The complete HD (Blu-ray/HD-DVD) back-up thread.

Well, strike 3 and 4 tonight.
I did as your link showed me, which mirrored this link as well:
http://www.elurauser.com/articles/avchd_to_bluray.jsp
It STILL did not work!
I then being fed up, took my SD card over to a Panny camcorder, formatted it, and recorded some clips of my daughters. Stuck it into the Panny BR player, and yes, it plays!
So, I came home, analyzed the structure, and it is slightly different from even what is posted on these sites. I tried to mirror it on a DIFFERENT SD card, tried it tonight again, and NO! I got a 'improperly formatted' error! The Panny BR SD slot is one picky son-of-a-gun!
My SD card was FAT32 and I noticed that when the Panny camcorder formats it, it is only FAT.
SO, I have now formatted both my cards with the Panny camcorder and will try the structure again on these properly formatted cards and will see if I find success tomorrow...the fun continues!

 

Maybe the firmware on the players at the store are not up to date? Also, are you using proper sized videos?

 

The video is proper size; recall, the exact SAME stream plays just fine in the player when made a BR by Tsmuxer and burnt onto a +RW.
The video is AVC(1080x1920,24fps) and the audio is DTS-MA.
I have tried the SD slot on both the Panny 30 and 35; no dice, yet they do both play the card straight out of the camcorder, so I don't think it is a firmware issue...
I will try again tonight, having dotted all my i's and crossed all my t's; IF I can't get this to work, I will likely surrender! It could very well be that in the slot, ONLY AVCHD spec works, and that means DTS-MA will NOT be accepted. I would at least like to see the acknowledgment by the player that it reads my card as an AVCHD card because NOW I DO have the correct structure!

 

If that's the case try regular AC3 or convert your DTS HD-MA to uncompressed, both of which are in the AVCHD spec. Use eac3to_and_more_GUI to convert. You can find both pcm2tsmu and eac3to and more GUI in the Doom9 forum. I think this will be your best bet.

First make sure the paths for eac3to and Pcm2Tsmu are specified in the first tab of the GUI.

1. Load your file under the "Path/Sources" tab
2. Under the "Eac3to Audio" tab (in the dropdown box on the right side) choose your file.
3. In the same tab, in the "File Name" section use "stdout".
4. "Save As Type" should be PCM
5. Go to the "Eac3to stdout" tab, name your file (whatever you like)
6. "Run Command Line (Tab Specific)

 

OK, I will try a 'compliant' AVCHD stream IF my evening's attempt does not work; thanks for the step by step help(you know I need it!)
That being said, my hope was that I COULD use TrueHD/DTS-MA via the card slot, but, it is not a deal breaker if I can't, seeing how I CAN via a BD-5 or BD-9! It would be the cherry on top, though, IF that slot worked just like the DVD drive, giving us full BR spec capabilities!

 

I'm pretty sure the card must be SDHC (not SD).

 

Both my cards are 'only' SD, 1GB...but remember, they DID work when I used them in the Panny camcorder to record 1080x1920, and then worked again in the Panny BR SD slot with the camcorder footage; so that should not be a factor.
When I put the camcorder footage in, the Panny BR player brought up an AVCHD viewer screen.
As opposed to ALL my failed attempts, the Panny brought up a JPEG viewer screen!

 

I have several problems here. I'm backing up my discs to HDD to stream to PS3.

1) When I backup Die Hard (Or Die Hard 2), and play it back on my PC, the m2ts file acts retarded. Jumping/stuttering sync issues. When I play it back on PS3 over tversity, same problem. I also have signs and apocalytp0, they skip on my PC but not when streamed to PS3.

2) Around 80% into ripping Predator with anydvd HD, the drive stops reading the disc.

3) If I mux in PGS subtitles, they won't appear on PS3. (Tsmuxer).

I think thats about it for now.

 

Odin24, I have struck out(on 4 strikes in fact). It was a no go tonight, again giving me the jpeg screen.
So, I believe it is safe to say that the SD slot is for "AVCHD format" video only; I will verify this theory tomorrow when I try with an AC3 audio stream and 1080x1920 AVC video stream.

