Questions about avchd/h.264 and tsmuxer

[peeboy]

I'm a bit new to this and I have a question that I'm not sure of. I have a movie in h.264 format. If I had the same movie in avchd format (for my ps3) is it the same quality (if they are both 1080p)? This is the part I'm confused about. If avchd is just a codec, does that mean the underlying movie is the same quality? I've been backing up in h.264 so that I can recode to my ps3 or xbox360 if I want to. If I get it in avchd will my backups be of the the best possible quality?

Also as a second question, when using tsmuxer to remux my h.264 files in ps3 usable format, I have to change the avc level from 5.1 to 4.1. Does this cause a drop in quality (either visually or audibly) as well?

Any explanations to clear my foggy mind would be great.

[Atak_Snajpera]

AVCHD = h.264 video stream + AC3 audio stream in .m2ts container . You don't have to change level from 5.1 to 4.1. Also It does not cause a drop in quality. It is just a simple information in video stream. Nothing above that.

[peeboy]

Thanks for the reply. It was super helpful. I was having trouble understanding all the various formats movies are in, such as h.264, avchd and vc-1. Things are making more sense now.

Much appreciated.