Which Conversion Format To DVD (From Video_Ts Files?

[synoptic12]

Hello,
I am seeking some information regarding the above header.
1. I removed content off a DVD and processed that content in the form of a Video_Ts file.
2. To burn to DVD, should I use, MPEG, MP3, MP4, or HTML5, "Speaking of the conversion from the Video_Ts files?

I tried converting from Video_Ts to MPEG, but I lost 10 seconds in the beginning. I then converted the Video_Ts files to MP4 and found that the entire video was captured, without any loss in time; i.e. (10 seconds).

These videos were originally downloaded in FLV and Mp4. My question is simply put (I think), which format should I use to convert Video_Ts files to? Apparently, MPEG loses 10 seconds off the start. MP4 works well. As to the other formats, MP3 or HTML5, would they suffice as well.

Also, when burning to DVD, will the format used be integral to the quality on the DVD? In other words, which format would be the best? Naturally, MPEG is out, so to say.

Any information would truly be appreciated. Thank you very much. This is trivial in nature, but I'm seeking an answer.

 

[Fred Garvin]

I'm not entirely sure what you're asking, but I'll give it a shot. You can pull a .VOB file out of the video_ts directory and change the file extension to .MPG. Then you can edit it or import it into a DVD Authoring program.

You don't change the format of the VOB file or convert if you want to burn it to another DVD. DVD by definition and standard is an MPEG Layer 2 video file. If you are downloading FLV or MP4 files and want to burn them to a DVD, they need to conform to the DVD standard for your region - resolution, audio encoding, FPS, etc. Many Authoring programs have presets to do this for you.

 

[synoptic12]

Thank you very much Fred. I'm using Freemake which is very robust and works quite well. You have provided some extra information for me. However, it really is not an issue. I'll try to address the question in a clearer light.
1. After you download a video from YouTube, (Copyright Free), lets say in FLV, can I convert to MP4, then burn to DVD? or would it be better to burn FLV to DVD? Naturally, Freemake converts all videos as to burn to DVD, regardless of the format. A reply would be most welcome. Thank you very much.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Ok, I gotcha. If the end result is you want to make a DVD that you can play in any DVD player and Freemake can create DVDs (called DVD Authoring), then let Freemake convert the FLV file while it's creating the DVD. In other words, don't convert the FLV to MP4, then use the MP4 to make the DVD. That way you aren't encoding and converting the original video file twice. It's like recording a record to a cassette then recording the cassette to CD. You'll save a step, plus you won't muddy up the quality any more.

 

[synoptic12]

Exactly Fred. I truly thank you. This is the answer I've been seeking for a couple of days. I even went to Videomaker.com and they made a big deal about it. Apparenty Fred, you are more knowledgeable than they and surely more courteous.
Seeing that you answered my question, I just would like to know why not to convert to MP4 from FLV prior to burning to DVD. You make mention of "muddying" up the video. The extra steps I don't mind. The only reason why I wish to convert to MP4 from FLV, is only to recognize the file quicker (image), rather than tag. Would there really be a significant difference in quality if I followed your later point, which you really do not advise; due to quality. Again Fred, thank you for your time and consideration. You have been most helpful and I truly appreciate your assistance.

 

[Fred Garvin]

You're welcome Synoptic, happy to help. I just realized you're in RI. I'm about 2 towns away from you, LOL! Without getting too technical, if you convert an FLV file to MP4, there are a lot of settings which get changed from the original video file to the MP4, such as: The pixel size - either enlarged or reduced, video compression, the audio format and compression, the video coding in how each pixel is reproduced and displayed, etc. Each time you convert the file you change it to match the new file type. The more conversions you do, the more likely the video is to be less clear when watching it. Like making a photo copy of a photo copy. That's the best explanation I can think of.

 

[synoptic12]

Thank you Fred, you nailed it. By the way, you are correct in your summation. I just tested by burning to DVD, using original format: 1. From FLV directly to DVD.
2. From FLV, convert to MP4, then burn to DVD.
3. From Video_Ts to MP4, then to DVD.
I've tried three examples, and I really see not much of a difference if any. Many people make mention that each and every time you convert, you degrade video. This very well may hold true, as you clearly point out. Again, from three formats, (listed above), I really cannot see much of a difference in audio or video. Naturally, it's not 1080P but its extremely close to 480P, which suits me fine. For the professional, which I'm not, this surely would not suffice.
In any event Fred, you must be next door, or clear across the country. Your help is truly appreciated and you have elaborated in true quality.

 

[Fred Garvin]

If you aren't noticing any difference in the video or audio quality, then choose whichever method works for you. You're right, on a 480p TV, you're less likely to see a big difference in re-encoding files. If you do, then you can go back and try a different method. Glad the explanation helped!

