Question about mpeg4 file at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Windows / PC Post Production Solutions > What Happens in Vegas...

What Happens in Vegas...
...stays in Vegas! This PC-based editing app is a safe bet with these tips.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old September 6th, 2012, 02:26 PM   #1
Major Player
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Philadelphia, pa
Posts: 705
Question about mpeg4 file

I have an mpeg 4 file that needs to be coverted to an mpeg 2 file. Can I simply import into Vegas and re-export as an mpeg 2 without losing quality? Im using Vegas HD. I wont have access to my system for a day or so whcih is why I have not tried it yet. Is there a better way to covert the file without taking a hit in quality?
Kevin Lewis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 6th, 2012, 03:33 PM   #2
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Windsor, ON Canada
Posts: 2,770
Re: Question about mpeg4 file

You always lose quality converting from one file format to another.
The amount of loss depends on the quality of the source material and the format and bitrate of the file you're rendering it to.
MPEG-2 is well known for reducing quality as it throws out a lot of the original chroma information.
The best you can do with MPEG-2 (is this is for a DVD?) is a custom CBR (constant bit rate) of 8,000,000.
This assumes that the file is under 70 min. long.
Anything longer and you have to start reducing the bitrate to get it to fit.
Mike Kujbida is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 6th, 2012, 04:13 PM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Philadelphia, pa
Posts: 705
Re: Question about mpeg4 file

The file is not for DVD. Its actually for a commercial that will air on a cable station. In the past they took the mpeg4 format but now they are only accepting mpeg2. I dont have immediate access to the orignal project or I would simply do a new export. The source mpeg4 is an hd file 720x1280. Ive read post about a program called "Hand Break" is this a vaild option?
Kevin Lewis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 6th, 2012, 05:14 PM   #4
Trustee
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Novato, CA
Posts: 1,774
Re: Question about mpeg4 file

You could just pull the mp4 file into Vegas and render out a really high bitrate mpeg2 file. Try 35Mbps so it's basically like spitting out a Bluray mpeg2 file. You will lose some quality because the MP4 file is already highly compressed but it might be acceptable. If the station will accept a 720x1280 file I'd keep the same dimensions so you don't have to worry about any resizing problems.
__________________
Garrett Low
www.GLowMediaProductions.com
Garrett Low is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 6th, 2012, 06:30 PM   #5
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Windsor, ON Canada
Posts: 2,770
Re: Question about mpeg4 file

I agree with Garrett but I'd check with the station to see if they have any special specs that you need to stick to.
I've done a lot of stuff for my local cable company and I had to do some experimenting before I found the file specs that would meet the needs of their playback server.
Mike Kujbida is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 6th, 2012, 07:26 PM   #6
Inner Circle
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 3,420
Re: Question about mpeg4 file

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Lewis View Post
...Ive read post about a program called "Hand Break" is this a vaild option?
No, Handbrake does not encode to MPEG2.

Garrett & Mike's advice looks good...
__________________
30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.
Seth Bloombaum is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 7th, 2012, 06:44 AM   #7
Major Player
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Philadelphia, pa
Posts: 705
Re: Question about mpeg4 file

Update: I imported the mpeg 4 into vegas and then exported as an mpeg2. The file looks great and there is no real visible loss. I should also note that the original mpeg4 was created from Vegas so perhaps that helped, along with the fact the all the source footage was HD. Thanks for the input everyone.
Kevin Lewis is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Windows / PC Post Production Solutions > What Happens in Vegas...

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:26 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network