How to: Remux HD MKV to BD Structure on a DVD targeted for PS3

[jamos]

Tutorial for creating BD disks on a BD/DVD from MKV files for PS3

Ok we all know that there is about a zillion supposed ways to do this and its all scattered in bits and pieces here and on the web. This guide shows how to easily make PLAYABLE BD/AVCHD disks from HD MKV sources with NO REENCODING. This may also work with non HD sources too but I have not tested this, and really if it is a non hd source you may as well just burn it with a dvd structure.

Advantages of BD vs. a playable media file on the PS3:
1. no long waits to transfer a file to the PS3 via networking.
2. no hogging up your harddrive space.
3. AC3/DTS playback (only AC3 is supported in media files).
4. Chapters!
5. Improved playback capabilities with the PS3 software.
6. togglible subtitles!

Disadvantages:
1. limited by the size of your media (ie dvd-5 only about 4.3 gig. dvd-9 only about 8.5 gig.).


So if you want to explore AVCHD with your PS3 continue.

IMPORTANT: The media file should be playable by the ps3 before you even try to burn a disk. Currently the PS3 has issues with AVC 5.1 lvl mkvs and video with more than 4 number of Reference Frames @1080p causing black screen but audible audio. PS3 can only handle up to 4. I have confirmed this by setting the num_ref_frames to 4 using H264info and it does play on the PS3 but of course its blocky due to the player only using 4 frames instead of the original number. Also the PS3 currently (fw2.10) does not support 5.1 lvl AVC it must be converted to 4.1. Also some BD are recorded with VC-1 codec these need to be converted into raw AVC .h264 streams.

To get your video streams BD compliant follow this tutorial first if you have issues with playback: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=135795

1. Remux MKV into a BD structure using TSMuxer

TSMuxer is available here: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1103985#post1103985

- Use the add button choose the mkv you want to remux.

- Click on the video stream then click the change level checkbox below and choose 4.1.

- Make sure to have the audio stream selected.

- If you want subtitles you will have to extract the .srt from the .mkv using mkvextract. add them and then set the subtitle font size (I use Arial 45 with 30 bottom offset for 720p and Arial 60 with 40 bottom offset for 1080p) on the subtitle tab.

- Choose BD structure radio button.

- Change the chapter length to the length you want on the BD tab (it defaults to 5 min.).

- Click Start Muxing and wait for it to finish.

- A BDMV and Certificate folder are created in the same directory your source file was in.

2. Optional - Test output if you have a BD software player such as Windvd 8.

If you have a BD software player test the output directory by choosing it from the file structure you just created and it should play.

3. Burn with Nero 7 or 8 or use the new version of IMGBurn 2.4 http://www.afterdawn.com/software/cdr_software/cdr_tools/imgburn.cfm.

How to do this with nero:

- Open nero burning rom.

- Choose dvd-rom udf from left icons.

- Click the udf tab.

- Choose manual settings in options.

- Change UDF file system version to 2.50.

- Click new.

- Browse on the right to the directory structure you created with TSmuxer.

- Drag the BDMV and the Certificate folders to the left pane.

- Choose the drive to burn from the upper dropdown.

- Click burn then click burn again to start burning.

You should now have a playable AVCHD disk for you PS3.

note: if you do not get any video or now playback at all then you probably are using a MKV source that is not compatable with the PS3 without reencoding.

To check this before you burn you could make a .TS file using TSmuxer as output as in step 3 instead of the M2TS output, and see if it plays as a video file on your PS3 (you can use TVersity server to stream it to the PS3). If the media file will not play then do not bother continuing to create a AVCHD with this source.

my to do list for this tutorial:
add screenshots.
show how to burn with IMGburn 2.4.4.0.

Enjoy...

