| Author |
Message |
nuttall_chris
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 832
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
What is a .ts file? And how do you create them? I have been streaming WMV files to my 360 with no issues on both of the 360's I've had (first on died on me but was replace by Microsoft)
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 5:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Transport Stream.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Clarence
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 3827
Location: Smith Mtn Lake, VA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
.wmv is easy to stream, that's Microsoft's format. And MP3 and JPG is easy to play on the XBox360... you don't need MCE2005 for those either. Just follow the basic instructions from Microsoft like the standard links that WanMan listed to.
But it gets interesting when you expand the capability to .ts files. After visiting dozens of XBox hacker sites, and following hundreds of google leads, and trying several things myself, I couldn't find anyone or anything that could get .ts to work without MCE2005+HDTVPump. If WanMan and his friend are successful, they will gain the appreciation of hundreds of thousands of people that would like to use their current PC instead of MCE.
.ts is "Transport Stream"... it's the HD mpeg file sent, captured, stored, and decoded, including OTA and cable DVRs. Sometime's it's called .tp for Transport Protocol. You can rename .tp files to .ts
There are some sample HD .tp files here:
http://www.fusionhdtv.co.kr/ENG/Download/Demo.aspx
http://demod.dvico.com/hdtv/hdtv_demo.tp
The files are large. The 150Mb demos above are only about a minute long.
A typical HD movie is about 10Gb.
You can play them using
VLC (link), MPC (link), TT2 (link), ZPP (link).
You can use an OTA HD card like the Dvico Fusion or myhd and capture HD files on your PC.
Or, with a little creativity, a little luck, and a little research, some cable DVRs allow you to use firewire to transfer the .ts files to a PC.
But .ts playback on a $2000+ HTPC is whomped by the smooth playback streamed from MCE2005 to the XBox360.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
nuttall_chris
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 832
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
|
Are their any programs that will convert other forms of media to a .TS file. I find that there is a quality drop when streaming WMV files to the 360. If .TS streams so smoothly that may be a better option for me.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Clarence
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 3827
Location: Smith Mtn Lake, VA
|
| Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:49 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Check out http://VideoRedo.com and the tools at http://videohelp.com
But if your WMV files look crappy, I doubt any reconversion will help... garbage in, garbage out.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Hey Clarence, I know I've not followed the discussions in months, but this half-awake soul has to ask the obvious question:
Has there been any attempt to re-encode the .ts files to make them more transport-friendly?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Clarence
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 3827
Location: Smith Mtn Lake, VA
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 3:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I assume you're seeking to reduce a 10Gb movie to where it would fit on a 8.5Gb dual layer DVD-R?
Yes. There are tons of codecs that you could use, including WMV:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=5&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=4&SrcFamilyId=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3fFamilyID%3d5691ba02-e496-465a-bba9-b2f1182cdf24%26DisplayLang%3den
I've never done a whole movie, but I just tried a test clip...
| Quote: | Action: Convert file
Sources used: C:\Test 1080i Resolution.ts
Output files: C:\Test 1080i Resolution-1.wmv
Content duration: 00:00:00:05 (dd:hh:mm:ss)
Session duration: 00:00:01:41 (dd:hh:mm:ss)
Session:
Bytes encoded (total): 2745.22 KB
Bit rate (expected): 5000 Kbps
Bit rate (average): 4203.65 Kbps
Video [5000.0 Kbps]:
Bytes encoded (total): 2745.22 KB
Bit rate (expected): 5000 Kbps
Bit rate (average): 4203.65 Kbps
Frames per second (expected): 29.97
Frames per second (average): 29.97
Frames (total): 152
Frames (dropped): 0
Profile conformance: MP@HL |
Note that it took 1m:41s to re-encode 5 secs of content
The file size was reduced from 12.2Mb to 2.7Mb (5x smaller).
But this was only the HDNet test pattern, there was no motion (except for the countdown digits), so a 5x reduction isn't typical, but going from 10-12Gb to ~8Gb should be easy.
4.5Gb would probably be too lossy... it'd end up looking like DirectTV's HD-Lite.
I haven't looked to see if there are easy means to specify "reduce this .ts file with the best compression that'll allow the resulting WMV to fit on a 8.5Gb DVD"
For me, the extra encoding time and hassle and especially the loss of PQ outweighs the benefit of getting smaller files. But for someone who wanted to play HD WMV on a xbox (I'm assuming WMV on a DVD-R should play directly from the tray, without needing any PC), and didn't want terabytes of .ts files, and didn't have a HT system which would show every flaw in the encoded content, then this could be feasible.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 4:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Oh no, I wasn't suggesting for purposes of storing optically, but rather simply to change wardrobes to make transport through the 360 easy.
I thought I read that there was certain technologies already present that could convert formats live (i.e. in real time) for streaming video purposes, instead of converting the entire file for non-streaming playback.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mtmelvin
Joined: 18 Mar 2006
Posts: 153
Location: Bay Area, CA
|
| Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Wanman, the 360 already plays .ts files perfectly, so I'm not sure why you are asking about re-encoding them.
