First of all, thanks to nvingo and and Luis Essex for the "Humax Media Controller" software and "Games" mode tips that allowed me to transfer my video files to my pc - no problem. I was able to view the programme on the pc using VLC and the picture and sound seemed as good as the original. But..........

When I attempt to use Nero Vision Express to burn to DVD it does not seem to recognise the file. I, also, tried to open the files with using VideoRedo and that wouldn't recognise the file either. (DPI missing - I think it said).

I tried changing the file extension from .ts to .mpg but it made no difference.

I got close by using VLC Media player "Convert/Save" and selected "Video-MPEG2+MPGA
(TS)". The file converted and I was able to burn it to a DVD but the file was less than half the size of the original Humax.ts file and the quality seen on the DVD player (connected to the TV) was not very good.

I feel so close to being able to back-up to DVD now and would appreciate help in crossing the last hurdle.

All the best.

MFP.

In VideoRedo;
Tools - Options;
Stream Parameters, check Ignore Transport Stream Maps,
Transport Stream Output, check Use PIDS from source file.
(that's version 3.1.3.547 Nov2007, entries may differ in other versions).

It's been over a year since I set this up, so cannot remember if anything else needed adjusting (or even if those did), but there is a forum for users of VideoRedo at their site.

If you have that installed, I wouldn't chase any other method; it's all I use (except to use Nero Vision instead of VR TVsuite for the MPG to DVD conversion, but TVsuite will do that).

Perfect -and I mean perfect- results everytime for years with Humax .ts to DVD with www.vso-software.fr/products/convert_x_to_dvd/

I notice some times there's a phantom audio channel from the Humax so right click it and "remove".

Great bit of software. Of course once it's done all the work you can then edit the VOBs/DVD if you want. I don't use menus or anything and if there's a bit of trimming here or there then use DVDShrink (or split the files with DVDShrink).

ConvertXToDVD also joins DVD/video files (eg DVDShrink) perfectly too. Again, I'd not use the word "perfectly" if that wasn't the case.

Thanks, I will see if I can set those parameters. I am not sure which version I have but the date seems about right. From your reply I think the error message (in VR) must have been "PIDS Missing" (I am writing this at work so will have to wait until I get home to try).

I will respond in this thread hopefully tomorrow.

MFP

This sounds promising. As I have VR already I will try nvingo's suggestion first but if I have no luck I will bear this in mind to try at a later date. It's always prudent to have a back up, which, I guess, is why I wish to save the files to DVD in the first place - is that a pun?

Thanks, Hal.

I have checked the parameters that you mentioned and VR did recognise the file and opened them OK. Great! So close now.

But again, if I open the .ts file with VR and select "save as" the saved file is as good a quality as the original but is cut short of the original - does not seem to mux the whole file.

Also, if I try to shorten the original .ts file using VR the saved mpg file plays from part way though. Did you have this problem at all or did it all go smoothly?

The last step of burning is fine. I guess you may redirect me to the VR forum but I ws wondering if ths was a problem specific to Humax files.

I hope you can help finish this.

MFP

I did have the PIDs errors at first. These seemed channel-specific.

Does VRD conversion finish with a report box with black-only or red and black items? Black means it was satisfied, but I accept some conversion errors (<1 frame per programme minute else I discard it unless it's important material).

With that in mind, I can't suggest much else than to make a few short recordings on the PVR from various channels (not whole programmes, just a minute or two of instant start/stop recording) and transfer those. See what VRD makes of them.

Good idea. I wil try a short recording, as you suggest, and see what the report box comes up with. I am also looking into finding an alternative conversion software package as an alternative. It may be a few days beore I will get around to the alternative software, though.

Thanks, again.

MFP

Something that has occurred to me is that the VRD came with the PC second hand. I wonder if it is an official version or an evaluation copy (maybe cracked?).

The VRD forum mentions that the evaluation version only gives about "15 minutes or less" conversion unless you buy the key and this may be why I am having this problem.

I will try other editor software to see if this works but I would rather be certain that VRD will work before I spend $80 unnecessarily.

MFP.

When you start VideoRedo, it should show the registered user's name in the bottom-right of the window.
The same name, and the version number/build date, are shown by selecting help>about.
I don't recall what is displayed prior to registering.

I have checked and it is not an authentic copy. that solves that.

Looks like I shall have to shop around for a legitimate copy but $79 seems steep for what I need. Though, of the evaluation copies that I have tried, it does seem to be by far the most efficient and user friendly.

Many thanks for your help, nvingo.