TRS HD version for PS3

[mikeyvegas]

Not sure if this has been brought up and even has that much of a demand but I think it would be really sweat as a PS3 owner if TRS released a HD version that would play on a ps3 natively without having to convert it.

If I'm alone on this, then please disregard.

[dolson]

You're not alone...

I was fine with the large WMV files, but lately they have all been unplayable after a certain point... Not just TRS either, but popSiren and Diggnation and Internet Superstar.. Sucks.

I wish there was something hi-def that worked on PS3, for sure.. Apparently the Quicktime HD works on 360 and Apple TV or whatever it's called, so the ball is sorta in Sony's court... I think Sony will eventually add more codec support. But in the meantime, I wish there was at least one alternative to the WMVs which appear to be badly encoded. :(

[aaronsaund]

There needs to be another format for 360 too besides quicktime because if you can only get videos on there through media sharing off of a computer with WMP or Media Center, quicktime videos don't show. You have to use a portable device like a HDD or video player. HD .avi or .wmv would be good.

[johnnysix]

x264 MP4 with AAC sound would be sweet. Works on both 360 and PS3.

[iccanui]

Not sure if this has been brought up and even has that much of a demand but I think it would be really sweat as a PS3 owner if TRS released a HD version that would play on a ps3 natively without having to convert it.

If I'm alone on this, then please disregard.

Its not TRS its Rev3. They are working on it they say, but i think its not a high priority. Understandable ofcourse cause they are a growing IPTV network and have a million more important things that demand their time. But i sure would love to just open up my PS3 browser and click on a link for HD and have it play like the WMV does.

Though really this is a problem with the PS3 not with Rev3 and if anything we should probably get on SOE for its weak support. To not support apple formats in this day of IPTV is unacceptable really.

[Dark_Shroud]

x264 MP4 with AAC sound would be sweet. Works on both 360 and PS3.

The codec is H.264, x264 is a Library for H.264. And no, not all "x264 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X264)" rips work on the PS3. All the ones I've tried have failed, a lot of Xvids seem to fail lately as well.

The HD version should be put in the .mp4 container. It's the new standard and is gaining mass support from vendors. Though .wmv is acceptable since most everything supports it as well.

I'm just tired of using Nero Mediahome or a flash drive to watch these on my PS3.

[arcticfox]

Im into video production and encoding and ive done a bit of research, inside the .mov container lies a l3.1 profile h264 file and AAC Low Complexity Stereo File both of which are PS3 compatible, technically if you demux from the .mov container and remux into an .mp4 container it should play fine on your PS3.

*edit* Ive created a short howto video to show you how to do it, it only takes a few minutes to do:

Download and install http://yamb.unite-video.com/YambInstaller-2.0.0.8.exe

then go watch http://www.mbryce.co.uk/howto.html, apologies for the boring bits while the progress bars move i didnt have time to edit it.

Hope this helps.

[dolson]

So, in theory, this should work for Linux users:

mencoder movie.mov -o movie.mp4 -ovc copy -oac copy

I will try it in a few minutes with Lil' Internet Superstar.

It'd be easy to put this into my RSS hack script. :)

EDIT: Looks like I have to change the audio codec to get it to dump properly, for some reason. Not sure why.. PCM works fast but it's bigger. If I use MP3, I don't know if it'll still play on the PS3 (I can't test yet, I'm at work) but it creates a slightly smaller file. I'll have to look into this more. Either way, the audio re-encoding doesn't bother me much, since it's faster than re-encoding the video. So once I find something that works, then it'll be sufficient for me. :D

[damnedeyez]

Quicktime Pro lets you remove the mov container also, it just took me forever to realize I had to select one of the network settings to get it to let me use pass-through. (Apparently, Apple thinks any video exporting is going to be for internet/intranet use.)

[darknessgp]

yes, a pass through convert works... The point is that Revision 3 should already offer it as an mp4, and seeing as it really is easy and takes less than a minute, they should do it before putting it on the site. There is no reason that it is a .mov other than Rev3 just being well, lazy. I understand not wanting to switch around formats because of people watching, they were talking about phasing out stuff and shit, but really you can't change your HD mov to an HD mp4? When numerous people have asked for it and it doesn't break support, but adds it.