 

Struck out with LPCM, or DTS HD-MA? I'm gonna try too... Future Shop has BD-RE's on sale for $15, I'll bring by SDHC card with a small AVC clip with LPCM on it. I'm not sure when I'll get out though.

 

Sorry not to make myself clear; failed at LAST attempt with DTS-MA using the IDENTICAL Panny camcorder AVCHD structure.
At this point, I am not sure that the structure is as critical as is the 'format' the video must be in. IF you have troubles with the structure, insert your card into a Panny camcorder and shoot some footage; go home and analyze!
Please do keep me informed on your progress; I appreciate the combined effort.
I too will try an AC3 5.1 tomorrow.
I just read a few more threads at AVSForum and a few gentlemen have tried the same thing, actually, putting HDV(1080x1440 mpeg2) as the video stream and they too were unsuccessful!
Also, I did try my stick into a Panny plasma, and same thing, got the jpeg screen. Again, I honestly think that we are dealing with AVCHD standards ONLY, Panny structure as well.

...two final questions, for now. I have an HDV cam, mpeg2 1080x1440. Using your methods, I created a BD-5(keeping the mpeg-2 stream intact, NO recoding, but using MeGUI to recode the audio to AC3, and remuxing with Tsmuxer, see, I am learning fast!) and it plays phenomenally well in the Panny 35! In the SOny 350/550 it will play but with a stutter every 5 seconds or so! TOO BAD!! Any ideas why this may be and a possible fix!? I say this because after the SD slot failure, I am leaning towards the Sony.
The other reason I am leaning Sony is that when playing BD-5 and BD-9 on Panny, done 'your way' as per the guide, AVC with AC3, the Sony plays them very smoothly, the way it should be, but the Panny seems to have a slight jerkiness/strobe to the video. I am not sure why. Again, any advice/suggestions are appreciated! I have yet to test the 55 because the boys at Future Shop are too busy scoping the chicks and have yet to put it on display. Upon finishing testing with the 55, I will post all my findings, most of which I have mentioned already.
Sorry for the length. I am just trying to achieve 'universal' BD-5/9 playback before I purchase; that would really be fantastic!

 

I hope you guys can help me one more time! I have a file in a .wmv container.

Here is some info from MediaInfoRaw:


Complete name : E:\moviename.wmv
Format : Windows Media
File size : 7.65 GiB
PlayTime : 1h 43mn
Bit rate mode : VBR
Bit rate : 10.5 Mbps
Maximum bit rate : 14.8 Mbps
Encoded date : UTC 2008-03-08 16:58:23.890

Video #0
Codec : VC-1
Codec/Family : VC-1
Codec/Info : Microsoft
Codec description : Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile -
PlayTime : 1h 43mn
Bit rate mode : VBR
Bit rate : 9710 Kbps
Width : 1920 pixels
Height : 800 pixels
Display Aspect ratio : 2.400
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Resolution : 24 bits
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.264
Language : en-us
DeviceConformanceTemplate : AP@L3

Audio #0
Codec : WMA3
Codec/Info : Windows Media Audio 3
Codec description : Windows Media Audio 10 Professional - 768 kbps, 48 kHz, 5.1 channel 24 bit 1-pass CBR
PlayTime : 1h 43mn
Bit rate mode : CBR
Bit rate : 768 Kbps
Channel(s) : 6 channels
Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz
Language : en-us
DeviceConformanceTemplate : M2


How is this file converted to a AVCHD? I have already converted .mkv to AVCHD with subtitles successfully.

You probably know that Tsmuxer doesn't support .wmw files )

I also want to put .srt subtitles on it.

Thanks in advance!

 

Just wanted to thank you Odin24, it worked like a charm after i appended them before encoding instead of after.