Jamos:cool:

[Atak_Snajpera]

Fix the video stream to play on the PS3 using H264info

Finally I know what I was missing :)

[VintageGuy]

Hey jamos thx 4 the tutorial. I finally have it playing on PS3 but unfortunately the audio will not play and there's a big green bar across the bottom of video. I started with a 720p 1280x528 mkv. I ripped the original ac3 and brought it down to 192kb 5.1. (just so I can fit on 1 dvd and it does) and everything plays fine through mplayer audio and picture. Did all your steps and ended with the no audio and green bar thingy. LOL the audio is showing up on the info display on the PS3 as dolby digital 5.1 192kb 48khz but it wont sound. The original is a AC3 and I just took it down to 192 AC3 with DAudioK and it plays fine on it's own and shows up as ac3 192kb 48khz. Any ideas? And the new m2ts plays fine on it's own through mplayer even the m2ts in the stream folder inside the BMDV. Can't figure out whats wrong.

[lance79]

For blu-ray output source resolution must be 1280x720 or 1920x1080 ...

Hey jamos thx 4 the tutorial. I finally have it playing on PS3 but unfortunately the audio will not play and there's a big green bar across the bottom of video. I started with a 720p 1280x588 mkv. I ripped the original ac3 and brought it down to 192kb 5.1. (just so I can fit on 1 dvd and it does) and everything plays fine through mplayer audio and picture. Did all your steps and ended with the no audio and green bar thingy. LOL the audio is showing up on the info display on the PS3 as dolby digital 5.1 192kb 48khz but it wont sound. The original is a AC3 and I just took it down to 192 AC3 with DAudioK and it plays fine on it's own and shows up as ac3 192kb 48khz. Any ideas? And the new m2ts plays fine on it's own through mplayer even the m2ts in the stream folder inside the BMDV. Can't figure out whats wrong.

[VintageGuy]

For blu-ray output source resolution must be 1280x720 or 1920x1080 ...


You mean precise! OK Thx

[jamos]

Hey jamos thx 4 the tutorial. I finally have it playing on PS3 but unfortunately the audio will not play and there's a big green bar across the bottom of video. I started with a 720p 1280x528 mkv. I ripped the original ac3 and brought it down to 192kb 5.1. (just so I can fit on 1 dvd and it does) and everything plays fine through mplayer audio and picture. Did all your steps and ended with the no audio and green bar thingy. LOL the audio is showing up on the info display on the PS3 as dolby digital 5.1 192kb 48khz but it wont sound. The original is a AC3 and I just took it down to 192 AC3 with DAudioK and it plays fine on it's own and shows up as ac3 192kb 48khz. Any ideas? And the new m2ts plays fine on it's own through mplayer even the m2ts in the stream folder inside the BMDV. Can't figure out whats wrong.
Did you uncheck the bypass audio align button in TSremux? The green bar may be due to your resolution but not sure. There is no need to change the audio AVCHD can handle any ac3 or dts.

[buzzqw]

the bad news is that h264info don't have a command line interface

BHH

[jamos]

the bad news is that h264info don't have a command line interface

BHH


Yup not sure why they do not have one.:confused:

I am hoping that Tsmuxer will have all these features working soon so it will just be a 1 program process.

[estebanzia]

Thanks!This looks really great!
I'll give it a shot this evening...Looking forward to see the subtitle support!

[VintageGuy]

Did you uncheck the bypass audio align button in TSremux? The green bar may be due to your resolution but not sure. There is no need to change the audio AVCHD can handle any ac3 or dts.


Yes Jamos I unchecked it. The resolution may be because were not able to set autosize (ex. 16x9, 2.35:1 etc....). I'll try and see if I can find a perfect 1280x720. Also I did the conversion on the original AC3 because it was finishing up at 4.56gb and I thought it was a waste cutting and using a DL DVD just for an extra couple of 100mb. But I'm wondering is there a minimum bit rate needed for the audio(like 224kb for a DVD)?

[jamos]

Yes Jamos I unchecked it. The resolution may be because were not able to set autosize (ex. 16x9, 2.35:1 etc....). I'll try and see if I can find a perfect 1280x720. Also I did the conversion on the original AC3 because it was finishing up at 4.56gb and I thought it was a waste cutting and using a DL DVD just for an extra couple of 100mb. But I'm wondering is there a minimum bit rate needed for the audio(like 224kb for a DVD)?

