 file afterwards.

If neither of these options are possible, you'll need to aquire a different recording software - but you'll need to make sure that software is compatable with your hardware! (Chances are HP gave you the correct software - somewhere on your computer!).

[dcsos]

LEBO is she capturing over FIREWIRE? with that set up, I looked on the MICROSOFT MY TV site and found there's no information for the consumer other than to change the channel or go to the stupidest of settings (GOOD or FAIR)...
So YOU CANNOT USE THE MICROSOFT APPLICATION TO CAPTURE INTO ANY OTHER FORMAT THAN ASF as far as I can see.

THUS , maybe installing a VIDEO CAPTURE APPLICAION is the best route..

One that will capture through the firewire directly to AVI FORMAT, if in fact the input is a firwire port and not a PCI's card VIDEO IN or a USB device.
Please let us know how your computer captures the VIDEO..do you plug a VIDEO IN to the back of the computer..
The best solution to aviod transcoding is to re-capture to the DVD-USABLE file format but will take hours of back tracking to re capture!


BELOW the limited set of ADVANCED SETTINGS for HER MEDIA CENTER CAPTURE

Record Settings.
Use the navigation buttons on the remote and +/- buttons to bring your selections into focus. Detailed information on each option is listed below:
Frequency — Select Record single show to record one show or Record series to record multiple episodes of a TV series.
Show Type — (Only available when you record a series.) If you choose First run, Media Center only records the shows included in the new season. However, First run & rerun records both the new season episodes and reruns from any season.
Record On — (Only available when you record a series.) If you select Any Channel, Media Center will search on all available channels for the series that you wish to record. Or you can limit the series recording to a specific channel.
Keep At Most — Select the number of shows in a series that are stored in Recorded TV. You can choose to keep from one to five episodes or All episodes.
Keep — Select from one of four options that indicates how long to store each recorded show on the hard disk: Until space needed, Until I delete, Until I watch, or For 1 week.
Quality — Select from one of four options to indicate the desired image quality: Fair, Good, Better, or Best. The image quality determines how large the file size is on the hard disk. For example, the default option of Best quality will record TV with the clearest and most detailed image and creates the largest file size on your hard disk.
Start Recording — To ensure that the entire show is recorded, you can choose to begin recording On time or one, two, three, five, fifteen, or thirty minutes before the scheduled start time of the show. The default setting begins recording On time.
Stop Recording — To ensure that the entire show is recorded, you can choose to stop recording On time or one minute to three hours after the scheduled end time of the show. The default setting stops recording On time.
Once you have completed your selections, select Change to apply the new settings. To ignore changes to Advanced Record, press BACK on the remote.

AND A REVIEW OF THE AWFUL $2,900 HP Media Center PC 883n
Like you can't record any tv shows burn it to DVD and take it with you. You also cannot download non verified MP3's and play them. In short your stuck with a 2-3 thousand dollar hunk of junk
This is yet another under powered, poorly configured system from a company with poor technical support and almost the worst customer service in the industry. Why would you put a GeForce 4 MX video card on a system like this? If it is truly for media it should have had any of GeForce 4 Ti series cards or an ATI 9700 Pro. The retail price for this product is about double what it should be for what is actually delivered, unless Microsoft is charging an arm and a leg for the operating system. I spent several hours playing with this system and found it very cumbersome and overall a VERY poor performer for what is supposed to be a hot machine.

[secretagent]

heres what I do with my hp and vhs. Install Showshifter (30 day free trial) save video as highest quality wmv2 ( 2 hours recording = 1.5 gigabytes).
after recording the file will be named .wmv. change . wmv to .asf. open new .asf in tmpgenc. use standard dvd template. encode. then burn to disk. Perfect movies every time.
for the movies you already recorded open in windows movies maker, resave as wmv. again change . wmv to . asf and encode in tmpgenc.
Important note: microsoft has two ways of making files wmv1 and wmv2. most programs can handle wmv1 because it is older. most cannot handle wmv2. movie maker saves it files as the older wmv1 by default.