 

OK, for those interested, here are my observations so far, in terms of compatibility.
I am interested in the SOny 550 and the Panny 55. However, I test only the 550 as the 55 is not out yet here. I also tested the SOny 350(which behaved IDENTICAL to the 550 in compatibility) and the Panny 35(which will likely mimic the 55s capability). I also did a few tests on the Panny 30.
1)Entire BR disc movie/extras/menu/etc burnt EXACTLY to a BD-RE, 25GB, NO recoding. Played flawlessly in ALL these players.
2)BD-5, on a +RW, AVC encode with DTS-MA; ALL these units play it back, BUT the Pannys have an unnatural motion to them; slightly strobe-like/slight stuttering. I am not sure why. The Sonys were smooth, no issues at all. The audio played fine on all.
3)BD-9, on a DL +R(AVC+AC3 5.1)-results identical to BD-5 findings.
4)BD-5 of HDV footage, audio converted to AC3, video untouched-all players play them, but ONLY the Pannys play it smoothly. The Sonys play, but after 5-10 seconds, begun hiccupping, and the hiccups go on every 3-4 seconds, rendering it unwatchable!
5)raw m2ts streams, 1080x1920 and other variants-will NOT play on any unit!
6)Xvid-HD+AC3 in avi format-will NOT play on any of them.
7)SD card slot-could not achieve "BD-5/9" playback REGARDLESS of what I tried, even proper video format and proper structure; ONLY achieved success when using a Panny camcorder and sticking the SD card in right after using the camcorder!

I have read on some posts that some Samsung units also 'play back' BD-5 and BD-9. I did NOT investigate these units, as they do not decode all HD audio codecs.

I would LOVE to hear some more input, ESPECIALLY if anyone has had success in these areas:
1)Achieving PROPER playback of BD-5/BD-9 in the Panny units; it is one thing to playback, but another to playback PROPERLY with fluid/natural/realistic motion.
2)Achieving PROPER, stutter-free HDV BD-5/9 playback in the SOnys.
3)Achieving success in the SD slot of the Pannys.

Thanks in advance!

 

1) What TV are you using? Is it capable of 24p playback? If so, have you set the Panasonic Blu-ray player and TV (24Hz) to play at its native framerate of 24fps?

2) Can't comment, don't have a Handy Cam.

3) Have you tried using the AVCHD-Me application? If not, there is a download link on the first page of this thread.

From what I understand, Blu-ray is more relaxed compared to AVCHD when it comes to character lengths in filenames. AVCHD-Me rectifies this.

Note: Please excuse me stating the obvious step but I have read back over your posts and I can see that you have been quite thorough in your attempts to play AVCHD via the SD card slot... But... I didn't see (could have been missed) you clearly state that you used the AVCHD-Me application the recommended way (1- Run the applcation from the root directory of your BD. 2- Place BDMV and CERTIFICATE folders into a new folder named AVCHD).


PS: Odin, which AV Receiver did you get? I noticed you mentioned that you recently purchased one that has TrueHD/DTS-HD decoding. I'm thinking of getting a Pioneer VSX-LX70. As I work in AV Retail, I have had months worth of opportunity to compare this receiver quite thoroughly against an array of other receivers with a bombardment of various media and it is the one that seems to stand out (plus I can get a really hot price directly from the Rep).

Pioneer VSX-LX70 Link: http://www.pioneer.com.au/Products/Home Entertainment/Amplifiers and Receivers/VSX LX70.aspx

 

Don't laugh... Sony STRDE820. For my current set-up, budget and other components it fits well, plus it's a huge difference over my old receiver. I'm actually renting older movies that I have already processed

 

