Selectively edit a MPEG file without re-encoding or file size reduction?

[Canon GL-2 Guy]

Issue: Current Objective:

Selectively edit a MPEG file without re-encoding or file size reduction. Frame accuracy a huge plus. It's important the edited file is seamless to the extent possible.

Resources: I own both MPEG-VCR and MPEG Video Wizard DVD & downloaded several apps to explore from this site.

Background/Set-up:

I used to get TV programs for future broadcast on local cable access tv mailed to me. They contained content/advertisements that did not meet station guidelines/policy which had to be cut out. The file size supplied used to fit on a dvd so everything in the end turned out fine. Things have changed.

Now, I download the program from online whose file size is 5 gigs or so which of course exceeds a dvd's capacity. The station is fine with submitting files via usb stick which they put on their server for broadcast.

Test results:

1) MPEG-VCR - Crashed while trying to save the file after cutting out a couple of parts.

2) MPEG Video Wizard DVD 5 - Does the job however since it thinks the file is being prepped for a dvd, automatically reduced the file size about 20% from 5 gigs to 4 gigs in order to fit a dvd. This unintended reduction visibly reduced the video quality which I'm trying to avoid. If I wanted to shrink it to fit a dvd, that should be my choice.

3) Avidemux 2.6 also crashed while saving.

4) Cutterman apparently doesn't accept MPEG files as input.

5) VideoRedoPlus is still unexplored and costs $50. I only need to do this process about 2 times a month & have been out of work long-term so if money can be saved that's great.

I've read on this forum/articles that other programs cause AV sync issues and only cut on key frames. Accordingly, what are the solutions that will preserve quality, accuracy and yield an acceptable result?

Please guide me along here. A belated Happy New Year to All.

Thanks in advance.

[hech54]

If MPEG-VCR, Video Wizard and AviDemux all crashed....your file is damaged.

[jman98]

Technically speaking, your goal is impossible. While both VideoReDo and MPGEVCR will make as few changes as possible, it is possible that depending on your cuts that a very very small number of GOPs will need to be re-encoded. Will you notice? Absolutely not. But it will happen. Also, when you remove something, what you get will be smaller. Your post seems a bit in conflict with itself as you say you don't want "file size reduction" yet you clearly want a smaller file. You can't not have it AND have it at the same time. You take something out then the final product will be smaller.

MPEGVCR has some file size limits based on my use of it. Yes, I can believe that a 5 GB file made it crash. VideoReDo can meet your needs as long as your file is not corrupt. I suppose it could be, but I'm not convinced that the issues you had are for sure caused by that. Sorry man, but VideoReDo isn't free.

[DB83]

You could try mpegstreamclip which is free. Basic editing/trimming only which appears all you require and no re-encoding. May have audio sync issues but still worth a try.

[Canon GL-2 Guy]

To clarify:

I don't think my file was damaged, maybe I did something wrong with my first avi demux attempt.

Video Wizard encoded and auto resized. I never stated here that it crashed. It's baby bro did though.

There is no conflict of interest here or trying to have it both ways.

The parts I'm eliminating constitute only a minute or two out of 58.5 minute program.

There is no way cutting out 2-3 % of the data, merits a 20 percent reduction in the total file size.

[Canon GL-2 Guy]

Is video redo the only viable solution?

No way around it?

Anybody done it without it?

[Canon GL-2 Guy]

Does MPEG Streamclip have the option to re-save,save after editing as an MPEG-2 dvd compliant file?

Do you have to use/ also install Quicktime Alternative 1.81 or is say for example v 3.2.2 workable or preferable?

All comments welcome.

[Smells_Like_Feet]

Another alternative is Tmpgenc MPEG Smart Renderer 4. It has a fully functional 15 day trial. Give it a try.

Regardless, I can highly recommend VideoReDo. It has been my go to program for simple cut edits for more than 6 years. Excellent software with strong development support. Well worth the money.

- Smells_Like_Feet