Your problem is your resolution is not standard and will not work with AVCHD. The problem that most widescreeen mkvs are not standard usually they crop the tops and bottoms of the picture to save space. So basically we are out of luck with those without reencoding. As far as audio I would try creating a .ts file from tsmuxer and see if it plays on your ps3 as a file (it should).

[PleXuS]

i followed all the steps above..
but i burned it onto Bluray RE disc..
The disc works but i get black screen and only the sound :|

anyone know how that come?

when i play the m2ts file into nero player it displays all ok!?

best regards,
PleXuS

[Atak_Snajpera]

i followed all the steps above..
but i burned it onto Bluray RE disc..
The disc works but i get black screen and only the sound :|

Too many ref frames I guess.

note: I have noticed some skipping/stuttering on playback on the PS3. I suspect the PS3 bluray player just does not handle burned dvds very well as they play fine using my computers dvd drives.
It happens only if video was encoded with b-pyramid

[jamos]

Too many ref frames I guess.


It happens only if video was encoded with b-pyramid

Not really, it plays fine using the same disk on my computer unless that is a known bug with the ps3. Ref frames are fine, I assume you meant to be replying to PleXus on that comment.

Also it plays fine from the file on the PS3 and on the new Sony BDP-S500 so I would say its the PS3 BD player or firmware.

[jamos]

i followed all the steps above..
but i burned it onto Bluray RE disc..
The disc works but i get black screen and only the sound :|

anyone know how that come?

when i play the m2ts file into nero player it displays all ok!?

best regards,
PleXuS


too many ref frames. PS3 can only handle 4. Remember to make a .ts file and stream it to your PS3 as mentioned above you should get the same result.

[Atak_Snajpera]

Does Bluray structure allow 25fps ? I am asking because I have few movies recorded from PAL HDTV.

[PleXuS]

too many ref frames. PS3 can only handle 4. Remember to make a .ts file and stream it to your PS3 as mentioned above you should get the same result.

i adjusted the ref frames to 4 but still didn't do the job!
can it be that the resolution is wrong why it don't display?
1280x528 is the movie resolution.. when i change it with info tool to 1280x720 i get also black screen playing it in nero player the m2ts file.

best regards,
PleXuS

[trojanfoe]

Thanks for the guide Jamos - been waiting a while to be able to do this. When you say ISOBurn 1.4.4.0, do you mean ImgBurn?

[XolocoTuxmaster]

If AVCHD doesn't work to you people try the more advanced BD-9

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=134402

[jamos]

Thanks for the guide Jamos - been waiting a while to be able to do this. When you say ISOBurn 1.4.4.0, do you mean ImgBurn?

right I mean imgburn that is a typo sorry.

[jamos]

If AVCHD doesn't work to you people try the more advanced BD-9

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=134402

you can use this method importing raw extracted .h264 streams from a mkv?? If so how do you do this?

Also isnt scenarist like very expensive?

[jamos]

i adjusted the ref frames to 4 but still didn't do the job!
can it be that the resolution is wrong why it don't display?
1280x528 is the movie resolution.. when i change it with info tool to 1280x720 i get also black screen playing it in nero player the m2ts file.

best regards,
PleXuS


1280x528 is non standard, the only way to fix it is to reencode to 1280x720 h264info does not change anything except for the header info on size not the actual picture.

[Atak_Snajpera]

Also isnt scenarist like very expensive?

Exactly! How much did you pay for scenarists XolocoTuxmaster? ;)

[trojanfoe]

right I mean imgburn that is a typo sorry.

No problem, but you mean 2.4.4.0? Anyway have re-muxed a 720p version of a popular tv series that my wife loves (that's just started a new series :rolleyes:) but I cannot write the final image as I don't have anything that can write UDF 2.5. Are beta versions of ImgBurn available to non-beta testers anywhere? I'm guessing no, but so close, and yet...

