Why do different makes of machine record different file types? (.ts .mts . pvr)

LordSutch

Why do different PVR (ready) digital machines use different files systems when recording TV programmes onto a USB stick/HDD?

Example: My el cheapo TV Star 1020 HD machine saves recorded programmes as .mts files, while another machne I have saves them as .pvr files, but another two machines of mine save recorded TV files as .ts but why are thay all different? and how do you get one file to play on another machine? Its a real pain in the arse when I record (on the TV Star for example .mts) and I want to watch it in another room on another machine and the .mts file isnt recognised (same in reverse) :cool:

I just need a basic reason & explanation for this - please.

watty

There is no real standard for storing "transport streams". The standards specify "program stream" for disk storage. The problem with a PS file is that the header says all about it. TS has no header as it's a continuous transmission. One way to do it is create a dummy header and transform the TS into a PS as you write via a buffer, then when done go back, analyse the file and write the header. Some boxes can do either.

An advantage of simply recording partly demultiplexed/remultiplex TS is that the recording is treated as a live transmission and breaks, errors etc don't matter. Also then you can easily select any feature you could have selected live, from the captured Transport Stream.

Makers can put what ever file endings they like. Different file endings on different makes might even be the SAME format. Other files ending in ".ts" are NOT compatible between boxes at all.

Basically if it's an external USB it IS NOT A PVR (= Personal Video Recorder), but a tuner /set box or TV with a "Recording Feature". It's assumed the USB stick or drive is only played back on the box that recorded it!

Even real PVRs (ONLY internal HDD and full features) usually there is no intention to have the HDD playable on anything else. In fact traditionally Tivo, Sky+ and others go to some effort to make it hard or impossible to play it on a PC.

The TV Star is a Setbox with a Recording Feature. It's not a PVR.

If you want to record and play HDD or USB stick files on more than the machine recorded on then build a PC based Media Centre (Linux or Windows). Even then it's more reliable to record in Transport Stream (TS) mode and only convert to PS (Program Stream) if you want to play it on a different PC. Even the PC recordings unless post processed are not 100% portable in terms of instant play back to someone that hasn't installed the same application(s).

If you buy bargain basement gear, don't expect it to be compatible with anything else.

LordSutch

Thanks for that, Ah but wasn't it great back in the day when you could record a VHS tape in one machine (and play it on another) or make copies for friends with little or no problem, apart from the odd 'tracking' issue of course, yet now in the digital age its all so complicated and difficult to do something that was so easy!

walks off to UHF/analogue shed

Tony

LordSutch wrote: »

Thanks for that, Ah but wasn't it great back in the day when you could record a VHS tape in one machine (and play it on another)

Unless one machine was betamax

JonathonS

Or Philips Video 2000......ouch!

watty

Or Long Play or S-VHS etc... I actually used N1500, N1700 (Can't play 1700 tapes on an 1500) and reel to reel B&W EIAJ (though a colour adaptor option was available, VHS & Betamax is really a cassetted version of EIAJ 1/2" reel to reel with slower tape speed and the same "colour under" system. I saw a colour 1/4" Akai Reel to Reel Video machine in BBC (about 1977 I think), but definitely not good .

Incompatibilities are nothing new. There were 82 and 78 rpm... Cylinders wouln't play on turntable. Original vinyl 33 was 16" and NOT microgroove. 12" 33's came out about 1931 but not microgroove. Microgroove is from 1948 for 33 and 1949 for 45rpm, but later stereo really needs a different shape stylus, even on a mono cartridge, then the mono discs are not playing properly.

Many CD players won't play mixed mode CDs. There are three generations of Video CD (later discs incompatible on early players), then not all Video CD or DVD play NTSC or PAL.

There are Photo CDs (not a Picture CD with jpegs). But did you know they can have CD audio tracks and an interactive system (portfolio CDs). Have fun finding SW even on a PC to play them! I have one, the SW for Win 3.1 and gave away the standalone player (does Audio CD on HiFi and Photo CD on TV too).

There are MANY more examples.

An AVI file can easily not play as it's just a container format. It can have nearly anything in it. I have AVIs that need an ISA HW Card (the VGA loops through it!) to play.

watty

LordSutch wrote: »

Thanks for that, Ah but wasn't it great back in the day when you could record a VHS tape in one machine (and play it on another) or make copies for friends with little or no problem ...

You still can. ALL certified boxes and many Saorview TVs will output to SCART and downsample HD too. You can record on VHS, S-VHS or Cheap easy to use Analogue in DVD recorder.

I still have a "loaded" personal Cassette recorder ready to roll as well as the S-VHS and DVD recorder. Just in case.

I have quad tuner Digital PC based Media centre too, with DVD writer.

Sam Russell

When God made standards, He made plenty of them!

watty

Sam Russell wrote: »

When God made standards, He made plenty of them!

you forgot the link...

http://xkcd.com/927/