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Roku210 Media Player: Best Media Format using FCP Compressor

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whiteroom
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Hello Tech Wizards I have a 5 minute & 10 minute 16:9 HD (1080 x 1440) project, each to be looped & projected on 4 walls using The Roku 210 & Epson EH-TW 3000 projectors. The specs for the Roku suggest an MPEG-2 or a H.264 codec. Be superb to get advice on the best export pathway using Final cut Pro's Compressor Version 3.5 (either a preset or custom setting & any bitrate or de-interlacing specifics, ie: transport stream vs program etc). Also, my mov. files look a lot better than any Quicktimes I've exported so far, but can the media player accept these or can I only provide MPEG-2s? Many thanks in advance ! Michelle
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  • 0
    Avatar
    RokuLyndon


    This faq item has directions for final cut export. At the bottom of the faq item is a zip file containing compressor settings files for mpeg2. I believe you can just drag the into your export window.
    <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://support.brightsign.biz/entries/170241-how-do-i-create-videos-using-final-cut-and-compressor">http://support.brightsign.biz/entries/1 ... compressor</a><!-- m -->


    For your h.264 encoded mov file, a user was kind enough to post directions for exporting mov files that can be easily converted with tsmuxer. we don't play mov files yet. But, ts muxer can change the container format from mov to transport stream in seconds, without any re-encoding. But, to use tsmuxer, you have to export the movs a certain way.


    Using TSMuxer, you can change the container type of your h.264 encoded MOV file, produced by final cut / compressor, to a Transport Stream. That Transport Stream should then playback on the BrightSign. Since the video isn’t re-encoded, there should be no quality loss.

    Here are directions posted by a BrightSign user showing how to create MOV files that are compatible with TSMuxer.

    Create the animation / video (use a Broadcast 1080 or 720 format for HD)

    Choose File-> Export - Make sure the Export field is Quicktime Movie

    Press Options

    Select Kind = Quicktime Movie, Compressor = H.264.
    You can experiment with the Quality slider depending upon your content, but I have found settings as low as 50% are still very good.

    Click OK and Save As the file you want to create (.MOV).

    Close the video preview window that may open after the file has been rendered

    Close Motion / Final Cut (don't forget to save your Motion file)

    Open the .MOV file in the finder (it should open with Quicktime Player)
    Your movie should play back here. Press Pause / Stop to stop playback

    Choose Window->Show Movie Properties

    You will see that in addition to your video track there are one or two other tracks along with this file. There may be a Text Track, and / or an unknown track with the file's name. These are the unnecessary tracks that are confusing TSMuxer.

    Click on the video track (the format will be H.264) and press extract. If your video has audio, select the audio and video tracks together. This feature is only available with Quicktime Pro, which comes with Final Cut Studio, or you can buy an upgrade separately from Apple's website.

    A new video window will open with your video with the header "Untitled". Choose Save As and choose a new file name. You won't be able to call it the same as the original .MOV file.

    Open TSMuxer, and click on Add, and select the new extracted file.

    Press Start Muxing, and the .TS file will be created. This file can be played back directly from the Brightsign units.
  • 0
    Avatar
    whiteroom


