Utility to inspect / repair MPG files needed

[lbecque]

Can anyone suggest some good, solid, free utilities to inspect the structure and attributes of MPEG2 video files and possibly repair them?

The problem: Every once in a while I create a file that VideoStudio 7 chokes on but other players or editors are able to decode (sometimes with difficulty) so something is wrong with the file but I can't 'see' what it is. Often this is caused by my PVR software crashing in the middle of recording. I would like something that would show me what is wrong with the file and optionally have the ability to repair it.

I found and tried mpeg2repair and it doesn't do what it seems.
Doesn't work with plain mpg files.
Says something about working with streams and something to do with HD.
It doesn't repair plain mpg files like I want.

TMPG does have a free version and that is an option.
However, it is just another encoder program.
I already have two encoder programs (Roxio VideoWave and Ulead VideoStudio 7) and VideoWave was able to read and reencode the file just fine. VideoStudio was what was having trouble reading the file.

Since VideoStudio works fine with other files I have recorded the same way I am trying to understand what it detects is different and is causing trouble.

So what I am really looking for is something that displays or analyzes the MPG file structure and its embedded parameters so I can 'see' what is different about these files. Optionally, it would be nice if it could repair any problems found. Anybody know of anything like that??

[THoff]

You could try GSpot to view detailed information about the file, but it won't repair or otherwise alter the file (the latter is a Good Thing(tm)).

You may also want to contact the vendor of the PVR software regarding the crashes, and see if they have any tools they recommend for recovering files recorded using their software. If the company has a forum, ask there, too.

[DVDDoug]

A couple of programs you can try.

I've never tried it, but PVAStrumentro is supposed to fix MPEGs.

I think the Womble products have an MPEG-fix tool too. (They are NOT free, but you can try them for 30 days free.) I have the Womble Editor, but I haven't used that feature... I haven't had these problems since I started using the Womble editor.

[jmsgirl]

I had this problem occur with a video last night. Been pulling my hair out ever since. The PVAStrumento didn't fix it, or at least not so that it could be editedn in VideoStudio. However, the Womble MPEG Video Wizard worked like a charm. Definitely worth buying after the 30 day trial. Thanks for the help.

[Liv1NgD34Dg1rl]

You might like VideoRedo as well. QuickStreamFix is amazing and the product support is excellent. The author often answers questions on the forum within minutes and honestly CARES about his software and your happiness with the use of it.

[lbecque]

You might like VideoRedo as well. QuickStreamFix is amazing and the product support is excellent. The author often answers questions on the forum within minutes and honestly CARES about his software and your happiness with the use of it.

NOTE TO ULEAD SUPPORT!
You guys should really take a look at what VideoRedo is doing in its program to handle these file problems and get this functionality added to VideoStudio.
It is sorely needed!

Note that I also found another program, Roxio VideoWave, that correctly handled this file which VideoStudio couldn't render. Why can these other programs handle these files while VideoStudio acts like the file is corrupt?? Something needs to be fixed in VideoStudio in my opinion.