DVD to Mpeg2 resolution

[mitchhobby]

I am using a Sony camcorder which records directly to DVD-R/RW. I would like to be able to convert these DVDs to Mpeg2 for editing with Pinnacle Studio 8.

I have found several programs which will perform this conversion successfully, but I am not certain of what resolution I should use.

The effective pixels recorded by the camera is 690,000, the CCD is 3.8mm (1/4.7 type). I want to be able to take full advantage of the quality of the recording.

[setarip]

Are the files created by the camcorder in .VOB format? If so, you already have them in MPEG-2 format (.VOB is a more flexible version of MPEG-2, allowing for multiple audiostreams, subtitles, etc. - but MPEG-2 nonetheless)

[atifsh]

Originally posted by setarip
Are the files created by the camcorder in .VOB format? If so, you already have them in MPEG-2 format

yeh but for editing u need ur vob files in mpeg2 format.

also i would like to know the bitrate its being used instead of The effective pixels recorded by the camera is 690,000, the CCD is 3.8mm . which frankly i dont understand , do u setarip?

[ashy]

Download VOBedit.
Load the first VOB into the program then click 'Demux'
In the options select to demux 'All video streams' and 'All audio streams'

It will then demux the complete set to seperate elementry Video and audio streams.
If your editing program does not accept seperate streams then remultiplex the two with TMPG MPEGtools.

As for the bitrate download 'Bitrate viewer'

[mitchhobby]

The files created by the camcorder are VOB but my editing software will not read it... I have to convert to Mpeg2.

The 'effective pixel' and 'CCD' info was included because I have read on other threads that these are important to know when considering resolution... but I don't understand them either.

Bitrate Viewer gives me the following information:
Num. of picture read: 49680
Stream type: MPEG-2 MP@ML VBR
Resolution: 704*480
Aspect ratio: 4:3 Generic
Framerate: 29.97
Nom. bitrate: 9300000 Bit/Sec
VBV buffer size: 112
Constrained param. flag: No
Chroma format: 4:2:0
DCT precision: 8
Pic. structure: Frame
Field topfirst: Yes
DCT type: Field
Quantscale: Nonlinear
Scan type: Alternate
Frame type: Interlaced

Since Bitrate Viewer shows the resolution of the picture on the DVD-RW as 704x480, I am going to convert VOB to Mpeg2 at that resolution and see how it does.

[tigerman8u]

I read in another post that you can change the file extension from vob to mpeg and it will work. Don't know for sure as I never had the need to try it

[nwg]

I read in another post that you can change the file extension from vob to mpeg and it will work. Don't know for sure as I never had the need to try it

That can work. I do it with RAM files.

[ashy]

The files created by the camcorder are VOB but my editing software will not read it... I have to convert to Mpeg2

Mitchhobby you don't seem to be paying any attention to the advice Iam giving you.

As stated in my previous post you *DO NOT* need to convert to MPEG2. The VOBS are already MPEG2 and by the looks of things in exactly the correct DVD format for burning.

All you need to do is use VOBedit to demux the VOBs as instructed above.
This will create two seperate files a Video and an Audio file. This is what an MPEG2 stream is made of.

If you use the MPEGtools in TMPG and multiplex the two files together you will have an ordinary MPEG2 file. Understand!
Then just load it into your editing program

[atifsh]

just to make things easier, incase ur confused....... all these already told in this post by others...

u need to convert ur vob file to mpeg2 file so u can edit them with ur editing program.

u can use vobedit as suggested by ashy, or u can use dvd decrypter for same purpose {think vobedit little difficult to understand}

ull get 2 file as a result a video file *.m2v, audio file *.ac3 or mpa or wav.

now use tmpgenc's mpegtools simple multiplex type should be mpeg2 program vbr, load both files m2v and audio file ac3,...

ull get a mpeg2 file as a result that u can edit in any editing program.

now i like videostudio 7 for this better as ull be using smart rendering thus retaining actual quality, thus very fast rendering speed.

then use Tmpgenc dvd auther to make dvd structure with chapters and menues. even can burn if u have xp or use nero.

[atifsh]

ok just to confirm, i changed the extension of vob to mpg and yes it plays. but heres a catch.....

i play it in media player and it was with director's comentry.
i played it with powerdvd and it playes fine, i checked it has 5 audio streams.

now i load it in video studio 7 and well no sound, i cant even encode.

i load in powerdirector 3 and it plays english and encodes to 2 channel english, pretty ok.

seems this way of changing will work only if only one audio stream selected. otherwise there may be problems in encoding.

[tigerman8u]

"atifish" thanx for the input. Like I stated above I never tried this.
In your tests and experience do you think the specific software you're using has anything to do with compatibility issues ? thanx in advance.

[atifsh]

Originally posted by tigerman8u

In your tests and experience do you think the specific software you're using has anything to do with compatibility issues ? thanx in advance.

what u mean?
iv extracted a chap. using dvd dcrypter, change the vib file ext. to mpg.
because i havnt selected any one audio stream, so by default it has all the audio streams, here its 5.

thus failed to load or encode using video studio 7 but power director loads and encoded fine.

same while playing using media player, audio was directors comentry, while in powerdvd 5 i can choose all streams thus canbe played with english.

[tigerman8u]

Originally posted by atifsh

thus failed to load or encode using video studio 7 but power director loads and encoded fine.

same while playing using media player, audio was directors comentry, while in powerdvd 5 i can choose all streams thus canbe played with english.

This is what I wanted to know. By changing the file extension from vob to mpg, will only certain programs load the file and let you edit it without re-encoding to mpeg2 first. If this is possible than it seems that a person could save some time and work on the original file. Hope I am making myself clear.

[atifsh]

yes, if u just extract the vob with only one audio stream, and change the extension to mpg u can and will save time.

otherwise u will get in trouble with some editors.