    Dear Lyndon

    thanks so much for your super-speedy response.
    I've been testing various mpeg-2 exports but unfortunately I still have a major issue with any mpeg & that's HORIZONTAL BANDING / TRACE LINES across any movement in the film.
    The last export I did through Compressor as per your excellent specs I also changed to progressive to hope to solve the problem, sadly no.
    Although this is a PROGRAM STREAM (& not TRANSPORT as per the suggestions with tsmuxer). Is this correct, or should I be exporting an mpeg Transport stream for the Brightsign units? Please see the exact specs below in case I'm missing something fundamental. I've even reimported the file back into fcpro, in case it was Quicktime Player making up the banding, but I also get it there.
    I'd be grateful if you or any other member may have a solution.
    My mov. files do not have this banding issue across movement, so would you suggest I go with the tsmuxer conversion? (I need to get a copy of tsmuxer but I trust that it is readily available?)
    MPEG-2 SPECSs:
    Name: Program Stream
    Description: MPEG-2 Program Stream with MPEG audio at 48kHz. Settings based off the source resolution and frame-rate.
    File Extension: mpeg
    Estimated size: 6.75 GB/hour of source
    Type: MPEG-2 program stream
    Video Encoder
    Format: M2V
    Width and Height: Automatic (1440 x 1080)
    Pixel aspect ratio: Default
    Crop: None
    Padding: None
    Frame rate: (100% of source)
    Frame Controls: Automatically selected: Off
    Start timecode from source
    Aspect ratio: Automatic
    Selected 16:9
    Field dominance: Automatic (set to progressive)
    Average bit rate: 15 (Mbps)
    2 Pass VBR enabled
    Maximum bit rate: 20 (Mbps)
    High quality
    Best motion estimation
    Closed GOP Size: 1/2 second, Structure: IBBP
    Audio Encoder
    Format: MPEG
    Sample Rate: 48.000kHz
    Channels: 2
    Bits Per Sample: 16

    Many thanks!
    Michelle
  • 0
    Avatar
    RokuLyndon


    Can you encode a smaller clip with this problem, and upload it so I can download and have someone look at it? Do your mpeg2s have this issue when played back on your computer? You can use either program or transport streams. It shouldn't affect your video quality.

    If the movs look better on your computer, then it doesn't hurt to try running them through tsmuxer.
  • 0
    Avatar
    whiteroom


    Thanks Lyndon!
    Yes the mpeg-2's have the horizontal lines when I view them via either QuickTime 7 or 10, & also when I reimport the mpeg2 back into final cut pro (quality degrades even more).
    But I've only been able to view them on my computer & I'm hoping that the media player will rectify this either through de-interlacing or other but I'm probably dreaming?
    That's why the idea to use the mov.s (converted via tsmuxer) as a fall-back if I can't solve the mpeg-2 horizontal lines across movement.
    I'll send you a separate link with a small clip - I appreciate your help on this <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->
    PS: Have also sent you a separate smaller question re: Interlacing & mpeg-2 as there are 2 projects that will utilise the media players & I didn't want to confuse the two.
    Cheers !!
  • 0
    Avatar
    RokuLyndon


    what's the specs of the content you're starting with, that you're converting to mpeg2?
  • 0
    Avatar
    whiteroom


    Specs of the original content are:
    1440 x 1080
    25 fps
    Compressor: HDV 1080i50
    Audio: 48 KHz
    Field Dominance: Upper (Odd)
    The 210 will be synching a 4-wall projection of 2 looped projects: the first is 4:40 mins & the other is 10 mins. Both have sound.

    I'm using final cut pro 7 & Compressor 3.5 to convert the project to mpeg-2 (as per the Roku specs recommending a Program Stream).
    Not sure if I have to tick "progressive" or leave "automatic" (which states the field dominance is TOP) & if the horizontal lines are to do with this / a deinterlacing problem.
    Thanks
  • 0
    Avatar
    rdero14


    Hi,  I have Apple Motion (part of the Final Cut Studio) and create content here for digital signage (I have no audio requirement.)  I don't use Final Cut Studio, I only use Motion 4.   Can you recommend the best format to create the content in? (i.e.DVDPRO HD 720p24 , DVC PRO HD 1080p30  HD 720 P 24 )  

    I can export in Quicktime movie mode and can set compressor to H.264.  After I exported it, of course, it won't be accepted by BrightAuthor.  However, It did accept it when I changed the extension to .ts, it did on one occasion.  

    I attempted to download TS MuxeR but they don't have an edition for Snow Leopard yet.  

    Can you tell me:   What formats can I use for the best resolution MPEG2 or TS H.264?  We are using LG LED monitors.


