Burning Files to BD from Handycam HDR-XR500

[Rich]

I was away myself. Just returned from Cub Scout Camping in 109F Heat index. AC feels good.

Anyway,the "Do Not Convert Compliant Mpeg is selected" tab has been consistently selected. However, "Convert Title" is the first process so it seems my files are not Blu-ray Compliant. How should I fix this? I chose the MPEG2 10 mbps based on trials of steps between AVHD 4 mpbs to MPEG2 32 mbps, and chose based on my opinion of best picture with least amount of space used. This was a suggestion from comments to an earlier post of mine. Is there a change I should make here?

R

[Ken Berry]

What are the other properties of your mpeg-2 file? You have given us the bitrate, but what is the frame rate and frame size of the video? And does it have the .m2ts extension?

[Rich]

Hello again.

After burning a few discs, I have once again started getting the 5:0:0 error. I replaced the ailing drive. The following workflow was successful for a while:
1. Drop and edit files into project and save.
2. Share>create video file>Custom>save as .m2t>options tab>Compression tab>change to MPEG-2 10mbps
3. Empty timeline/restart program
4. Share>create disc>blu ray
5. Add video files>choose the .m2t file I just made.
6. Change MPEG settings>Customize>Compression>MPET 10mbps
7. Add chapters
8. Edit menus
9. Burn

Basically, I have made no other changes from default than described above.

In step 2 above, the frame rate is 29.970 frames/sec. I believe the frame size is 24 bits, 1440x1080, and 16:9. This is based on looking at the file properties.

In step 6 above, the frame rate, frame size, and ratio are the same.

I apologize for my ignorance. This has been a good learning experience for me at your expense. Why were some files burning to BD and others not, even with the same settings? Is this a file size problem? Do you have a recommendation for changing the frame size and rate?

Thanks again,
R

[Ken Berry]

I'm at a loss to explain what might be going wrong for you. I just threw together a quick project, converted video to an .m2t file with the same Custom properties you used. Then opened the burning module and set it to burn a BD folder, which it did successfully. I did not get a "Convert Title"menu. Instead, it went straight, as it should, to Convert Menu.

The only anomaly in all this has to do with extensions, but I don't think it is the cause of your problem. As I say, like you, I converted to an .m2t file which is the extension used in VS to describe a transport stream mpeg-2 file. My own personal problem with that is that, for me, .m2t is the extension I get on video captured from my HDV camcorder, and HDV is NOT BD-compatible, though is easily converted to become so. To me at least, though others will no doubt disagree, .m2ts is the "correct" extension for BD-compatible transport stream mpeg-2. Moreover, that is the extension I have on all my Blu-Ray video in the STREAM sub-folder of my Blu-Ray discs. And despite inserting an .m2t file into this project, and no conversion took place during the burning process, the resulting video in this specific STREAM sub-folder is also using the .m2ts extension and not .m2t. Mind you, in earlier versions of VS -- I think it was X6 and earlier -- when I produced a transport stream mpeg-2 for Blu-Ray, it came out with an .mpg extension, but also ended up as .m2ts in the final BD disc. So that is why I don't think this extension business is the cause of your problem.

The only way I can think of to cross check this, however, would be for you to convert your project to AVCHD with whatever properties you want, and then insert that new AVCHD into the burning module and produce a BD folder with it. You should not receive a Convert Title message with the "Do Not Convert Compliant MPEG Files" box ticked as AVCHD is definitely BD compliant as long as the frame rate is not 60 fps (except for 1280 x 720). I realise you have other problems with the quality of AVCHD but just see if this time you can actually produce a BD folder without a Convert Title message.

[lata]

Hi Rich

There must be a problem with the video files properties, I ran a quick test earlier and was able to burn a 1440 x 1080 without additional renders (convert title)

Can you try a quick test.

1 / Add one of your original videos to the top timeline.
2 / Share Create video File – Same as first Video Clip –will render that file to a new file.
3/ Start a New project
4 / Share - Create Disc -- Bluray – opens the burner module
5 / Now Add Media Add Video File, top left icon, browse for the video created in 2 above.
6 / Create a menu.
7 / From the last page choose to “Create Blu-ray Folders” – deselect “Create to Disc”
8 / DO NOT choose Normalize Audio
9 / Press Burn –what does the process start with, do you see Convert Title.

If Convert Title shows repeat the above using 2 / Share Create Video File AVCHD (1440x1080) – second 1440 option – as below.
I believe your originals use 16000kbps, this template uses 15000kbps.

