[MacDV] Re: Editing MPEG2 files

[Matti Haveri]

MPEG Streamclip can also edit MPEG files.

MPEG Streamclip ($0) converts MPEG files (including transport 
streams) into muxed, demuxed, QuickTime or DV files, so you can 
easily import them in iMovie, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro and Toast 
6. MPEG2 conversions require the $20 Apple MPEG2 Playback Component 
(you can buy it online from Apple, but you already have it if you use 
either Final Cut Pro 4/HD or DVD Studio Pro). MPEG Streamclip also 
includes a player to set In and Out points, and perform a partial 
conversion.

To convert from a DVD or MPEG to DV with MPEG Streamclip (v1.1 or 
later): Open a desired .VOB on a DVD (DVD/VIDEO_TS/VTS_01_1.VOB, for 
example) or a MPEG file. Select the In/Out points if you want to 
extract just a portion of the video. Choose File/Export to 
DV.../Compression: DV (DV25). Choose "Split DV stream in Segments" if 
the content is more than 9 minutes 27 seconds because iMovie can't 
handle longer clip files. You can import the converted .dv to iMovie 
or export it directly into iMovie project's Media folder to save time 
and HD space (iMovie prompts you what to do with the clip when the 
project is opened).

MPEG Streamclip can concatenate similar MPEG files but remember to 
choose "Edit/Fix Timecode Breaks" before selecting "File/Convert to 
MPEG" after opening several .mpg files.

MPEG Streamclip can also edit MPEG files. Just set in/out points 
(with I/O keys), cut unwanted material off and do a Save As... 
Shift-dragging the playhead can be used to define a selection. Shift 
+ arrow keys allows fine-tuning the selection. Option + arrow keys 
jumps to the beginning/end or in/out points. You can use the 
Trim-command to more closely see a part of the video before cutting, 
then choose Revert Trimming to see all material. JKL-keys enable fast 
forward/reverse scanning.

You can import the edited files to DVD Studio Pro or Toast 6, and 
burn them directly, with no encoding time and no loss of quality.

MPEG Streamclip 1.1 is compatible with DreamBox and Topfield 5000 
set-top boxes, Elgato EyeTV and ReplayTV digital video recorders, 
Sony T1 camera, Panasonic SV-AV100, Sony IP7/MicroMV and JVC GR-HD1 
camcorders, JVC HM-DH30000U and Mitsubishi HD-2000U video cassette 
recorders (to be confirmed) and the Samsung SIR-T165 set-top box.

<http://www.alfanet.it/squared5/mpegstreamclip.html>
<http://www.apple.com/quicktime/products/mpeg2playback/>