I need to create an mpeg2 file program stream (1 file for both audio and HD video) and using an ac3 audio mix with 5.1 souround. Any ideas?

I dont think a mpeg2 file program stream can have a AC3 file.

Of course if you use something like M2TS it wouldnt be a problem.

I dont think a mpeg2 file program stream can have a AC3 file.

Of course if you use something like M2TS it wouldnt be a problem.

Of course an MPEG2 program stream can accommodate it. That's what VOB is. Also, it's the format that TiVo outputs when you download a recorded program from it.

Of course an MPEG2 program stream can accommodate it. That's what VOB is. Also, it's the format that TiVo outputs when you download a recorded program from it.

This is a popular misconception. a VOB DOES NOT equal a mpeg program stream (MPG)

People seem to think that if they change the vob extension to mpg then they'll in fact get a mpg. This is not always the case since a vob can contain multiple audio streams as well as multiple subtitle tracks. If you're REAL lucky then you're dealing with a very simple vob that has one stereo wav file as an audio stream and no subtitle files... THEN the extension change will work.

A vob is in fact a mpg based elementary stream (M2V) with various audio layers and such muxed in.

This is a popular misconception. a VOB DOES NOT equal a mpeg program stream (MPG)

No, it's an MPEG-2 program stream. That's not the same thing.

A vob is in fact a mpg based elementary stream (M2V) with various audio layers and such muxed in.

Well, it would appear that Wikipedia thinks you're wrong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VOB). Also, an elementary stream doesn't *have* a wrapper. That's why it's an *elementary* stream - M2V is just raw MPEG-2 video packets all by themselves with no multiplexing container. How would you mux MPEG-2 video and something else without a container format?

Edit: Also, 'file' doesn't lie:

$ file VTS_12_1.VOB
VTS_12_1.VOB: MPEG sequence, v2, program multiplex

No, it's an MPEG-2 program stream. That's not the same thing.


Right!

Take a vob from a commercial dvd, change the extension to MPG... and let me know what you get ;)

An MPG is in fact comprised of an M2V. It's muxed with an audio file to form a....... MPG. In other words there is M2V in ANY mpeg2 based video.

M2V + Program info + single audio track (mono or multi channel) = MPG
M2V + Transport info + single audio track (mono or multi channel) = M2T
M2V + program info + one or more audio tracks, one or more video angles, one or more subtitle tracks....etc = VOB
A VOB is also limited to 1gig or less, while MPG does not have such a limitation

So it's easy to see (and as stated above), IF you get a simple and basic VOB that contains a single audio track (mono or multi channel) and nothing else, a name change to mpg WILL work.

If you change the vob extension on a commercial dvd that contains multiple audio/video/subtitle tracks to MPG, you will either get the primary audio track and lose all other info..... or you will get no audio at all.... depending on how confused your player is over the name change.

I need to create an mpeg2 file program stream (1 file for both audio and HD video) and using an ac3 audio mix with 5.1 souround. Any ideas?

You can try IMAGOmpg muxer. I've never used it but they claim it will create a program stream with AC3

The program however calls for a M2V... not a mpg... (mpg already has audio)

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/ImagoMPEG-Muxer