[jamos]

No problem, but you mean 2.4.4.0? Anyway have re-muxed a 720p version of a popular tv series that my wife loves (that's just started a new series :rolleyes:) but I cannot write the final image as I don't have anything that can write UDF 2.5. Are beta versions of ImgBurn available to non-beta testers anywhere? I'm guessing no, but so close, and yet...

you could download a free trial of Nero and use that for a bit.

[trojanfoe]

you could download a free trial of Nero and use that for a bit.

Even better, there is a utility called "BRDGen" (http://brdgen.ps3news.com/) that can create .iso files in PS3-compatible format. These can then be written in "write mode" from ImgBurn 2.3.2.0! ImgBurn reckons the resulting .iso is ISO9660, Joliet and UDF 2.5 and the PS3 doesn't have any problem reading them.


Also Nero 7 doesn't support UDF 2.50 (or not the version I tried anyway)

Could you update your guide jamos to reflect these comments?

Cheers,
Andy

[B4tm4n]

Also Nero 7 doesn't support UDF 2.50 (or not the version I tried anyway)

Cheers,
Andy

Yes it does.

http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/3732/picture1jo5.png
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/4016/picture2la8.png

[PleXuS]

1280x528 is non standard, the only way to fix it is to reencode to 1280x720 h264info does not change anything except for the header info on size not the actual picture.

how do scenarist handle it?
reencoding it is no solution.. it lowers you pictures quality.
and is verry sloow :)

best regards,
PleXuS

[trojanfoe]

Yes it does.


Hmmm, strange. Oh well, the version I tried didn't, just went up to 2.01 (I think). Never mind, using free software is always better.

[trojanfoe]

how do scenarist handle it?
reencoding it is no solution.. it lowers you pictures quality.
and is verry sloow :)

best regards,
PleXuS

This was answered by BigMango (http://forum.doom9.org/member.php?u=114116) in the TsRemux thread, using AVISynth:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1095950#post1095950

However you do need to re-encode :(

[jamos]

how do scenarist handle it?
reencoding it is no solution.. it lowers you pictures quality.
and is verry sloow :)

best regards,
PleXuS

to use in scenarist you have to use x264 and those specs that work have not been ironed out and believe me x264 is really slow.

[PleXuS]

isn't there any trick to fill up the removed black borders with adding new black borders uncompressed? if its possible to cut in encoded files its also possible to add pixels for me :)

or isn't it so easy?

best regards,
PleXuS

[PleXuS]

This was answered by BigMango (http://forum.doom9.org/member.php?u=114116) in the TsRemux thread, using AVISynth:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1095950#post1095950

However you do need to re-encode :(


i did work on old days with avisynth (dvd5 to dvd9 stuff)
but how do you get x264 file to avi ? and back again?
and probabbly with pic quality lose?


Best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

isn't there any trick to fill up the removed black borders with adding new black borders uncompressed? if its possible to cut in encoded files its also possible to add pixels for me :)

or isn't it so easy?

best regards,
PleXuS


explained here
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1095950#post1095950''

and yes you may get picture loss but i am trying to convert a 1920x1080 to a 1280x720 to a h264 file using lossless settings then I will remux.
Also his command line is a bit off look at my post below, then you can use tsmuxer to mux it back into a playable ps3 file.

[PleXuS]

explained here
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1095950#post1095950

yeah i see now, but how can i get the avi file? full re encoding it to avi? or what do i need todo? :eek:


best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

yeah i see now, but how can i get the avi file? full re encoding it to avi? or what do i need todo? :eek:


best regards,
PleXuS

I used the mkv directly using DirectShow filters.

[PleXuS]

I used the mkv directly using DirectShow filters.

what re encode tool do you use for it?

best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

what re encode tool do you use for it?

best regards,
PleXuS

megui using HD fast profile with ref. frames bumped to 4 from 3. works well. I load the following script file into it to resize. output is RAWAVC (ie .264)

my .avs script has two lines:

DirectShowSource("F:\video.mkv",fps=23.9759856527702,audio=false)
Lanczos4Resize(1280,588).addborders(0,66,0,66)


Reason adding borders is original was a 1080p cropped.

output size is almost as large as my 1080p cropped input but the quality is very nice sharper than the original mkv even. I probably could turn down the bitrate a smudge to make the file structure at least fit on a dvd-9.

going to try to burn it to a bd structure following my guide and see if the jerkys go away by reencoding it to ps3 standards.

