TOD files. They won't play on any player

Eventvideoguy
Member

Okay. My father recently purchased a JVC HDD HD camcorder. I am trying to figure out how to use it so I can show him.

Here's my problem. It records to a file format... .TOD

I understand that this is MPEG2 format... or at least it is JVC's own version of MPEG2. The problem is that I can't get the files to play on the computer.

Changing the file extension does not work. Can someone suggest something to me. Please. Otherwise I am going to recommend taking it back to the store.

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
XTR-91
Member

MPEG-2 is a high-quality format that is based on the codec of DVDs, but I doubt a DVD decoder (DVD playback software) will work. You can also view and edit your files with editing software. The question is really "Does your editor support the this format?"

Final Cut Studio (specified by your profile) appears to be high-dollar software. The answer is probably Yes.

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
Eventvideoguy
Member

See now that's the thing. FCP does not support it. As a matter of fact, FCP crashes every time I try to even import the video clip into the software.

I tried iMovie HD as well. I followed the instructions to a "T" and it says that the TOD file is not compatible. Even thought the help file says it should be.

I'm so confused.

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
turd12
Member

I know just what's going on. I have a jvc hdd cam, and I have to use cyberlink powerdirector express that came with my cam. You import the .tod from the camcorder with power cinema and then use the powerdirector to change them into mepg-2 then it will work with your nle. I use vegas 8 and I get just what I want out of my vids

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
Eventvideoguy
Member

I have the disk that came with the camera. Two things. So bare with me here.

1st: (on my MAC) It installs a Quicktime plug-in, I'm guessing so that it can be viewed within Quicktime. Of course Quicktime does not recognize the file extension, otherwise I would not be asking the question here.

2nd: (on my PC) When I install PowerDirector 6, my only problem with using this software is that it takes SOOO long to re-render the TOD clip to an MPG clip. This is what I'm trying to avoid. The whole re-rendering thing. Not to mention that my dad's PC isn't a super PC. It's good, but not that good. The minimum specs for the software are ridiculous.

Question: Is there a way to use PowerDirector to simply convert the video file or simply strip the TS from the file and quickly re-encode it as an MPG?

This is for my father and I need it as simple and with the least amount of steps as possible.

Thanks.

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
CraftersOfLight
Member

Â Here is a link to another forum that has many options listed regarding using the TOD format. YOu might find one of them will work for you.

http://forum.videohelp.com/topic333566.html

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It is a journey. Take the time to enjoy your family, friends and surroundings.
Build memories. Share experiences. Travel at sight speed not light speed. (C)

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
XTR-91
Member

I use my JVC hard disk camcorder with Cyberlink PowerDirector 7, which perfectly supports the MPEG-2 format and recognizes .MOD and .TOD extensions. My software has an SVRT (Smart Video Rendering Technology) which quickly renders unedited portions of video. I think that PowerDirector Express has the same thing. Somewhere in the production screen, you can select the box that says "Use SVRT".

Anyway, you don't want to convert to MPEG-1 unless you absolutely have to. Otherwise, you will be restricted to the picture quality (VCD to be exact) of MPEG-1.

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
Eventvideoguy
Member

I go back to one of my previous posts, When using PowerDirector, shouldn't I be able to just strip the Transport Stream (TS)? XTR, it sounds like that is all you are doing. When I tried to figure out the software, I had to go through a complete re-render process to make it MPG.

Basically all I want to do is turn the TOD file into an MPEG file. No editing, no nothing. Just convert or strip without having to do a complete Re-render for each video clip.

Thanks for all the help, keep it coming.

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
XTR-91
Member

If you import the TOD files into Cyberlink PowerDirector Express without editing them, you are practically copying the video clip and changing its format. Unedited content is only "copied" (not rendered) when SVRT is used.

There are tons of video converter downloads around. If you want to convert MPEG-2 to MPEG (MPEG-1), you can Google the words ".TOD to .MPG converter" or simply "Video converter".

hope this helps

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
CraftersOfLight
Member

I do not believe there is any way (someone will know of one and correct me) that you can change one video format into another without some form of (re)rendering. All the converters I have run into or used has to reprocess the file to change it to another format. Some are much faster then others and some do not work very well.

Just use one of the converters, set it up to run while you sleep and they will be ready for you when you wake up.

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
RegB
Member

I have a JVC GZ HD6 and find it a great camera. It's fantastic for wildlife producing great real colours. The TOD files play in Nero 8 and can be imported straight tinto Vegas Movie Studio Platinum and Vegas Pro. I have never had a problem with TOD files or the camera. I hope this helps. RegB

Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM
XTR-91
Member

If anyone has a MOD or TOD file camcorder with editing software that does not support this format, here's another idea:

Most video camcorders (particularly JVC) come with a dock that has extra ports, including DV output (FireWire). Most editing software has a DV capture function which captures video via FireWire. Set your camera to playback mode while streaming it to a computer. All you need to do is get an IEEE 1394 Firewire cable.

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