What's the best file type to convert Mpeg2 Muxed into without loosing quality?

[mintycool]

Hi everyone!

I'm a total newbie when it comes to editing videos and converting files etc.., I really appreciate if you guys can help me out with my problems. Thank you so much!!

I recorded all my videos with Sony's DCRSR100 HDD Handycam® Camcorder. And I know that I can not open or edit my current video formats (mpeg2 muxed) on Final Cut Express, therefore I've purchased quicktime mpeg2 playback component and download mpeg streamclip to convert the file.

So now I'm set and I'm ready to convert my mpeg2 muxed files on mpeg streamclip so it can be compatible with Final Cut Express, now here's comes my question:

What export option should I choose that will not reduce my original file sound/audio quality?
After I choose export ____, what compression should I pick?(There's so many compression options, I'm so lost)


Thank you so much for taking your time to read and answer my question again! I really appreciate it!

 

[spinnerlys]

I assume the camera records in SD (Standard Definition - the predecessor to HD - comes in PAL or NTSC flavour), as I couldn't find any specifics quickly.

As MPEG-2 is already compressed like hell (only every 15th frame is really stored, the frames in between are approximations) you won't loose much anyway by converting it to either a .mov file with the DV codec or the Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC - more meant for HD footage) or just a DV file.

 

[mintycool]

I assume the camera records in SD (Standard Definition - the predecessor to HD - comes in PAL or NTSC flavour), as I couldn't find any specifics quickly.

As MPEG-2 is already compressed like hell (only every 15th frame is really stored, the frames in between are approximations) you won't loose much anyway by converting it to either a .mov file with the DV codec or the Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC - more meant for HD footage) or just a DV file.

Thanks for replying spinnerlys!

I check my camcorder today and it say I recorded it in HD format. A 6 seconds video with a size of 7.3mb (in 720x404 pixels, FPS 29.97) should that be considered to be HD?

I just converted my .mpg file (size of 7.3mb) to .mov file (with AIC and the size is 13.5mb now) is that normal?

Thank you once again!

 

[spinnerlys]

Thanks for replying spinnerlys!

I check my camcorder today and it say I recorded it in HD format. A 6 seconds video with a size of 7.3mb (in 720x404 pixels, FPS 29.97) should that be considered to be HD?

I just converted my .mpg file (size of 7.3mb) to .mov file (with AIC and the size is 13.5mb now) is that normal?

Thank you once again!

It's SD.

Standard Definition has a resolution of 720/768x576 in PAL (Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, ....) and 640/720x480 in NTSC (USA, Japan, ..).

High Definitions is either in 720p (1280x720 progressive) or 1080i/p (1920x1080 interlaced/progressive).

7.3MB for six seconds is not much.
It's the MPEG-2 compression (I assume) that reduces the file size, and MPEG-2 also only stores every 15th frame, the frames in between are approximations.

AIC is the wrong codec (it is not really meant for SD footage), so the DV codec is suited better for editing SD material.

DV encoded video takes 3.25MB/s of HDD space, that's approximately 12GB/h.

 

[mintycool]

It's SD.

Standard Definition has a resolution of 720/768x576 in PAL (Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, ....) and 640/720x480 in NTSC (USA, Japan, ..).

High Definitions is either in 720p (1280x720 progressive) or 1080i/p (1920x1080 interlaced/progressive).

7.3MB for six seconds is not much.
It's the MPEG-2 compression (I assume) that reduces the file size, and MPEG-2 also only stores every 15th frame, the frames in between are approximations.

AIC is the wrong codec (it is not really meant for SD footage), so the DV codec is suited better for editing SD material.

DV encoded video takes 3.25MB/s of HDD space, that's approximately 12GB/h.

Oh thanks! I'm learning so much already.

So I just converted the file into .mov (Apple DV/DVCPRO NTSC) and the file is larger than when I convert it into AIC. I'm assuming that should be correct then? The .mov file now is 23.24mb (with Apple DV/DVCPRO NTSC)

 

[huntercr]

Oh thanks! I'm learning so much already.

So I just converted the file into .mov (Apple DV/DVCPRO NTSC) and the file is larger than when I convert it into AIC. I'm assuming that should be correct then? The .mov file now is 23.24mb (with Apple DV/DVCPRO NTSC)

If you're going to import this into Final Cut Express, I would export the video as the DV-720x480 for resolution. it will match your project settings in FCE that way. Also, you need to select "upper field first" for the interlacing.
I believe MPEG Streamclip will scale it appropriately (well, in this case, pad it )

Try it both ways and see what Final Cut does.

 

[knello]

I'd recommend encoding to DVCPRO50 instead of plain old DV.

MPEG uses 4:2:0, while DV uses 4:1:1. The blocks don't correspond properly, so cross converting gives you 4:1:0, effectively.

AIC (and ProRes) work fine in SD, but it's uncommon because the filesizes are almost the same as DV50, but with higher CPU usage.

 

[spinnerlys]

I'd recommend encoding to DVCPRO50 instead of plain old DV.

MPEG uses 4:2:0, while DV uses 4:1:1. The blocks don't correspond properly, so cross converting gives you 4:1:0, effectively.

AIC (and ProRes) work fine in SD, but it's uncommon because the filesizes are almost the same as DV50, but with higher CPU usage.

NTSC DV uses 4:1:1 sampling, but PAL DV uses 4:2:0 sampling.

 

[LethalWolfe]

If you're going to import this into Final Cut Express, I would export the video as the DV-720x480 for resolution. it will match your project settings in FCE that way. Also, you need to select "upper field first" for the interlacing.

DV is lower field first, not upper.

knello,
FCE doesn't natively support anything other than DV and AIC, IIRC.


Lethal

 

[charlieborg]

How do I get rid of lines?

I have some footage that has been shot on a SONY DCR-SR47. I've done many log and transfers before, but for some reason, FCP sis not recognize this SONY product, so I just transferred the files from the HD camera to my Macbook Pro. The codec on these files are MPEG2 MUXED res=720X404 and I need to convert it to edit in Final Cut Pro 6. I tried converting in different ways (as listed above, but I stlll get these lines (see photo) around moving subjects. Am I missing a step? Many thanks!

 

[KeithPratt]

I tried converting in different ways (as listed above, but I stlll get these lines (see photo) around moving subjects. Am I missing a step? Many thanks!

It's called interlacing, and it should be there. You can see it here because computer monitors and TVs process images differently. You won't see it on a TV. If you're going to make a DVD, just ignore it while you edit. If you're putting the video on YouTube or something to be viewed on a computer, use the 'de-interlace' filter in Final Cut.

 

[charlieborg]

Thanks!

Thanks a lot. I will do a few quick test edits and then burn to DVD (also to test).

 

[SBRBL2003]

There were more that one opinion. Could someone please clarify ?
For SD material (mpeg2 720x480/60i upper field) to get the best quality for editing:

AIC or DV ?
Which DV ?
Upper or Lower field ?
Other important parameter configuration ?
Thanks

 

[spinnerlys]

There were more that one opinion. Could someone please clarify ?
For SD material (mpeg2 720x480/60i upper field) to get the best quality for editing:

AIC or DV ?
Which DV ?
Upper or Lower field ?
Other important parameter configuration ?
Thanks

The answer is hidden in your post.

If DV, then DV-NTSC, upper field.

AIC is the same.

 

[SBRBL2003]

Ok Thanks.
That is the very beginning. What about editing ?. Should I use imovie 6 to avoid the single field processing issue ? And how to export/share to get a decent appletv file ?

 

[SBRBL2003]

Any answer ?