[PleXuS]

megui using HD fast profile with ref. frames bumped to 4 from 3. works well. I load the following script file into it to resize. output is RAWAVC (ie .264)

my .avs script has two lines:

DirectShowSource("F:\video.mkv",fps=23.9759856527702,audio=false)
Lanczos4Resize(1280,588).addborders(0,66,0,66)


Reason adding borders is original was a 1080p cropped.

output size is almost as large as my 1080p cropped input but the quality is very nice sharper than the original mkv even. I probably could turn down the bitrate a smudge to make the file structure at least fit on a dvd-9.

going to try to burn it to a bd structure following my guide and see if the jerkys go away by reencoding it to ps3 standards.

weard when i try to read the avs file megui says "Stopped Working"!?

do you use also vista ? or Xp?
else i run it in virtual machine :)

best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

weard when i try to read the avs file megui says "Stopped Working"!?

do you use also vista ? or Xp?
else i run it in virtual machine :)

best regards,
PleXuS

I use xp

[PleXuS]

megui using HD fast profile with ref. frames bumped to 4 from 3. works well. I load the following script file into it to resize. output is RAWAVC (ie .264)

my .avs script has two lines:

DirectShowSource("F:\video.mkv",fps=23.9759856527702,audio=false)
Lanczos4Resize(1280,588).addborders(0,66,0,66)


Reason adding borders is original was a 1080p cropped.

output size is almost as large as my 1080p cropped input but the quality is very nice sharper than the original mkv even. I probably could turn down the bitrate a smudge to make the file structure at least fit on a dvd-9.

going to try to burn it to a bd structure following my guide and see if the jerkys go away by reencoding it to ps3 standards.

you mean HD-DVD fast profile?
anyway seems to work on my Windows XP virtual machine.. slow but it works :)

weard that it didn't work on vista :|

best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

you mean HD-DVD fast profile?
weard that it didn't work on vista :|

best regards,
PleXuS

Yes hd-dvd fast works but what i found is the audio becomes out of sync if you just reencode the video.

I now use the AutoEncode option with HD-DVD fast chosen and choose the extracted dts audio audio as audio. you need to check the add additional content then choose your audio track that was extracted when autoencode dialog box pops up. I choose to mux it back into a mkv for output. Also I selected the size to fit on a dvd-9. It looks and sounds great and fits on a dvd-9. Took about 6 hours though.

next step is to try to burn it into a AVCHD.

Have to run h264info on it now as the pps is not written and without that tsremux throws a error.

[PleXuS]

Yes hd-dvd fast works but what i found is the audio becomes out of sync if you just reencode the video.

I now use the AutoEncode option with HD-DVD fast chosen and choose the extracted dts audio audio as audio. you need to check the add additional content then choose your audio track that was extracted when autoencode dialog box pops up. I choose to mux it back into a mkv for output. Also I selected the size to fit on a dvd-9. It looks and sounds great and fits on a dvd-9. Took about 6 hours though.

next step is to try to burn it into a AVCHD.

Have to run h264info on it now as the pps is not written and without that tsremux throws a error.

use mkvextract to extract it to 264 and audio file so you can use h264info tool to add the pps!?

stupid that there is no tool that can do it all in one time :)
but probably not easy to code also :)

best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

use mkvextract to extract it to 264 and audio file so you can use h264info tool to add the pps!?

stupid that there is no tool that can do it all in one time :)
but probably not easy to code also :)

best regards,
PleXuS

Well tsmuxer says its auto fixing it but it does not.