    Best sample Rate?

    Frames per second?

    Resolution?

    Render quality?

    Thanks.  I want to get my setting straight and the not have to woory about it again.  I love the simplicity of your Bright Author.  It's great.   My first unit (of many) arrives on Monday.  it will be my test unit for the office.    Thanks - I eagerly await your response.
  • 0
    Avatar
    RokuLyndon


    <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://instantitunes.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/use-tsmuxer-on-snow-leopard/">http://instantitunes.wordpress.com/2010 ... w-leopard/</a><!-- m -->
    Try this link for tsmuxer for snow leopard.

    This thread here has directions for creating movs that work well with ts muxer.
    <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=27365&p=169973&hilit=mov+tsmuxer#p169973">viewtopic.php?f=19&t=27365&p=169973&hilit=mov+tsmuxer#p169973</a><!-- l -->


    Our video quality technote covers best framerate and bit rate, depending on the resolution you're setting the brightsign to.
    <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="http://forums.roku.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=27365&p=169973&hilit=mov+tsmuxer#p169973">viewtopic.php?f=19&t=27365&p=169973&hilit=mov+tsmuxer#p169973</a><!-- l -->
  • 0
    Avatar
    blujosh


    i've read the instructions below to convert a .mov h.264 file using tsMuxer, but the problem i'm having is that when i installed snow leopard my quicktime pro app was replaced w/ "quicktime player.app (v. 10.0" and there isn't an option to do the following:

    Choose Window->Show Movie Properties

    any suggestions or workarounds?

    thanx,

    _j

    "RokuLyndon" wrote:

    This faq item has directions for final cut export. At the bottom of the faq item is a zip file containing compressor settings files for mpeg2. I believe you can just drag the into your export window.
    <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://support.brightsign.biz/entries/170241-how-do-i-create-videos-using-final-cut-and-compressor">http://support.brightsign.biz/entries/1 ... compressor</a><!-- m -->


    For your h.264 encoded mov file, a user was kind enough to post directions for exporting mov files that can be easily converted with tsmuxer. we don't play mov files yet. But, ts muxer can change the container format from mov to transport stream in seconds, without any re-encoding. But, to use tsmuxer, you have to export the movs a certain way.


    Using TSMuxer, you can change the container type of your h.264 encoded MOV file, produced by final cut / compressor, to a Transport Stream. That Transport Stream should then playback on the BrightSign. Since the video isn’t re-encoded, there should be no quality loss.

    Here are directions posted by a BrightSign user showing how to create MOV files that are compatible with TSMuxer.

    Create the animation / video (use a Broadcast 1080 or 720 format for HD)

    Choose File-> Export - Make sure the Export field is Quicktime Movie

    Press Options

    Select Kind = Quicktime Movie, Compressor = H.264.
    You can experiment with the Quality slider depending upon your content, but I have found settings as low as 50% are still very good.

    Click OK and Save As the file you want to create (.MOV).

    Close the video preview window that may open after the file has been rendered

    Close Motion / Final Cut (don't forget to save your Motion file)

    Open the .MOV file in the finder (it should open with Quicktime Player)
    Your movie should play back here. Press Pause / Stop to stop playback

    Choose Window->Show Movie Properties

    You will see that in addition to your video track there are one or two other tracks along with this file. There may be a Text Track, and / or an unknown track with the file's name. These are the unnecessary tracks that are confusing TSMuxer.

    Click on the video track (the format will be H.264) and press extract. If your video has audio, select the audio and video tracks together. This feature is only available with Quicktime Pro, which comes with Final Cut Studio, or you can buy an upgrade separately from Apple's website.

    A new video window will open with your video with the header "Untitled". Choose Save As and choose a new file name. You won't be able to call it the same as the original .MOV file.

    Open TSMuxer, and click on Add, and select the new extracted file.

    Press Start Muxing, and the .TS file will be created. This file can be played back directly from the Brightsign units.

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