Ryu77,
Thank you for taking an interest in my post.
1)Yes, I did use AVCHD Me; it converts the BR files to caps and only 8 letters long; it TOO did not help. I am truly at a road block with this SD slot! Odin24 was going to try it himself and I wonder if he had any success.
2)I burnt the same HDV BR footage onto a BD-RE 25 and tried it in the SOny and YES, lo and behold, NO stutter! The only conclusion I can draw from this is that perhaps when a DVD goes into the Sony, the drive will only spin at a rate to accommodate AVCHD spec, which I believe is somewhere around 20 Mbps; the HDV is 25 Mbps. So, it does not spin fast enough to accommodate the HDV bit rate and there is stutter; IF you pause it for a few seconds and retry, it helps, as the stutter takes longer to show up, but it still will eventually.
BUT, BR spec can accommodate WAY higher bitrates than HDV, and so it played that HDV BR flawlessly. SO, conclusion, those who want to make BDs of their HDV footage and play in the SOnys, they can, but they must burn to BR discs! Ok, I got one issue solved!
3)The Panny units' stutter is strange; Ryu, it could be frame related; I thought of that(incidentally I tried the same disc on a Magnovox unit that I believe has the Panny chip in it, Uniphier, and it played FINE!). ALL the TVs that the Pannys were hooked up to are 60Hz I believe; none could accommodate 24fps in terms of displaying it in 24fps multiples. TO my knowledge only the Kuros could up to now, and just recently SOny and perhaps a few others are getting on board. That being said, the Sony BR units were also NOT attached to Kuro and yet looked smooth; it could very well be that the Pannys need some settings altered; but, a 24fps BR looked fine in the Panny with NO stutter, yet the burnt AVC discs with your encoder with 24fps DID stutter! This makes me nervous...I want a player that plays BD-5 and BD-9 properly. This unnatural motion, mated to the unsolved SD slot, and now the fact that the Sony CAN do HDV, has made my mind up to get the Sony 550...I would like to close the book on the Panny issues, yet, would love to see a resolution too!
3)I mentioned previously that during a certain scene(when Linguine is sitting with Remy on the bridge in a jar and releases him), regardless of what XVID bit rate I used, I could not rid of banding. I tried this same scene with Ryu77's encoder, and sadly, with both a 6,000 bit rate and a 10,000 bit rate, the same banding is still there! The original scene on the BR is FREE of banding. Any suggestions? Or better yet, has anyone been able to achieve a banding-free encode of this scene!?
4)I too tried to re-insert a 're-encoded' video stream into the original BR structure and tried to play back...in PowerDVD, it will play but only the audio plays, there is NO video! So, I suspect there is not yet a way to preserve the entire BR disc structure(like DVD Shrink did for DVD); perhaps this will be solved in the future?!

Thanks again to all!

 

I was wondering about playing a full bluray(split at 4gb chunks via tsmuxer bluray output) with truehd audio on an external hard drive using the "avchd-me.exe" name changing program. So essentially a really big AVCHD with TrueHD audio being played on an external harddrive. I Have been able to get the video working but on my first trial, only the non truehd audio worked.

I did some reading and some people suggested that TrueHD would not play off an external hard drive, at least in an avchd format(can anyone confirm this?). The suggestion was to convert the demuxed truehd audio into pcm with eac3to and then to use a program called "pcm2tsmu" to convert the pcm track to one compatible with tsmuxer. I remuxed the new lpcm file with the video and now i get this static noise instead of my audio when playing on my ps3. I am currently re-attempting the TrueHD->PCM->PCM process but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on playing TrueHD audio on an external harddrive in a bluray structure such as an avchd. Thanks for any help.

 

It's not that TrueHD will not play off an external HDD, it tsMuxeR that cannot handle TrueHD properly... at least I think. Unfortunately at this point TrueHD though tsMuxeR is a no go, tsMuxeR will be updated in the new year, hopefully the TrueHD issue will be addressed.

If you wish to get TrueHD from your rips you need to remux to m2ts first using tsMuxer, then again to Blu-ray using tsremux, however tsremux cannot split to 4GB chunks... thus the need to convert to PCM.

I describe the method I use a few posts ago using eac3to_and_more_GUI. Did you use these instructions and get the static?

 

Thank you for your quick response and interest, I have learned alot in regards to HD media from your posts.

I had actually demuxed the TrueHD stream using tsmuxer thinking it was able to work with it. So now i'm starting to think that is where things are going wrong. I'm going to try to:
1)demux truehd with eac3to
2)convert truehd to pcm with eac3to
3)convert that pcm to a tsmuxer compliant pcm with pcm2tsmu
4)Remux the video and new pcm audio into bluray structure in tsmuxer, splitting @ 4gb size and use avchdme.exe to make it work

Does that sound about right?