timestamp problems

[elasipod]

Hi,
I am using VLC on Mac OS X to play M2T video/audio files as 'streams.' I need to quantitatively analyze the video. Unfortunately, the video does not have a timestamp associated with it. I know the start and end time of each stream (to the minute), and would like create time marks at intervals (not necessarily on the video itself, but in notes). However, my problem is that even the time counter in VLC is not working - it stays at 0. Without it I can't do much except hold a timer as the video plays! Is this something I can change?

If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it. I was told up front, by the way, that the camera taking the video recorded no time stamp. This seems unusual, no? I wonder if it's possible that time is hidden in the files?

Thank you!

[elasipod]

So I gather by the lack of replies that this is an uninformed and probably uninteresting question. I did find some software like MPEG streamclip that can convert m2T files to mpeg files, and if i do that to individual clips the counter at least works, but I wasn't able to convert streams, I guess because i need to buy the $20 version, which i will do if that is the best I can do, but it appears that that may not bring back the timestamp that I really need. If anyone can offer any advice I'd appreciate it.

[elasipod]

Hi again forum,
Well I guess I'm sunk. I found out that that the video was taken using a sony HDR-FX1 and captured with Nnovia quick-capture A2Ds. I wrote Sony with this information and they got back with the following:

Thank you for contacting Sony Support.

I'm sorry to inform you that the time and date information cannot be transferred from a Sony digital Camcorder using a USB or i.LINK connection. The information for the time and date are recorded on the data code track of the digital tape. This data portion of the tape is not transferred through an USB or i.LINK cable. Time and date information can only pass through the audio/video (A/V) outputs of the Camcorder which can be superimposed and displayed with the video on a television or computer monitor.

Thank you for choosing Sony.

The Sony Email Response Team
C6J9
Keith

So I guess I would have to add the timestamp myself somehow.