Anyways, I wouldn't expect it anytime soon. Rev3 seems to be good about promising stuff that we'd love to have that ends up being low priority or forgotten. I'm still waiting on the custom RSS feeds that Louderback promised back in December, but I highly doubt that'll happen. We've heard the talkings of switching formats way back when, haven't heard anything recently, which leads me to believe they've put it on hold indefinitely.

[damnedeyez]

yes, a pass through convert works... The point is that Revision 3 should already offer it as an mp4, and seeing as it really is easy and takes less than a minute, they should do it before putting it on the site. There is no reason that it is a .mov other than Rev3 just being well, lazy. I understand not wanting to switch around formats because of people watching, they were talking about phasing out stuff and shit, but really you can't change your HD mov to an HD mp4? When numerous people have asked for it and it doesn't break support, but adds it.

It's really annoying, since their other two quicktime formats are in .mp4.

[iccanui]

actually they are .m4v last I checked. But that's even more annoying cause all you have to do is rename it to mp4 and it plays. I just dont get it.

I think they should have a vote on the front page and put up .mp4 and .mov for HD and see what the people want. I mean the point of rev3 is that its for us right? That is what most the shows say anyway.

You make us sad rev3. We still luv ya though.

[damnedeyez]

actually they are .m4v last I checked. But that's even more annoying cause all you have to do is rename it to mp4 and it plays. I just dont get it.

yeah, good point.

[arcticfox]

actually they are .m4v last I checked. But that's even more annoying cause all you have to do is rename it to mp4 and it plays. I just dont get it.

I think they should have a vote on the front page and put up .mp4 and .mov for HD and see what the people want. I mean the point of rev3 is that its for us right? That is what most the shows say anyway.

You make us sad rev3. We still luv ya though.
Its not that they are putting it in .MOV container just to spite you, the program they use might not support .MP4 output and granted its not a lot of extra work but to do that to every show time mounts up, the way they do it might be completely automated, there could be loads of factors.

I dont see why the viewer demuxing and remuxing that takes a few minutes at best if they want to watch it on PS3 is a chore.

[damnedeyez]

I dont see why the viewer demuxing and remuxing that takes a few minutes at best if they want to watch it on PS3 is a chore.

It has a lot to do with including another system and process, rather than clicking on the link on the page and having it download/watchable directly to the PS3 (in HD)

[darknessgp]

...
I dont see why the viewer demuxing and remuxing that takes a few minutes at best if they want to watch it on PS3 is a chore.

Perhaps they should then only have 1 format, mkv. have a small, large and HD. I mean, why does it matter that if their viewers want to do anything with it other than watch on a PC they have to mess with the actual video file

Seriously though, damnedeyez has it right. It about getting the PC out of the picture. Also, last time I checked mp4 is more widely used for HD video than .mov is. Why are Rev3 behind the times?

[dolson]

Obviously it's easier if the thousands of viewers just convert to whatever format they want, rather than have one person at Revision3 do it only once.

[iccanui]

Its not that they are putting it in .MOV container just to spite you, the program they use might not support .MP4 output and granted its not a lot of extra work but to do that to every show time mounts up, the way they do it might be completely automated, there could be loads of factors.

I dont see why the viewer demuxing and remuxing that takes a few minutes at best if they want to watch it on PS3 is a chore.


Of course not. But it it doesnt make it any less frustrating that its such a small difference. I understand the .mov thing... well actually i dont, but i can at least understand its a entirely different containter extension. .m4v can be just renamed like i said. I have a program here that will search my HD and rename all .m4v to .mp4 and even schedule a scan, if they need it they can get it too if your point is correct.

I know what the problem is. The problem is they have other more important things to worry about. I can accept that. I just wish i hadnt heard " we are working on it " and " we are playing with the formats right now to see which is the best" then never hear another word about it for months. It was a tease :(

Ive done months of my own testing and .mp4 is every bit as good, at least in my opinion and i just cant find a sound argument against it since its also a vastly more compatible container. For a IPTV network looking to move past the PC to the TV i just cant see how its not being used or in the least offered as a alternative. So till they change their mind im just gonna shut up and quit bitching cause nothing comes of it. Though when a thread pops up i think i should at least add to it so they know there is a need still for it.


Ahhhh, to just go tot he page and watch HD quality through my Ps3 with no need for a media server to push and convert. I can dream.

