Video and audio guide

Convert TiVo to MPEG-2 or lossless TS

Choose lossless TS to copy compatible source streams, or encode MPEG-2 for a player or editor that requires it.

Download for WindowsWindows 7-11, 64-bit Download for MacmacOS 10.13 or later

Media filesVideo or audio files
TS or MPEG-2Copy streams or encode for compatibility
The destination player checkVerify before batch processing

LosslessConverter Source ready

LoadFormatSettings

Source

Media filesVideo or audio filesReady for output selection

Output

Destination matched

Compatible profileVideo, audio, or editing output

ResolutionMatch targetQualityBalancedStatusReady

Ready to convertConvert

Problem and solution

Match the output to its destination.

Check the codecs inside the source container and the requirements of the target player, editor, or device before converting.

TiVo to MPEG-2 or lossless TS: which output should you choose?

TiVo recordings can contain different video and audio codecs. Try the original recording in the intended player or editor first. When a different output is needed, choose between copying compatible source streams into TS and encoding an MPEG-2 compatibility copy.

For lossless TS: choose Lossless > Lossless Copy > TS Video File. This mode copies compatible source streams without re-encoding them. It preserves their existing codecs rather than converting every recording to MPEG-2. TS is a container: choosing it does not create a .mpg file, guarantee a smaller file, or make an unsupported source codec compatible with every destination.

For MPEG-2 conversion: choose Editing > Premiere/VEGAS > MPEG-2 when the destination specifically requires MPEG-2 video. This mode re-encodes the video, so quality can change. Match the resolution, frame rate, aspect ratio, and any interlacing requirements to the destination.

Work with recordings you are authorized to process, keep the originals, and test a representative recording before starting a batch. Check which audio and subtitle tracks are available in the selected output mode and whether the destination can use them.

Solution direction

Apply the solution in the workflow below.

Choose lossless TS to copy compatible source streams, or encode MPEG-2 for a player or editor that requires it.

Three-step workflow

Create and verify one test output before processing the full batch.

Choose lossless TS to copy compatible source streams, or encode MPEG-2 for a player or editor that requires it.

Add the source

Load the authorized TiVo recordings

Open LosslessConverter and select Add Files. Add the authorized TiVo recordings and select the files required for this workflow.

LosslessConverter main window with the source controls visible — **Source toolbar**Load the source from the main toolbar.

Choose the output mode

Choose lossless TS or an MPEG-2 conversion

Lossless TS: open Output Format, select Lossless, choose Lossless Copy, and select TS Video File. Use this mode to copy compatible source streams without re-encoding.

MPEG-2 conversion: select Editing > Premiere/VEGAS > MPEG-2. Match the output settings to the destination. This encodes a new MPEG-2 copy and can change picture quality. The screenshot shows the MPEG-2 conversion option.

MPEG-2 conversion shownThis screenshot shows the encoding option, not Lossless Copy > TS Video File.

Test one recording first

Select Start All, then verify the selected output

Choose an output folder and select Start All. Open the TS or MPEG-2 output in the intended player or editor. For TS, confirm the original video codec is retained and that the destination supports it. For encoded MPEG-2, compare picture quality and check the required output settings. In both modes, check duration, aspect ratio, seeking, available audio and subtitle tracks, and sync at the beginning, middle, and end.