Using "unsupported" MPEG's for DVD creation ?

[marvin_pa]

Hi all,

I've searched and searched this and other forums but as yet not found the answer to this problem - assuming there is one ...

I have a number of MPEG files (captured from my Tivo) I'd like to burn to DVD. The MPEG files play perfectly in PowerDVD and WinDVD. Both report the following spec's of the file's -
Video - MPEG2 (interlaced)
TV - 625/50 (PAL)
Resolution 480x576
Frame Rate 25
Bitrate 3.50mbps
Audio 48Khz
Audio bitrate 192kbps

Files sizes are arounf 1.1gb for 45mins of "action"

I'm using a P4 1.8ghz with 1GB ram. TMPGEnc 2.59.47.155 and TMPG DVD Author 1.04.24.

When I try to use TMPG DVD Author I get a non-standard resolution error as 480x576 isn't a PAL standard - understand !

When I try to use ULEAD MovieFactory2 I get a "File format mismatched" error - I assume for the same reason buy not exactly a helpful message.

If I try and edit to adjust the resolution using TPMGEnc and to cut the ad's I get a <filename.mpg> cannot open or unsupported.

I've searched the forums for more info and frameserving seems to be one suggestion to resolve the "can not open or unsupported" problem.

So I tried using VirtualDub (1.5.4) but I get another error - MPEG Import Filter: pack sync error.

I would understand that this is a waste of time were it not for the fact the files plays fine in PowerDVD and WinDVD. Could it be I'm missing some sort of codec required by any of the editing/authoring software ?

I'd be most grateful for anyone assistance.

Thanks.

[Cornucopia]

Even though they're from a TIVO, these are much like a PAL SVCD spec'd file.

Look up the SVCD header trick on this site and try that. (As usual, use a DVD±RW, so no coasters).

HTH,
Scott

>>>>edit

Just in case, you may need to demux and remux to std MPEG2 or SVCD program stream, using a std tool like TMPGEnc.

[abrakadabra]

Hi
I burn files with those specs to DVD all the time. Most (if not all) DVD players that can play SVCD accept DVDs with 480x576, but since it's not within DVD spec, most authoring tools don't accept this format.

Do as Cornucopia says, remux the file and patch it:
I use ULEAD MovieFactory2 and since MF2 won't accept 480x576 without reencoding, I first patch the file with DVDPatcher (https://www.videohelp.com/tools?tool=154), changing first header to 352x576.

But there might be other problems with your files. If GOP is not within specs (max 15 frames/GOP for PAL) it may not work anyway.

[steptoe]

DVD Patcher is definately worth a look, I use it to persude TMPGenc DVD Author to create the images, when I mix PAL and NTSC on the same DVD-R

But, you must remember to patch the movie back to the original, its a doddle to use, and only takes a couple of seconds to alter the header of the files, to persude over-protective software from refusing to have anything to do with non-compliant movies

It will still play, but will be screwed up, as the DVD player is playing what the header tells it to. So, if you patched the header to persude an NTSC movie to think its PAL, then thats what it will play it, and you'll end up with a horrible bar running across the bottom, I know .... I forgot to re-patch a movie once on a mixed NTSC/PAL disc I was doing, so had to burn the DVD-R again, after re-patching it back !!


I suppose this is to stop the authoring companies getting complaints about their software 'not working'

[marvin_pa]

Problem solved !

As suspected it was a codec issue - but thanks for everyones help !

I found the answer here - http://dealdatabase.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25014

However the suggestion of patching the header to an acceptable resolution is an interesting point as it might save a considerable amount of time.

For the first epsiode I've cut the ads (with mpeg2vcr) and re-encoded using TMPGEnc to get a resolution of 720x576 using CBR it took just over 3hrs for 45mins of video. For the second epsidoe I used VBR (same res) and it's taken 5 1/2 hrs !! same duration of video - 45mins.

Is there someway I can cut down this re-encoding time ? by that I mean using a different process rather than "tuning" TMPG ? I've seen some post's on tuning so can try those - don't want to ask the same questions when answered elsewhere

Cheers !

[Cornucopia]

Never re-encode if you absolutely don't have to! You always lose quality doing re-encodes (even if it's a small, barely noticeable amount). Also, as in this instance, it takes an inordinately longer amount of time.

Try this:

use a GOP-type MPEG editor. Cut out the sections you don't want. Save the edited file(s) (I'm assuming that you've picked a good MPEG editor that won't re-encode unless it's necessary--titles/fades/compositing/effects).

Use DVDPatcher or ReStream and patch the file(s) to DVD rez.

Author your DVD disc(s) and compile/mux to VOB(s).

Un-patch the VOB(s).

Burn.

This will take a whole lot less time. The only downside is lesser compatibility with players. If that's important to you, then yes, you're gonna have to re-encode.

Good luck,
Scott

[bugster]

How about trying SVCD2DVDMPG