Should I use Virtualdub filtering options with a M2TS file ?

[rds11]

Long time reader, first time posting...

I have the Hauppauge HD-PVR and record using the Total Media Extreme software that was provided with the hardware. As such, I can record to M2TS, TS or MP4 format. I usually use the M2TS container and author to blu-ray disc without any changes to the original file.

Now, I have 1 file that would need some tweaking. I recorded from my DVR, and the source is the problem, not the Hauppauge recording. To me, it looks like macroblocking...so I wanted to import the file to Virtualdub and try a few filters. I'm not that familiar with Virtualdub, but it sounds like this is the tool which provide the most filtering options.

So here's my questions :
1- By importing the file to Virtualdub, it looks like I'll have to convert my M2TS file to AVI and then back to M2TS unless there's a way to save to M2TS with Virtualdub that I didn't see. Is it worth it to convert 2 times, or I am doing just more damage than any benefit I gain by using Virtualdub filtering options ? Is there any other program that would let me use filters while keeping the M2TS format ?
2- If Virtualdub remains the best option, then what program should I use to convert back to M2TS ?

Thanks !!

[Alexstarfire]

In short, unless you have some serious problems with the source video then it probably isn't going to be worth it, at least to use VirtualDub anyway. If you can find a program that either edit and save to M2TS or use AVS and save to M2TS then it probably won't be worth it.

[jagabo]

Deblocking filters can work well when the blocks are on 8x8 pixel boundaries. This is because many high compression codecs break the frame into 8x8 pixel blocks for compression. When those blocks are subject to too much compression you get blocky artifacts. Deblocking filters look at the boundaries of those 8x8 blocks and try to smooth them out.

But what you have is an overcompressed source (either by the broadcaster or the DVR), converted to analog, then converted back to digital and compressed again. The analog stage pretty much guarantees that the 8x8 block artifacts in the original source are not aligned on 8x8 block boundaries in your cap. Deblocking filters are not likely to work well. They will be looking in the wrong areas.

If you have DirectShow set up to play the files from the HD PVR you can use the DirectShow input plugin for VirtualDub. You can also use DgAvcIndex and AvcSource via AviSynth to read the files in VirtualDub. You can also try deblocking and other filters within AviSynth.