Converting videos copied to a DVD

VSE · Member Joined: 16 May 2008 Location: United States

I took my old analog movies and converted them to DVD's using a Panasonic DMR-ES35V. As they are long and boring I would like to edit them. When I tried to load it into the movie maker program - it could not except or recognize the .VOB, .BUO or .INF files. I have downloaded many a free software to try and convert the files to no avail.

Is there something one can purchase to do this? Key is easy as I am not that adept at this. I don't necessarily need to use the movie maker program I have. Any help would be appreciated - please make explanation simple. Thanks.

redwudz · Mod Neophyte Joined: 07 Sep 2002 Location: AZ, USA

Extract to a MPEG>MPEG Editor>DVD Authoring program>Burn to disc.

Extract as one large MPEG file with VOB2MPG
Edit with a program like MPEG StreamClip
Author with a program like GUI for dvdauthor or DVDAuthorgui for even simpler.
Burn to DVD with ImgBurn

Those are four freeware programs you could use. They all have guides at the bottom of their tool pages. It seems complicated the first time, but after a couple of times, very easy.

That's one way to do it.

And welcome to our forums.

VSE · Member Joined: 16 May 2008 Location: United States

Thank you for your help. Spent the last 6 hours or so trying this and it did not work. I converted the file with the VOB2MPG. Couldn't find it for a while. When I did it would not play in the programs I had. Could get onto the MPEG StreamClip website. Also downloaded the other files you suggested. Then my computer told me it didn't have enough memory to play or do anything. Thank you so much for trying. I'm walking away now. Very frustrated and not happy. But that has nothing to do with the advice, just my inability to do this. Again thank you so very much for trying.

guns1inger · Posted: May 17, 2008 20:12

Two fo the simplest mpeg editors are Womble Mpeg Wizard and VideoRedo. Videoredo is a simple assemble editor (basic cuts and edits) while Womble uses a more traditional non-linear timeline with transitions etc. Neither will put Vegas or Premiere out of business, but for what they do, they are solid tools.

I have never had VOB2MPG produce footage that could not be read elsewhere, although it is a simple tool, so I can't imagine how you could use it incorrectly.

Your other option would be VOBMerge to create a single large VOB, then edit that in VideoRedo or Womble.
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Sartori · Member Joined: 26 Nov 2002 Location: United Kingdom

redwudz · Mod Neophyte Joined: 07 Sep 2002 Location: AZ, USA

What Sartori said.

Just take it one step at a time.

Video takes a lot of storage space. Figure, at a minimum, three times the size of the file you are working with. If you need help with adding additional hard drives or with other system type problems, let us know.

I usually suggest free, fairly simple programs for beginners. One reason is no investment costs. Sure, there are some great payware programs to accomplish the same thing. But then you might end up with programs that may not suit your needs, and you would need to purchase even more programs. Another reason is you can achieve the same quality with freeware programs. Last and maybe most important, you will learn more using freeware programs.

Understanding the processes and learning how to use them is the key to being able to create the best quality, most times with the least effort or time involved. Those freeware programs are created by individuals that are more interested in the hobby than the profit. And there are usually plenty of tutorials, guides, and people to help you with their use.

Last word, I can tell you without a doubt, we have all been in your position at one time.

We realize these processes are mostly incomprehensible to beginners, but once you understand how to accomplish these type of projects, the rewards are worth the effort. Good luck and don't give up.

VSE · Member Joined: 16 May 2008 Location: United States

Dear all,

Thank you ever so much. I have downloaded your suggestions and will give it all a try. I found it hard to believe memory was a problem as I had 195 GB of hard drive space on the computer after all the downloads and conversions. Although what do I know as I am very limited at all this. Although I do agree persistence is the key, as it is with everything.

Thank you all again for your patience, I will let you know what happens.

drjtech · Remember Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Location: Northern Virginia

VSE · Member Joined: 16 May 2008 Location: United States

I honestly have no idea. Sorry no proficient enough on the computer to even begin to tell you.

tinker · Member Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Location: Canada

If you have a VOB files, no need to convert. Get Mpeg Video Wizard DVD.
It will import VOB, you can edit, join and export DVD with menu.

VSE · Member Joined: 16 May 2008 Location: United States

Thanks for the information. I'll try anything once!