Any Good MP4 Video Joining Software Out There?

[easysurfer]

Finally had a chance to try and digitize some VHS tapes. Got a device (that replaced another brand) that did a good job of creating files with video/audio in sync. Problem is, this device creates separates files in 2GB chunks rather than 1 large file. For example, an hour of VHS video ended up into 4 MP4 video files, three 2 GB chunks and the remaining (a bit under 2GB).

From what I've learned over the past day, looks like I need a video joining program to join separate files back. But are there any good ones out there?

By good, I mean, not too complicated (don't want to use command line or get bombarded with editing options). I just want to join the video files and move on. Doesn't have to be free but if paid, have a decent trial version. Thanks!

Note: I probably should've said that there are a ton of MP4 joining programs out there. But any good ones?

Update: Found a good program .

[ERD50]

Quote:

Originally Posted by easysurfer .... Note: I probably should've said that there are a ton of MP4 joining programs out there. But any good ones? Update: Found a good program .

Ummmm, care to share?

I need to revisit this. A few years ago, I did import all my old VHS & VHS-C and Mini-DV tapes to a hard drive (and backed it up!).

My next step was compressing them (the Mini-DV format does not do much compression, as it had to do it 'on the fly' with the tech of the day). I was able to get the file size down by a large factor (~ 13:1), with no apparent loss in quality.

The catch: the compression creates 'key frames' every so often, and then records on the difference information for the following frames, until the changes exceed some level. The key frames might be several per second in 'busy' scenes, and might be tens of seconds apart in static scenes.

This messed with my editing, you could not edit in between key frames. I read about ways to recreate key frames where you wanted to edit, but wasn't able to get it working at the time. I think it was MKVToolNIX that I was using at the time, or OpenShot? It's been a while.

-ERD50

[Midpack]

I’ve done it with GoPro Studio for years, but that’s no longer available or supported. VSDC (free) will join MP4 files, many editing packages will.

[easysurfer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ERD50 Ummmm, care to share? ... -ERD50

Sure, happy to share about what I use now. In the past, I've used capture software and RCA plugs but experienced off sync drift where the audio/video would in in-sync at the start, but about 45 mins into the video, the out of sync was obviously noticeable.

For now, though not perfect, as for hardware I recently a bought a device called "GooBang Doo HDVCB1 Mini capture box". HDMI in and out, simple on off button, record button. Records to flash drive. Also, I have a converter from RCA plugs of VCR to HDMI out (used as input to the GooBang Doo).

The capture box creates in 2GB chunks. For software, I use Format Factory. It's Windows only. Free. A lot of different options but I'm lazy and only really interested in just joining MP4 files. Joined 4 separate approx 2GB files in about 10 minutes (fast, as no conversion needed for me...though a conversion setting is an option)

I say almost perfect as when I looked really close at the joined video, there is a fraction of a second where I can see where the join took place. But not bothersome. A good trade off vs having old VHS tapes in the closet and not watched again.

[easysurfer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midpack I’ve done it with GoPro Studio for years, but that’s no longer available or supported. VSDC (free) will join MP4 files, many editing packages will.

Thanks. Always good to hear from personal experience rather than reading reviews online as there are too many MP4 join programs out there. Just for grins, I may have to give VSDC (free) a spin. But so far, happy with Format Factory.