[dolson]

This seemed to work:

ffmpeg -i internetsuperstar--lilsuperstar--0054--2008-05-13expandingwomen--hd.h264.mov -vcodec copy -acodec copy high-def-test1.mp4

high-def-test1.mp4: ISO Media, MPEG v4 system, version 1
internetsuperstar--lilsuperstar--0054--2008-05-13expandingwomen--hd.h264.mov: ISO Media, Apple QuickTime movie

Time to test on the PS3...

Nope.. Video is fine, but no audio. :\ I'll keep messing with it..

[arcticfox]

Perhaps they should then only have 1 format, mkv. have a small, large and HD. I mean, why does it matter that if their viewers want to do anything with it other than watch on a PC they have to mess with the actual video file
Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

Theyve already said it many a time on many different shows, they cant please everyone and they cant guarantee that they can get every encoded version of the show out at the same time if someone wants it in x format with z container.

You have a few options, download it and remux it into a new container, email the TRS guys or Jim Louderback.

Seriously though, damnedeyez has it right. It about getting the PC out of the picture. Also, last time I checked mp4 is more widely used for HD video than .mov is. Why are Rev3 behind the times?
Maybe because they use Mac Pros to encode and the software they use wont support output to .MP4.

.MP4 isnt more widely used for HD video, its just container that is set by the specifications of the H.264 standard, .MKV is wideley used for warez HD rips and HDTV rips of tv programs, and .MOV is used because its free from licensing and many of the encoding machines are Mac Pros with Apple software.

[dolson]

I didn't know that what the pirates used for hi-def video had any bearing on the argument.

[arcticfox]

It doesnt, he was erroneously stating that MP4 was the standard when it isnt. .MP4 container is quite limited in what you can put in it, it cant hold DTS or AC3 its not standards compliant.

[darknessgp]

...
.MP4 isnt more widely used for HD video, its just container that is set by the specifications of the H.264 standard, .MKV is wideley used for warez HD rips and HDTV rips of tv programs, and .MOV is used because its free from licensing and many of the encoding machines are Mac Pros with Apple software.

actually mkv was first widely used in Anime and has only recently became popular for HD rips... I never said it was a standard, so please don't put words in my mouth. I've seen HD video in .mp4 and rarely in any other, the exception being mkv. Since you seem to be an expert on it, what is the most widely used format for HD video?

Also, about the "they can't please everyone". That statement has little bearing when Rev3's own staff said they would like to switch formats up - This thread (http://revision3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15922) - Apparently, you missed that. My whole point is that they are just not doing it, not that they might not be capable of doing it or that not many people want it (a lot do btw).

[mikeyvegas]

...I'm not a big fan of bumping old threads(let alone my own) but WTF! We've gone from having a none PS3 HD video option, to now not even having an HD option. I'm in the process of of building a HTPC partially to get past the format issue, but you guys(rev3 that is) had me spoiled with the idea of being able to watch my favorite podcast in HD on my 60" sony. Could someone help a fan out???

[b0b0]

I just tried the ffmpeg direct stream copy method, using the little Internet Superstar HD-h264 mov, and while it does produce an mp4 that will play on the ps3, the ps3 cannot handle the bitrate of the HD h264 files. The performance is very choppy, which is surprising seeing as how good the cell processor is supposed to be.

In general, I've read that the PS3 does not handle AVC files well beyond a certain bitrate threshold.

[digitalfirefly]

Currently I throw the shows on my USB stick and watch them on my 360. I'd much rather watch them on the PS3 simply because it's quieter.

[darknessgp]

I just tried the ffmpeg direct stream copy method, using the little Internet Superstar HD-h264 mov, and while it does produce an mp4 that will play on the ps3, the ps3 cannot handle the bitrate of the HD h264 files. The performance is very choppy, which is surprising seeing as how good the cell processor is supposed to be.

In general, I've read that the PS3 does not handle AVC files well beyond a certain bitrate threshold.

That sounds like an issue with your outputted h264 file. I've done pass through converts of HD versions of shows with no choppiness or stuttering. Also, Rev3 HD versions has lower bitrate than a real HD show. and I've watched 1080P blu-ray movie rips on my PS3. So, like I said, it sounds like it might be an issue with the file your outputting.

Well, it's been months later and still no change or update from Rev3. Guess we won't be seeing a format change any time soon, or it's right around the corner and they just won't tell us.

