Tech: Video to DVD

Subject: Tech: Video to DVD
From: JulieF
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 10:17 AM

Hi

Is anyone converting VHS video to DVDs at home and if so what do you use.

It came up when we were trying to convert the video of the band's big tv break to dvd for promotion purposes.   Then I emptyied the loft prior to moving and realised how many videos I do have.

Thanks
J

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: nickp
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 11:19 AM

Something I'm doing and am likely to be doing so for a long time to come!! (lots and lots of vhs and camcoreder hours to deal with)

Unless you want really clever stuff, my personal recommendation is to ignore the computer option and buy a tv unit style dvd recorder. Preferable a dvd- rather than dvd+ model in case of possible compatibilty issues. dvd+ (philips style) are cheaper but handle files in a different way - the minus (they prefer 'dash' but 'minus' seems more logical) is nearer the commercial standard. Also go for one with a hard drive as well - you record to the hard drive and then copy out to dvd as many times as needed. It really is worth paying more.

It doesn't have to be a dual machine - you can plug your old vcr in the dvd-recorder assuming you have a scart/rca/phono output.

Menus/labelling are more basic that using a computer but it's easier, certainly quicker.... much quicker. Oh, and you can often find that the sound and picture get out of sync when using a pc capture device.

Do it the easy way!!!

Nick

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: M.Ted
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 12:57 PM

I cast my vote with Nick on this--it is easier to use a DVD recorder with a VCR plugged into it, and "easier" means that the process has fewer steps, therefore fewer things that can go wrong--"DVD-" is a good idea, too--and consider a recorder that will record double sided DVDs--because, if you're like me, some of your tapes are 8hour, recorded at the slow speed--

Last, and an unfortunate bit to relate, don't toss your video tapes after the transfer is done--they are, and will always be, your "masters"--oh, wait, that's not the last thing--the last thing is, back up your digital files--otherwise, your Cousin Larry's kid could drop the only copy of the DVD down the sewer--

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 04:43 PM

Samsung 335 DVD/VCR machine - works great

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:59 PM

A further, related, question.
I have been told that when playing back a DVD to which a VHS film or camcorder footage has been copied, there can be a "jerkiness" if the DVD is set to play slow-motion or single frames.
When editing and copying camcorder tapes to DVD is there any "break" or jerkiness between one edit and the next?
Thanks in anticipation of any help.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: nickp
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 04:13 AM

Hi Colyn, I haven't noticed any jerk between edits (I'm basing that on removal of adverts) although I have to say that is at normal playing speed not slo-mo. I guess it might depend on the technical spec/quality/price(!) of the recorder but I wouldn't expect anything that would be a distraction. Having said that, because I know that you and I are U.K. based, I have copied NTSC (U.S.) to dvd and there is some jerkiness due to the different framecount/timebase used - but then you'd get that anyway from the vcr.

If I have something that will need a LOT of editing such as a holiday camcorder recording I WILL use the computer and (because mine will) load it in using a USB connection. Otherwise I'm really happy (nay, ecstatic!) with mine. I have a suspicion that its a Panasonic - can't remember the model number off hand but if I'll try and remember to check later.

And M.Ted, if you've got an 8 hour slow speed tape I'd be inclined to break it up over several discs to save any further compression.

Oh, and using dual layer discs may give a slight pause as it switches layers but as mine are single layer I don't have the issue (although am limited to length). The most I would normally compress for is to get 3 hours on a single (normally) 2 hour disc.

Its fun! Nick

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: nickp
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 11:34 AM

I was wrong. It's a Pioneer 530H now dicontinued but I think there's a 540H current. The H probably means 'hard drive'

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: open mike
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 12:52 PM

i am producing videos (dvd's) from mini-d-v (digital video)
and I am curious about international codes..
are DVD's useable in all countries?
with VHS there are different systems in
different countries (PAL in Europe, and NTSC in US)

I am using a Casablanca
video editing system to
edit my footage, and then i burn it to DVD using a
Phillips dvd burner. Some folks who get the dvd's
cannot play them on their DVD players, but can see
them on their computers.

i wonder what i need to do to make sure the videos
i produce can be viewed on any player.

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: nickp
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 12:57 PM

opne mike, there are some limitations on dvd but it's not as rigid as NTSC/PAL. The main thing is to make them 'open region' or region 0. (USA is region 1, UK and many others are region 2. It's a marketing thing.)

open region should play internationally although there may be some discs that will only play on computers rather than tv or vice versa. I've had success UK to US with both.

There's other threads about this sort of thing from last year.

have fun, Nick

Subject: RE: Tech: Video to DVD
From: JulieF
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 05:02 AM

Thanks for your help. Its given me something to think about.

J