Filed under: Multimedia, Software, Video, Freeware
MPEG Streamclip: complete video encoding software
Ok, so MPEG Streamclip certainly isn't new but it's such a solid piece of software that I feel like I just need to give it a random mention. I broke it out for the first time in a few months the other day, and I was instantly reminded of how much I really appreciate this software's versatility. MPEG Streamclip is a video encoding application for converting to, and from, a boatload of different formats including: MPEG, MOV, DV, MP4, AVI, and others. You can convert raw Final Cut Pro video files (my most often used function), demux VOB files, and easily export screenshots. And it supports DivX, WMV, and FLV with the necessary components, in addition to all of the other standard formats. The software is along the same vein as ffmpegX, but the somewhat 'easier' nature of MPEG Streamclip is what really makes it shine. Encoding settings are a-plenty and easily tweakable, plus the software is quick, too. Anyway, if you're looking for a complete video encoding package for exporting Final Cut projects, or want to make some quick MP4s for your iPod, or whatever it is you might want to do with the video lying around on your hard drive, MPEG Streamclip is a fine option for your video tinkering and encoding needs. Oh, and of course: it's free.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MurphyMac said 12:32PM on 2-08-2007
Great for processing stuff from TiVo
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John Anthony Evans said 1:00PM on 2-08-2007
If you have Final Cut Pro why on earth are you not using Compressor?
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parker said 1:51PM on 2-08-2007
Just stumbled across this fantastic app last week. It's also good for (mild) editing and converting .flv media to other formats.
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Victor Agreda Jr said 2:52PM on 2-08-2007
I remember several years ago trying to export out a simple AVI or MOV from AVID so we could use this massive BlueIce tool to compress to 3 formats at once (back when Real was relevant). THAT was painful. AVID was on NT at the time...
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Mathieu said 5:18PM on 2-08-2007
This is a MUST HAVE piece of software. I've been using it for years now and I recomend it everyweek (almost) on the finalcutmtl forum. To re-author DVD or to extract footage for archives...this is THE software. It is also available from the apple website so it has to be good...doesn't it? ;)
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Shankar Chakkere said 2:43PM on 2-08-2007
It runs on windows too! I use it with ReplayTV MPEG.
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Grover said 3:30PM on 2-08-2007
MurphyMac, come again? In my experience, trying to deal with MPEGs from Tivo is the only situation in which MPEG Streamclip has failed me. MS uses QT to decode MPEG-2, so it can't decode anything QT can't decode, and QT has a major problem with the MPEGs that come from a Tivo.
If you've got some info, please share cause it's been driving me nuts.
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superjeff said 3:50PM on 2-08-2007
Grover,
Purchase the $20 utility from Apple to play MPEG-2 files.
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/
Install that, and you will be able to convert MPEG-2 clips to any of the available formats in MPEG Streamclip.
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Adrian said 4:58PM on 2-08-2007
My favorite for $23...
http://www.techspansion.com/visualhub/
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MurphyMac said 7:05PM on 2-08-2007
Grover -
I should have clarified. Hacked DirecTv TiVo. And before Streamclip can read them I have to strip the wrapper with TyTools.
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william Evans said 6:25PM on 2-08-2007
Thanks alot TUAW, I had no idea of this app, its just superb!
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xGrape said 3:51AM on 2-09-2007
I'm with the guy who said it was great for prosessing stuff from the TiVo. I personally own a KiSS Media Player, but the basic use is the same. Transfer content to the Mac, cut out some commercials, and then save as a QuickTime file with de-interlacing. It does this job very well.
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Patrick said 5:36AM on 2-09-2007
This app is really great, it's the only media player I know of which can scrub through .flv.
Greetings
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Jose said 11:58AM on 2-09-2007
I've found that programs that use ffmpeg to encode/decode cannot do 5.1 AC3 sound to AAC encoding keeping the AC3... the only program I've found that does it easily is Nero Recode 2 which (unfortunately) only runs on PCs. Handbrake can do AC3 in AVI files, but I would much rather have mp4s since FrontRow and AppleTV may not work with AVIs.
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arkowi said 11:20AM on 2-09-2007
Great post.
I use the program to export files from my EyeTV 500 (HDTV Mpeg streams) to DivX files compatible with my DivX enabled DVD player. It does a *much* nicer and faster job than the EyeTV software...IMHO.
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Grover said 9:12AM on 2-10-2007
SuperJeff and MurphyMac,
I appreciate the effort, but I'm well aware of both the MPEG-2 codec for QT and the various tools for stripping the mpeg from the Tivo wrapper. But once you do that from most Series 2 Tivos, the resulting file will not play in QT or anything that relies on it, including MPEG Streamclip. FFMPEG based software such as VisualHub will decode the file, but that's only good for transcoding to less than optimal formats for editing. 3ivx Crush will convert to Apple Intermediate Codec, which means minimal transcoding and would be a fine solution, but it's not yet a Universal Binary and is missing crucial features under Rosetta.
The fact that MurphyMac is using a DirecTivo would explain the difference. I really wish DirecTV hadn't dropped it, I'd have gotten one.
Thanks anyway though guys.
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Ross said 1:27PM on 2-26-2007
FAST FIX FOR EDITING TiVo series 2 file with MPEG StreamClip (at least for Intel Macs)
Problem:
When I try to load a TiVo file (converted to .mpg via TiVo Decoder manager) get good audio but no video, just a white screen.
Solution:
Just add the files to VLC's play list and use the Streaming/Exporting wizard to encapsulate as a "TS" with NO transcoding. This method is VERY fast and can handle a whole batch of file. It took less then 20min to process 10 on hour videos. The resulting files open in MPEG StreamClip with no problem.
Note: I have both a G5 desktop and an Intel based MacBook Pro. This solution only seemed to work on my MacBook Pro, however, I haven't experimented much with this on with the G5.
Good luck all
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