Help conversion problem!

[milney100]

Hi there,

I hope I am in the right place I am plastering this on every forum I can find in tehhope that someone can help!

I have a Freecom DVB-T USB stick which I use to record television on my pc. I used to use the proprietary software (DVB-T software) which came with the product. This was old and cranky but did the job. However, a computer problem means that is now not possible). The “new” software I have been using is Total Media 3 (provided by Freecom support).

The files created are in mpeg 4 format. In the past (i.e. with the old software) I have had no trouble converting these files to mp4 (for my psp) or for Ipod using Super converter.

However, now I am experiencing problems. I have tried super converter ad videora. Both will not convert files recorded using Total Media 3. I have run out of ideas. Any information you can give me would be great. Here is everything I have on the problematic files:

Format: Mpeg- 2 Transport
Format/Family: Mpeg 2
Bit rate: 2790 kps

Video:
Codec: M-peg 2 Video
Codec/family: M-peg – V
Codec profile: main@main
Codec settings, matrix: Standard
Bit rate mode: CBR
Nominal bit rate: 15 mbps
Width: 720 pixels
Height: 576 pixels
Frame rate: 25,000 fps

I have not put the audio info for now but if anyone needs it please let me know. PLEASE HELP! I know this sounds trivial but it is really important!

Many thanks in advance.

Best wishes

[guns1inger]

It appears to be a simple mpeg-2 programme stream, probably taken directly from the digital feed without re-encoding. I don't know why Videora would have a problem with it, but you could have a look at Xvid4PSP, which also has iPod settings and seems to be very versatile.

[milney100]

Thank you. I will try that. Super Converter has been brilliant so far, literally encoding anything I throw at it which is why I am a bit worried that the files produced by Total media 3 (i.e. from the digital feed) are in some way "impossible" to encode.

It is so frustrating!

I will try that program though. If you have any further thoughts please let me know!

Thanks again!

Anyone got anything else? The more options the better, I'll try anythjing!

[milney100]

I just learnt that Total Media 3 captures

"the full stream including the extra header information"

could this be causing a problem?

[guns1inger]

Again, I can't see why. However losing SUPER is not a bad thing, as frankly, I find it's quality to be average, at best.

I have a Leadtek DVB card that also grabs the broadcast streams, either as a Transport Stream, or a Program Stream (as you have). I grab and process program streams all the time with out issues like this.

Just out of curiosity, does g-spot open the file ? if so, can you post a screenshot ?

[milney100]

I don't have g-spot installed. I am on my work computer at the moment so cannot test it unfortunately. I will take a look when i get home though and and post the reults.

Whih encoding program do you think i shoudl be using (has the best chance of success) PVA Strumento? Videora or Xvid fo4PSP?

Interesting to hear that about Super - the interface ois so poor i will be happy to lose it if i can find a better alternative!

Are there any particular settings i should be imposing on the file at point of encode? i.e. because of the header information.

[guns1inger]

I have been using Videora, but with profiles I made myself that push the bitrate up. Space is much less a concern than quality. However I have started testing Xvid4PSP and I am quite impressed so far. Solid interface, access to the detailed settings if you need to change them, and the quality seems to be very good. There is also access to a lot of filters not normally available in this type of software if you need to do something specific to the video first. Well worth a look.