MPEG Transport-Stream Files
24 bits, 1440 x 1080, 25 fps ( your template will use 29.97fps)
Upper Field First
(HDMV-PAL), 16:9
H.264 Video
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 15000 kbps)
Audio data rate: 384 kbps
Dolby Digital Audio, 48 KHz, 2/0(L,R)

If the above burns without Convert Title, use the same settings to render your main project.

[Rich]

It has been a curious day. I'm documenting this so that I can remember what I have tried.

First, I used a 30 min clip in step 2 and created a video file with the "same as first Video Clip" to make a .mpg file. I then went through steps 3-8 (using the custom MPEG-2 10,000 settings) and got Convert Menu.

Since this seemed to work, I then loaded a .vsp with a project with all my files for an 8 hr file and did the same thing... step 2 with "same as first Video Clip" then steps 3-8 as above... and got a Convert Title.

So then I reloaded the same .vsp file with the same 8hrs of video. I then used the Share Create Video File AVCHD (1440x1080) – second 1440 option for step 2 and proceeded with steps 3-8 as above... and again got a Convert Title.

The only difference I can see between process 1 and 2 (above in this post) is the number of chapters and the size of the file.

I am now going to try making an AVCHD custom file to see if I have any luck.

I still don't understand why I was able to make two discs using my old process and now it no longer works. Thanks again.
R

[lata]

Hi Rich

That's good at least we know it works...........

The Convert Title affects the main movie files, Normalise Audio will also force a convert title, it is not associated with menus or chapters.

I assume the render of the VSP is still a problem?

Make sure that your VSP project does contain one of your original video files as the first clip on the timeline.

When you Share Same as First Clip the render properties show in the properties panel, make sure these are your original properties as in your first test using the 30 minute clip.

Movie Profile Manager

Make your own template using the good 30 minute clip.
Settings -- Movie profile manager
Format AVC/H.264

Using the Add option will copy the files properties
Browse for the 30 min file
You can then use that template to render the project rather than first clip option.
Available from
Share – AVC/H.264 options
Profile List

[Rich]

Hello.

I used the 30 min test .mpg file to make a template. I used a little bit different workflow than you suggested. I have X5 and assume this is the reason for the difference. The workflow was as follows:

Settings> Make Movie Templates Manager...>Add>Template Name & Choose path>choose working test file>Open>OK.

I then loaded my the .VSP I had been using as above and used the new template to make a .mpg. I next started a new project, chose create disc, blu-ray, chose the .mpg file I just made, went through the previously described steps and still got Convert Title.

I next looked at the file properties for the test .mpg and the new .mpg from the .vsp. I found the video type, attributes, frame rate, and data rate to be identical. However, he audio specifications were not the same. The audio type and attributes were the same, but the layer and bit rate were not. For the test file, these were blank. For the file made from my vsp they were 2 and 384 kbps, respectively. I don't know if this matters but I thought I would mention it.

I suppose you would know why this happens. I suspect it is because I had to manipulate some of the audio tracks for files dropped into the vsp. During the capture process of the original Hi8 video, some of the audio and video tracks were disjointed. I used the split audio feature to match them up.

[lata]

Hi Rich

Apologies yes you are using X5, the process is similar………

Seems a little strange that the test sample started with Convert Menu yet the project starts with Convert Title.
If you use the same template to convert / render the VSP then the properties should be identical……..

What are the properties of the test sample, right click and choose properties.
Take a screenshot of that window Alt+PrtSc will copy to your clipboard, use an image editor to create a Jpeg.
Attach to your post

You mention MPG files, Bluray should be using m2ts

Are you sure they are Mpg?
That image will help.

How large is the final video file, a bluray disc holds 25Gb?

[Rich]

Hello.

Sorry I didn't realize that my version of VS was not being shared.

It makes no sense to me either. I've run the test file 3 times now, and I get Convert Menu every time. Again, I don't know if it matters, but when I am making the BD file I cancel it once I see either Convert Menu or Convert Title. Since was informed that the Convert Title rendering was going to give a bad file, I've not tried making anymore to completion.

MPG was not a typo. When I used the "same as first video Clip" setting, the output was .mpg.

Here's a screenshot of the properties of the original captured 30 min clip:

Here's a screenshot of the properties of the 30 test file that was used to make the template:

Here's a screenshot of the properties of the project after I ran it through the custom template:

I have been using dual layer blu-ray discs, so the max size is 50 gb. About 45 bg of the disc has been used for most projects.

[Rich]

Sorry, that last one for the project should have been this:

[lata]

Hi Rich
Some confusion going on here.