 

[synoptic12]

Thank you very much Fred. Actually a very , very mild difference if I convert more than once; barely noticeable.
Don't mean to bother you Fred but if I download a video from YouTube or any other video site, which format should I download in: 1. MP4-720P, 2. FLV 480p, HD 1080P. This would be in conjunction for burning to DVD. Again Fred, you have answered my questions. Sorry to bother you. A reply is most appreciated.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

What add-on tool are you using to allow you to download the Youtube videos?

I'd like to generally download the best possible quality, but I don't have a choice for anything above 360.

MP4 360 has the best quality of the choices I am offered. FLV is not good in my experience.

 

[synoptic12]

Well Fred, I'm using Freemake. I believe I specified that to you somewhere. Gee, if you use Freemake; depending on the video, you can download in the format which Freemake provides for that video. This is contingent upon the quality of the video uploaded. You make mention of MP4 360, but MP4 is also 720P, which I download in. I was just wondering that if I download in higher quality, such as 1080P HD, will this be better in terms of converting to a DVD, rather than, let's say 360P? Your thoughts.

 

[Fred Garvin]

1. MP4-720P, 2. FLV 480p, HD 1080P. This would be in conjunction for burning to DVD.

It's no bother at all. Based on the choices above, I would download the MP4-720P file, assuming you have a regular square shaped TV and not a wide screen. I don't like the FLV format since it's usually highly compressed and low quality. Use it as your last choice if possible.

If you download the HD 1080P file, it has to be scaled down quite a bit in size which can actually add to quality loss.

I think you were replying to Ignatzatsonic's post on the previous page.

 

[synoptic12]

Well, tried using the alternate key and lost my reply. Anyways Fred thank you again. To re-enter my semi-thesis again. Your points are very valid, as they have reaffirmed my theory. The compression you speak of, as well as the scaling to the formats you have cited are actually correct. I tried 1080P to DVD and noticed some compression loss on a regular TV; (4:3) However, not too bad. I believe you are correct in stating that the 720P is better quality. You know, Cox cable doesn't even put out over 800P, but they sat they are still working on it. Only Fios has the 1080P, which we do not have. We're comfortable with 720P, and 480P is fine also. There is a great deal of pixilation on HD TV's which I don't care for.
Let me aggravate you again Fred. Would it make a difference as to which TV you played the 720P or the 1080P as far as viewing, i.e. (quality)? We have both HD and regular TV. HD also provides for a 4:3 format should you select this field. Some HD tv's give you like 5 options for picture settings.
I don't know "Ignatzatsonic's) nor of his post. I did not post anything to his post. Anyways Fred, what do you think of Freemake. It's very robust. If you take a look at it, Freemake provides various format conversions. You can also take content off a DVD and convert to Video_TS files. Naturally, these are not copyrighted. A reply at your convenience is appreciated.
I will not be using the alternate key again. Maybe too many numbers entered.

 

[synoptic12]

Supplementary: Fred, sorry to be using legal terms in my questions. I guess by writing so many court documents, I'm always thinking within the framework of the legal system.
Irrespective of this, the whole matter of our discussion, video formats, etc., really mean nothing. In reality this is just considered play time. Thanks Fred.

 

[Fred Garvin]

The short answer for 1080 vs 720 resolution is, you should create your video with target display in mind. The numbers all refer to the amount of pixels that can be displayed on your TV. Most 4:3 aspect ratio TV's can only display around 500 pixels. That means they'll never be able to benefit from a higher resolution video like HD 1080. Although, most TVs can compensate for how the picture is displayed.

If you wanted to create a video that you'll watch on a wide screen HD TV, you'll notice better quality when your source video is also in HD. Blue Ray DVDs are an example.

If you go to channel 1000 and up on Cox, you'll see the HD channels in 1080p. Flip back and forth between channel 10 and 1010 on an HD TV and that's where the quality difference is. If you get pixelation while watching TV, that's Cox's signal. Usually it's the data coming in on Cox's line which isn't getting to your tv fast enough.

I've never used Freemake so can't really comment on it. There are a lot of similar programs which work pretty well. Haha, no problem on the legal references. I've done a bit of studying Title 17 of the USC.

 

[synoptic12]

§ Well Fred, it's nice to identify commonality. My forte is not in the copyright arena. We only have like 77 Cox channels, so I no not anything of those higher end channels. I believe the 'scale down' issue is what you are referring to, or the "pulldown", which some claim to be useless. I thought that was the case, "To create the video with the target display", as you make mention of, but wasn't sure. Thanks for everything Fred and if I can be of any assistance to you in the future, please feel free to contact me.

 

[Fred Garvin]

Thanks Synoptic. Just post back if you have any other questions.

 

[synoptic12]

Your welcome Fred.