Kindly advise on the best mpeg editing software. Thanks.

[seymoria]

Hi all.

Thanks for reading my post. I have 2 queries as explained below.

I have a large (2gb size; 2 hrs long) mpeg file. I want to extract various favorite clips from it and save the resultant as a single file.
The mpeg editing software I use ('MPEG2VCR') allows me to extract one clip at a time (by marking start point & end point) from the master file and then save it. For another clip, I have to repeat the operation and so on till I end up with a list of clips.

Query1
I have to repeat the extraction process for each clip (even of the smallest duration, i.e. a few seconds). This is extremely time consuming. I would like to know of a software which would extract all my favorite clips in a single operation.

Query-2
In the same operation, that software should also be able to join the extracted clips into a single file so that I dont end up with a litter of small mpegs.

Thankyou very much for advice and best regards to everyone.

Amer

[ChaunceyK]

I like TMPGEnc Plus, personally. You can use "set starting point" & "set ending point" and then "cut selected area" to remove whatever you don't want. Repeat the process on your original file to remove all the stuff you don't want, then save the final product.

That's what I would do, but I'm no legend like alot of folks on here. They might have better advice, so I wouldn't be offended if someone suggested something else.

[gadgetguy]

Cuttermaran
It cuts without re-encoding so there's no loss of quality.
It can even do frame accurate editing when used with Quenc.

[freebird73717]

I personally wouldn't use tmpgenc for editing as it is not frame accurate.

Mpeg2vcr will do exactly what you want. You are just using it incorrectly. Have a look at lordsmurf's guide for editing commercials out of a recorded mpeg. He shows you how to cut the stuff out of the mpeg you don't want and save the resultant file to a new single mpeg.

http://www.digitalfaq.com/dvdguides/edit/editmpeg/removecommercials.htm

[Marvingj]

I like VideoReDo.....

[SmokieStover]

VideoReDo Plus will do what you want and alot more. I prefer scene mode because it gives you both the length in time units of the latest scene marked and the total length of the output as you add scenes. This is especially useful when working with a large file that will need to be split to two or more DVD's.

Fast smart rendering, adjustable and intuitive navigation, preview mode, saving the project or projects as you work to output latter, batch processing, joining, Quick Stream Fix, program stream to elementary stream, converting audio to wave, edit mpg1, mpg2, VR, etc are only some of the other features.

When you can buy this for $50, why screw with freeware!

By the way, 2GB is small for a 2 hour mpg.

[lordsmurf]

MPEG Video Wizard works great for multiple clips (timeline interface), but MPEG files must all have the same specs. If you mix specs, it will re-encode, and Womble has a pretty crappy encode quality.

If sources are mixed, convert it all to uncompressed AVI, edit in Premiere, and export as new MPEG.

[GMaq]

Hi,
Womble MPEG Video Wizard is a great tool for what you are doing, I would agree with what lordsmurf said about mixed clips, and the default encode settings are lacklustre, however you can improve them significantly by creating your own custom presets.

[AlanHK]

I have a large (2gb size; 2 hrs long) mpeg file. I want to extract various favorite clips from it and save the resultant as a single file.
The mpeg editing software I use ('MPEG2VCR') allows me to extract one clip at a time (by marking start point & end point) from the master file and then save it. For another clip, I have to repeat the operation and so on till I end up with a list of clips.

Query1
I have to repeat the extraction process for each clip (even of the smallest duration, i.e. a few seconds). This is extremely time consuming. I would like to know of a software which would extract all my favorite clips in a single operation.

Query-2
In the same operation, that software should also be able to join the extracted clips into a single file so that I dont end up with a litter of small mpegs.

MPEG2VCR can do exactly that. You can collect all the clips and only at the end paste them together and save to a new file. Just read the manual.

[lordsmurf]

MPEG-VCR does not like to have multiple clips dumped together, especially if they are sourced from the same file(s), even moreso when order is altered. There will almost always be some errors in the GOP coding, where extra MPEG junk is inserted, but audio remains untouched, thereby creating an issue with sound sync and on-screen glitches. It has existed in all 6-7 versions I've tested to date. This is why I use MPEG Video Wizard for such a task.

MPEG-VCR also has a known issue of sound sync when an EDITED file exceeds about 150 minutes in length. Not source, but the edited-in-MPEGVCR clip. Again, use MPEG Video Wizard for long files.

[freebird73717]

MPEG-VCR does not like to have multiple clips dumped together,

Perhaps I misread what the original poster was wanting. I thought they wanted to cut sections from it and save to a single file. Which is why I suggested your guide. If I was wrong hopefully the OP will clarify.

I have a large (2gb size; 2 hrs long) mpeg file. I want to extract various favorite clips from it and save the resultant as a single file.

