Multiple scenes in a single AVI file? How to separate...

[kelemvor]

I've captured some AVI files from a DV Camcorder (WinDV) that is a bunch of home videos. There are multiple, unrelated scenes in the single file. And I'm not sure that I'll want them all to end up on the same DVD at the end.

Do I need to split up the file into separate files that are each their own, individual scene or is there a different or better way to do that? Right now I just have one big file for each 30 minute tape.

I've never made a homemade DVD before so go easy on me.

Thanks,
--Mike

[redwudz]

For just basic DV editing, you might try VirtualDub Mod. It does as well as any other AVI type editor and it's freeware. You need to add a DV codec to allow the program to see the video. I use the Panasonic DV Codec.

With VDM, just select the part you don't want with the editor function and select 'cut'. It won't damage the original video if you save out with 'Direct stream copy' to a new name. Fast also. Then when you have your edited DV file, you can convert it to MPEG-2 for DVD with most MPEG encoders. I use TMPGEnc encoder.

With TMGEnc or some other encoders, you can frameserve directly to the encoder from VDM or VD and eliminate saving in the inbetween edited version of your DV to your HD. This saves time and hard drive space. A guide for frameserving with VD: http://www.videohelp.com/virtualdubframeserve.htm

VD or my favorite, VDM, is well worth learning. Lots of filters and guides available for it. Just look to the bottom of the toolpage for VD or VDM for more guides.