There are applications that allow you to transcode and stream files to the 360 that it would otherwise not play at all, including Divx. One of them is called transcode360. There are others. Check out the Xbox forums for more info. I haven't tried to use these because the Divx/Xvid files I have seen don't look very good. The ones that I've seen have terrible blocking, epecially in scenes with lots of motion. Honestly, why are people compressing HD video? Doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose?
That's been my experience, anyway.
For those that were worried (and I know there were many  ) I did get my 360 to connect to my PC again. No, I didn't find out what the problem was. I just did a full re-install, which isn't really a problem for me because I have the OS installed on a dedicated 10Gb hard drive and all my movies are on separate drives. The computer has almost nothing installed on it anyway (just what's necessary to connect to the 360 and play the .ts files).
Incidentally, I discovered yesterday that the 360 DOES NOT like it when the hard drive on your computer is full. I was having awful problems until I remembered that my hard drives were all just about full. Added another drive, moved some things around, defragged, now all is well again 
-Mark
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 12:02 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Mark, I thought the current state of affairs was that the 360 would not remotely play .ts files from non-MCE networked computers. My original entry into this thread was more of ways around the 360 hard drive, and work toward solutions of directly attached large hard drives (with HD .ts files) connecting like solid-state memory devices.
Please explain your exact setup such that it can play HD .ts files from a network. Are you using MCE or not?
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 6:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Boy, I am not impressed with MCR2005. My friend and I tried to install it on a rather mature P4 computer with pretty much common hardware. First disk went in, followed by the second disk, then we got prompted by the installer for the Service Pack 2 CD, but this wasn't anywhere to be found.
So, we grabbed a copy of XPpro that had SP2 included and that didn't work either. We wound up calceling the SP2 portion and completing the MCE2005 install. When it completed it said SP2 had been installed, but how? So, I grabbed a CD that I knew I had SP2 on (single exe file for IT people to perform network installs, etc.) and ran it.
After the reboot things got really wierd. Clicking on IE got a prompt asking where IE was located. Figured something is wrong, we manually found and launched IE. We tried to get Automatic Updates to run, but it wouldn't. We went to the Windows Update site via the manually launched IE and the updates failed.
BTW, all of this software comes from a Microsoft Action Pack for developers and system integrators. While MCE2005 is an OEM version, everything else is full retail software (AP for $299 is well worth it). So, we gave up. Go Microsoft!
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mtmelvin
Joined: 18 Mar 2006
Posts: 153
Location: Bay Area, CA
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Yes, I am running Windows XP 2005 MCE. I believe that you cannot stream video to the 360 AT ALL without a pc running this operating system. I'd love to hear that this isn't so, but last time I checked this was the case.
Probably the easiest thing to do is what Clarence did and buy an inexpensive pre-built Media Center PC. They are available from places like Best Buy for fairly cheap. My system is nothing super special:
AMD Sempron 2800 1.61 GHz
2 GB of RAM
1.25 Terabytes on 3 HD's
There is published somewhere online a list of MCE approved hardware because apparently the OS will not run with just any old hardware. I didn't believe it at first, but quickly found out that my old graphics card was not supported.
When I installed XP MCE I re-inserted the FIRST disk when I was prompted for the Service Pack 2 CD. This worked for me. You might want to try that. Don't ask me to explain it because I don't understand it! This was my first time building a PC.
-Mark
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
Seagate announced 750GB drives coming soon.
Mark, thanks for the tip on reinserting the fist disk when prompted for the SP2.
I wonder why its difficult to impossible to USB-to-array for additional storage.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mtmelvin
Joined: 18 Mar 2006
Posts: 153
Location: Bay Area, CA
|
| Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
USB drives can be used on your 360 for additional storage for saving games, and for playing music and photos, but not for videos. It's lame. For videos you need a Media Center PC.
I'm sure it's just a matter of time before somebody hacks this though.