That helps a lot, the video you are using is standard definition DVD, Mpeg2 not Bluray. The format clearly shows as NTSC DVD
Using these files you should burn a standard DVD, Share – Create Disc - DVD
So yes the burner module will convert the title to create M2ts before burning a Bluray or Avchd disc.
Your video is approx 60 minutes at 4.1 Gb will fit to a standard DVD.
Burning a Bluray using these files is not going to improve quality

The Audio showing on the last image shows as Mpeg Audio Layer 2, I do not think X5 can create that option, I may be wrong, I would have expected LPCM or Digital Dolby, so I don’t know where that came from?
Not to worry clearly we have gone astray with the render properties.

The problem is using those files you should be burning a standard DVD.

OK

Going back to your original post you said :-

“The .m2ts files are the following: video type H.264 Video, upper Field first, 24 bit, 1440 x 1080, 16:9, 29.970 fps with max variable rate 16,000 kbps.”

These are indeed Bluray compliant so what has happened during your rendering processes. It does seem as though you have rendered to DVD Mpeg2, this will drastically reduce the quality.


Rick

You have to render your project to the original properties…..make your own template

Using Settings – Make Movie Templates Manager
New
File Format as Mpeg Transport Stream Files [*.m2t], do not use MpegFiles
Give the template a name, (rick 1440 x 1080 ) then press ok
Fill in details as below starting with the Compression tab
Then use the General tab to set the frame size to 1440 x 1080

MPEG Transport-Stream Files
24 bits, 1440 x 1080, 29.97 fps
Upper Field First
(HDMV-NTSC), 16:9
H.264 Video
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 16000 kbps)
Audio data rate: 192 kbps
Dolby Digital Audio, 48 KHz, 2/0(L,R)

The template will be available from Share Create Video File , at the bottom of the list

Open your edited project Share Create Video File – your new template will render the project to a new m2st bluray compliant file.
It will be approx. 8 Gb

Now start a new project Share Create disc - bluray
Add the video made above, remember it will be about 8 Gb, if its 4 gb you have created a standard DVD Mpeg2.
From the first window press the “I” info icon to the left of the video thumbnail, make sure they are as above 1440 x 1080

Go to the Project Settings Cogwheel (lower Left) make sure Do Not Convert Compliant Video Files IS selected.

[Rich]

Thanks for your patience, Trevor.

I think a large part of the confusion is that I should have started a new post. I have been working on multiple formats. When I started this post, I was using files transferred from the HD Handycam. I was able to transfer those to BD and free up space on the camera hard drive. Of course, I also have copies on my desktop c drive.

I then went back to a project of converting 30 of my in-laws Hi8 tapes to a format I could share with all of them. I chose blu-ray because I thought it allowed me to put more videos on fewer discs than DVD. I had no illusions about improving video quality. I already completed a project of putting about 60 VHS tapes of my folks on to about 7 blu-ray discs. I was able to make the first BD for the Hi8 files but ran into trouble when trying to make more than one copy of the first blu ray of the Hi8 videos. I currently have 3 of 5 of the first BD done. I am currently rendering the .vsp file of the Hi8 videos included in the first Blu-ray disc using your recommended template and will let you know how it goes. I though I had a process working, but it stopped for some reason. Changing my work-flow from rendering and burning at the same time to rendering first has helped but only for one disc. I am obviously still learning. The most difficult part for me is knowing what settings to choose so that my captured videos (high def, VHS, Hi8 and soon digital will fit onto the smallest number of discs. If you have any generalized advice regarding this, it would be helpful.

I still have a copy of the .m2t file that worked for one disc and can share properties if helpful, but let's see if your template works first.

Thanks again,
Rich

[lata]

Hi Rick

As your HD files work and you are able to burn a BD then I would use those properties for your output settings when creating the Hi8 files.

I assume the Hi8 will be 4:3, adding them to a 16:9 project should not be a problem, you will get a black border left and right to fill the space.

You could add the Hi8 to the overlay track, using the top track as a background, images etc. will fill those borders, if you understand me.

So always use the HD settings as your project properties.
Adding the good HD file to the timeline (New Project) should activate Show Messages, that may be the easiest way to set the Project Properties

Render the Hi8 project to Same as Project Settings should create a BD compliant file.

One thought on quality
Interlacing should be same as original captured files.

For HD its Upper Field, you can see that via the video properties.
Please check one of the HI8 captured files, I would have thought Lower Field
If that is correct then the project for Hi8 should use the same.

Changing the interlacing will impact on quality?

Disc capacity…

As for BD yes you will get more footage ( about 3 hours) to the disc than DVD, a DVD holds 60 minutes of high quality, for me 60 minutes is long enough to watch the family videos.

Anyway I will be on holiday tomorrow and not available for the forum for a few weeks, hopefully others will step in and maybe give their slant on Hi8 to BD