mpeg-ts and mpeg-ps

[ABe]

I used HDVsplit to capture my HDV data from an HV30. It created .m2t file with the mpeg-ts data. I then imported that into the X2 pro timeline, and created separate file segments from the continuously running video (no scene changes) at logical points to make the editing easier (smaller file sizes).

When I created a video file and used the "same as first clip" for the properties, it created a mpeg-ps file, not a mpeg-ts file like the clip in the timeline. I didn't notice this until I had completed my editing.

Is there any degradation when converting from mpeg-ts to mpeg-ps?
Is there any [editing] advantage to either of these formats?

I did some playing, and noticed that I can create a .mpg mpeg-ts file by creating an HDV video file, rather than "same as first clip". I also noticed that creating an HDV video file "for PC" created a .mpg mpeg-ps file.

Is there any difference between an .mpg and .mt2 file if they are both mpeg-ts (according to mediainfo)?

What about an .mpg mpeg-ps file created by HDV for PC, versus "same as first clip"?

Just trying to understand how to get the best end result.

Thanks.

[Ken Berry]

There is no real difference in quality either in capture or output between the transport stream and program stream versions to all intents and purposes. As you have discovered, VS operates in PS mode, whereas your camera (and I have an HV2) operates in TS mode.

I too use HDVSplit, but use it specifically to split the video by scene, which it does not sound as though you are doing since you say you use VS to split the captured video into smaller scenes. But that is neither here or there to your question either.

And it all depends how you are going to play things back which one you choose. If you choose HDV (PC) it will produce PS HD mpeg-2, as you have found, and that notionally is only meant to be played back on your computer. TS on the other hand is what you use to export back to the camera (in the only version of the format it can "see"). It also appears to be what is required to convert properly if you are using your HDV to produce (convert into) an AVCHD hybrid disc or burn to Blu-Ray disc. But either way, if you choose either of these as output, the correct stream (TS) is applied. And again, as far as I can tell, there is no loss of quality in that particular conversion. Someone may jump in and say there is, but all I can say is that from my own observation on many occasions now, I cannot detect quality loss.

As far as I am aware, also, using VS for capture, you cannot avoid capturing in PS mode, though at least you have the PS/TS options when outputting after editing.