[SmokieStover]

VideoReDo Joining:

"Joining is used to concatenate multiple video files into a single file. MPEG program stream files are structured with a number of internal time stamps. The VideoReDo joiner realigns these time stamps as it puts your selection of files together into one file.

The joiner is used by adding project or MPEG files to the joiner list. To add a project, open an MPEG file or an existing VideoReDo project. Create your cut or scene list as you normally would, but instead of saving the edits, add the open project to the joiner list by clicking on Joiner>Add Current Project To Joiner List. You can also add multiple multiple MPEG files or saved projects to the joiner list in one step using the Window drag and drop feature.

Joiner Restrictions: There are a few restrictions on nature of the files that can be joined. You will be warned if you attempt to join files that don't meet these criteria.

Files must be of the same type. You can only join MPEG-2 files with other MPEG-2 files and MPEG-1 files with other MPEG-1 files.
Audio sample rates must be identical. You cannot join files that have different audio characteristics. The audio bit rates may be different between files.
Video picture size must be the same. MPEG files can be encoded with a variety of picture sizes (i.e. 720x480, 480x480, 640x480, ... ). The joiner will insure that only files of the same size can be joined. The video bit rates may be different between files."

If the Video Type and size are the same (regardless of bitrate) and the audio types are different, I run each file thru VideoReDo, changing the audio to wave, then add to the joiner. On output, change the audio to mp2 at desired bitrate. Works for me and never any synch issues.

If Video size varies, re-encode the odd size ones to the most common size with same audio using Tmpg Enc Express 2.0, then join with VideoReDo.

[lordsmurf]

MPEG-VCR does not like to have multiple clips dumped together,

Perhaps I misread what the original poster was wanting. I thought they wanted to cut sections from it and save to a single file. Which is why I suggested your guide. If I was wrong hopefully the OP will clarify.

I have a large (2gb size; 2 hrs long) mpeg file. I want to extract various favorite clips from it and save the resultant as a single file.

This suggests some degree of mixing of the clips, out of order maybe, which MPEG-VCR hates.

That's what I read. Even if not, good advice for everybody to see.

[qpskfec]

+1 for VideoRedo

[seymoria]

Dear all.

Just wanted to say a big THANKS to all the wonderful people who contributed to my thread. The info was really beneficial, especially regarding the article on how to remove commmercials through the software I am already using (MPEG2VCR).

I have also noted two other equally great (or better) software, namely, Video-Redo and MPEG Video Wizard. Will download and check them out also.

This forum and web site has really impressed me by the wealth, relevance and userfriendliness of the available information regarding Digital Video. I have made many searches on google regarding video forums but nothing even close to this.

Thumbs up to the great forum and all members.

Regards,
Amer

[lordsmurf]

MPEG-VCR is the MPEG editor I use most often.

But it has 3 limitations you must remember:

1. It hates badly encoded AC3 audio. Panasonic DVD recorders are notorious for having bad AC3.

2. It drifts audio and video on clips that are 3 hours or longer.

3. It refuses to mix and merge video clips, especially if you mix order of clips taken from the same source. It gets confused.

When dealing with those three scenarios, I use MPEG Video Wizard. VideoReDo is supposed to work here too, but I'm just a Womble user, I prefer the interfaces.

[seymoria]

The master mpeg files are recordings from my TV card PVR software (Compro X350). I dont know if it encodes in AC3 audio.

From this 3 hrs 3 gb file, I cut out fav portions (max 10 minute size) thru MPEG2VCR but do not join them. The master mpeg sometimes has a lag between the audio and video. I am not sure if it is carried forward to the small size clips also.

All the clips that I cut out are from the same source mpeg file. So, probably MPEG2VCR will give me trouble joining those clips?

I have also recently bought an Hauppauge dual tuner PVR 500 MCE tv card but am still wrestling to install it as it only runs on WinXP MCE O/S or GBPVR software both of which are quite tricky. Not sure if its recording would be better than my old TV card regarding the AC3 and audio-video drift issues.

Regards.
Amer

[The_Doman]

I am still using the nice TMPGEnc MPEG Editor here.
Works perfectly for me with the captures from my Hauppauge PVR150 cards and/or other MPEG2 sources.

Not tried the latest 2.xx versions though...

[freebird73717]

The master mpeg files are recordings from my TV card PVR software (Compro X350). I dont know if it encodes in AC3 audio.

Odds are no. Most capture cards use mpa/mp2 audio. You can open the mpeg in gspot to find out.

All the clips that I cut out are from the same source mpeg file. So, probably MPEG2VCR will give me trouble joining those clips?

Never given me a lick of problems. Of course I just do basic edits like removing commercials. Try using it on your file and find out. You'll only be out your time!