-Mark
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Clarence
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 3827
Location: Smith Mtn Lake, VA
|
| Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2007 9:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
This might be a good deal if you've been looking for a Media Center to serve .ts files to your XBox360:
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=344676
$399.98 with free shipping and a free printer
| compusa.com wrote: |
Toshiba REFURB¹: Qosmio F15-AV201 Notebook
Intel Pentium M Processor 745, 1.8GHz, with Centrino Technology, 512MB RAM, 80GB Hard Drive, 15.4-inch WXGA TFT Display, DVD+/-RW Drive, Windows XP MCE
Installed Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
Processor Brand: Intel
Processor Class: Pentium M Processor
Processor Number: 745
Processor Speed: 1.8 GHz
Front Side Bus: 400 MHz
Mobile Technology: Centrino
L2 Cache Size: 2 MB
System Chipset: Intel 855PM
Memory Type: DDR-SDRAM
Installed Memory: 512 MB
Maximum Memory: 2 GB
Memory Slots Total: 2
Total Hard Drive Capacity: 80 GB
Drive Controllers: IDE (ATA/EIDE/ATAPI)
Rotational Speed: 5400 RPM
Optical Drives: DVD+/-RW SuperMulti Drive:
Create a DVD+R at a maximum 8X Write speed or a maximum 4X Rewrite speed
Create a DVD-R at a maximum 8X Write speed or a maximum 4X Rewrite speed
Create a DVD-RAM at a maximum 3X Write speed
Play a DVD-Rom at a maximum 8X Read speed
Create a CD-Rom at a maximum 24X Write speed
Create a CD-RW at a maximum 10X Rewrite speed
Play a CD-Rom at a maximum 24X Read speed
Additional Drives: DVD SuperMulti
Sound Support: 3D Audio
Video Chipset Brand: NVIDIA
Video Chipset: GeForce FX Go5700
Installed Video Memory: 128 MB
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Screen Size: 15.4 in
Screen Type: TruBrite Screen Technology
Physical Aspect Ratio: 16:10 (Widescreen)
Port Connectors: 1 x Video - RGB (Monitor)
4 x USB
2 x Video - TV-Out (S-Video Out;
Component-out via D port connector
1 x i.Link™ (IEEE-1394)
1 x RJ-11 modem
1 x RJ-45 Ethernet LAN
1 x Audio - External Microphone (Monoaural)
1 x Audio - Stereo Headphone
1 x Audio - S/P DIF (Dolby™ AC3 Digital Out; shared with headphone jack)
2 x Audio - AV-In: Composite/Monitor/Line-In and S-Video In
Card Slots: 1 x Memory Stick
1 x Memory Stick PRO
1 x Secure Digital(SD)/MMC
1 x xD-Picture Card
1 x Type II / Type 1 PC Card
Network Support: Ethernet (10/100 Mbps)
Wireless Protocol: 802.11b
802.11g
Bluetooth
Modem Speed: 56 Kbps
Input Devices: Keyboard
Remote Control
Touchpad
Security Features: Kensington Security Slot
Battery Life (average): up to 1.7 Hours
Number of Batteries: 1
Installed Operating System: Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 |
FREE Canon Printer (after mail-in rebate) with the purchase of ANY Desktop, Notebook or LCD Monitor
My biggest concern, aside from it being refurbished, is the 512Mb RAM. I upgraded to 2Gb in my MCE and I still get "Out of Memory" errors, but that's only when I jump between 20-30 HD demo clips. Likely a Windows bug... probably not releasing memory when you cancel a clip before it reaches the end.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 4:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
Clarence will the Xbox360 play HDV files from my Canon HV20? I am not up on all the video file types. I think they are output to my computer as an m2t file.
I don't have the 360 hooked up to the network downstairs yet and wanted a possible way to watch some of my hi-def camcorder footage in the theater.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mark_A_W
Joined: 15 Mar 2006
Posts: 3068
Location: Sunny Melbourne Australia
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 10:37 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Clarence wrote: |
But .ts playback on a $2000+ HTPC is whomped by the smooth playback streamed from MCE2005 to the XBox360. |
Umm...ahh...nope. I must respectfully disagree.
I'll admit I've never seen a 360 play a TS file. But it's at 60hz. Therefore judder.
It's really not difficult to setup a PC to play TS files back perfectly at 48/72/96hz using Dscaler 1080i IVTC version + Reclock for smooth playback.
If you can somehow get a multiple of 24fps out of an Xbox360, I'll shut my trap.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Clarence
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 3827
Location: Smith Mtn Lake, VA
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Good point... HTPC at 48/72/96hz using Dscaler 1080i IVTC version + Reclock can mitigate judder. And I've posted a few judder/panning .ts test clips where you'll really notice the silky smooth benefits of 47.95 or 71.928 Hz.
But I've never managed to keep my PC set up and ready to run... it seems I'm always messing with the settings or troubleshooting some frustrating glitch.
Yet my XBox is always ready to go at the push of a button... my wife and kids can walk into the HT and play games, HDDVD, a .ts file by using the standard xbox menu.
Plus I really, really, really like using the XBox wireless remote to navigate between the available selections... very intuitive and responsive. But I've yet to see any PC remote that's worth using.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mark_A_W
Joined: 15 Mar 2006
Posts: 3068
Location: Sunny Melbourne Australia
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Well, yes, PCs are kinda fun like that
I wonder if you can use the xbox remoterwith Girder in the PC? I use a pronto, but I don't like it much.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
stefuel
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3353
Location: Green Harbor MA USA
|
| Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2007 12:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
If you have TT2 (ver 2.4), do you have to pay to get 2.5 or is it a free upgrade?
_________________
Chip
A Barco is only a AmPro with training wheels
Card carrying member of the AVS chain gang.
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