[iccanui]

Just as a point, not that anyone is reading this that it matters too im sure. But i made that post on page one 2 months ago, on info that was 2 or 3 months old. So about 5 months since we were promised a .mp4 HD version.

Love rev3 and if you dont wanna do something, i can understand, i know what it takes to render another, it just doesnt magically appear on the rss. But please, dont promise something your not gonna do. There is no reason that we dont have this. They release HD version in .m4v and all they have to do is rename that one to .mp4 and post a new feed and the issue would be resloved.

Very frustrating.

[b0b0]

That sounds like an issue with your outputted h264 file. I've done pass through converts of HD versions of shows with no choppiness or stuttering. Also, Rev3 HD versions has lower bitrate than a real HD show. and I've watched 1080P blu-ray movie rips on my PS3. So, like I said, it sounds like it might be an issue with the file your outputting.

Well, it's been months later and still no change or update from Rev3. Guess we won't be seeing a format change any time soon, or it's right around the corner and they just won't tell us.

How do you do your conversions?

[b0b0]

Just as a point, not that anyone is reading this that it matters too im sure. But i made that post on page one 2 months ago, on info that was 2 or 3 months old. So about 5 months since we were promised a .mp4 HD version.

Love rev3 and if you dont wanna do something, i can understand, i know what it takes to render another, it just doesnt magically appear on the rss. But please, dont promise something your not gonna do. There is no reason that we dont have this. They release HD version in .m4v and all they have to do is rename that one to .mp4 and post a new feed and the issue would be resloved.

Very frustrating.

I think the problem is that Rev3's Quicktime releases are not AVC-Compliant, probably due to encoding or the container. Hardware devices like the PS3 will not accept any mp4 or mov files that are not completely compliant with the standard.

[iccanui]

i rename from m4v to mp4 and it works.

[b0b0]

I have had some success getting the HD Quicktime files to work, using the method outlined in this blog post:
http://johnmharding.blogspot.com/2008/06/more-mencoder-for-iphone-appletv-coming.html


mencoder -mc 0 -ovc copy -oac copy -of lavf internetsuperstar*.mov -o input.mp4
MP4Box -raw 1 input.mp4
MP4Box -raw 2 input.mp4
MP4Box -new remuxed.mp4 -add input_track1.h264 -add input_track2.aac -fps 23.976


The remuxed.mp4 was then playable on the PS3, albeit with a little frame corruption that may have originated from the mov file. This method seems to circumvent some of the stream header problems and produces an mp4 that is recognized correctly as AVC.

I will continue to experiment with this process, choosing other Rev3 HD mov files to test, and report my findings later, but for now, this is promising.

Edit: I tried this on the latest tekzilla episode, and it produces a playable file, although there are some desync issues, probably due to the -mc 0 flag.

[dolson]

i rename from m4v to mp4 and it works.

Doesn't work for me.
Are you sure you're doing that with the HD files rather than the QT Large files? Cuz the latter works for me, but not HD.

[b0b0]

Doesn't work for me.
Are you sure you're doing that with the HD files rather than the QT Large files? Cuz the latter works for me, but not HD.

The HD files are encapsulated differently than Large Quicktime, using the mov container rather than m4v/mp4. There is some discrepancy between the two, at least as far as how Rev3 has produced them, probably in the header information.

Renaming the HD-Quicktime .mov files does not work. They have to be properly remuxed into standards-compliant mp4.

This can be easily done using Quicktime Pro, which is why Rev3 should do it in the first place, replacing their HD mov files with compliant mp4 files. The process is completely lossless and does not affect the audio/video encoding, takes a couple of minutes, and will merely produce a file that hardware players like the PS3 will be happy with.

[iccanui]

Doesn't work for me.
Are you sure you're doing that with the HD files rather than the QT Large files? Cuz the latter works for me, but not HD.


Well, i havent done it in a while, i got sick of renaming and streaming so i submitted to flash on a PC and wmv for the ps3. Ill try to get one later and give it a go. Maybe something changed, but it DID work, i had a whole IPTV media center setup before.

[Hellfighter]

Just thought I'd mention that if you use a Mac, grab MPEG Streamclip and Save As MP4 and it works. I stream it over Nullriver's Medialink from there. Somebody else gave me the tip in another part of the forum a while ago.