[PleXuS]

Well tsmuxer says its auto fixing it but it does not.

you need to use the h264info tool to add the pps!
i did it. and it works now.

only PowerDVD still give me a black screen when playing :|

PS3 plays the bluray now

made the avisynth script did input it into meGui
only video no audio in it!

imported into h264info tool checked the pps

tsmuxer did add ac3 audio and the adjusted video.
muxed it to m2ts

tsremux did set it to bluray.

and it works perfect in ps3 :) just not on PowerDVD software player :|

best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

you need to use the h264info tool to add the pps!
i did it. and it works now.

only PowerDVD still give me a black screen when playing :|

PS3 plays the bluray now

made the avisynth script did input it into meGui
only video no audio in it!

imported into h264info tool checked the pps

tsmuxer did add ac3 audio and the adjusted video.
muxed it to m2ts

tsremux did set it to bluray.

and it works perfect in ps3 :) just not on PowerDVD software player :|

best regards,
PleXuS

Glad you got it working I did too. key was reencoding with megui for jerkyness to go away. now I have a 720p movie that fits on a dvd-9 that looks great and has DTS sound and plays on the PS3!

[PleXuS]

Glad you got it working I did too. key was reencoding with megui for jerkyness to go away. now I have a 720p movie that fits on a dvd-9 that looks great and has DTS sound and plays on the PS3!

but will it run on stand alone BluRay player?
i tested my test movie on powerdvd and said the same as ps3 did before.. black screen and only audio.

i must admit i think i made some mistake with the avs script.
i did resize it to 1280x720 and added the borders :) probably that resize was not needed :) to big resolution i had something of 1280x9?? and seemed to playback on ps3!?

maybe becoz its between the 1920x1080 - 1280x720 resolution??


best regards,
PleXuS

[PleXuS]

now second step is how to add subtitle and menu :)

i have seen tsRemux can handle .sup format?

maybe when i use a tool to convert srt subtitle files to sup (SubtitleCreator)? i hope it can do the job.. or do you know something better?


best regards,
PleXuS

[jamos]

but will it run on stand alone BluRay player?
i tested my test movie on powerdvd and said the same as ps3 did before.. black screen and only audio.

i must admit i think i made some mistake with the avs script.
i did resize it to 1280x720 and added the borders :) probably that resize was not needed :) to big resolution i had something of 1280x9?? and seemed to playback on ps3!?

maybe becoz its between the 1920x1080 - 1280x720 resolution??


best regards,
PleXuS

you have to end up with a standard BD resolution to play on anything but a ps3. you would not use 1280x720 and add borders as that would be a bigger resolution than standard.
remember adding borders adds size.

My output plays fine with powerdvd and my Sony BDP-S500 stand alone player.

I think you should have used something simular that I had in your avs script
DirectShowSource("G:\video.mkv",fps=23.9759856527702,audio=true)
Lanczos4Resize(1280,534).addborders(0,93,0,93)

because 534+93+93=720

but you want to keep the same ratio so it depends on your source, my source was 1920x800 (1080p ntsc without borders) which is 1920/800=2.4 .
So to convert to 1280x720 (720p ntsc) i would use 1280/2.4= 533~ round up to 534.
Calculate borders: 720 - 534 = 186 Then for two borders: 186/2= 93 per border

now if you only want to add borders (ie not changing the resolution) then you would just have something simular in your avs script lets say for a 1280x534 source
DirectShowSource("G:\video.mkv",fps=23.9759856527702,audio=true)
addborders(0,93,0,93)

[PleXuS]

you have to end up with a standard resolution to play on anything but a ps3. you would not use 1280x720 and add borders as that would be a bigger resolution than standard.
My output plays fine with powerdvd and my Sony BDP-S500 stand alone player.

I think you should have used what I have in your avs script if you are using ntsc..

DirectShowSource("G:\video.mkv",fps=23.9759856527702,audio=true)
Lanczos4Resize(1280,534).addborders(0,93,0,93)

i am doing it like this now:

DirectShowSource("G:\video.mkv",audio=false)
addborders(0,93,0,93)

and i think it should also work :) didn't get any error so :)
i add the audio later when i use tsmuxer and use audio aligment with tsremuxer.. didn't hear any out of sync audio here :)

best regards,
PleXuS