Transferring a 3/4-inch feature production to dvd

Ten years ago, in college, I produced a 104-minute video production on 3/4-inch SP videotape. I would like to put it on dvd, complete with menu, commentary track :) and so forth. To do this I want to use the 3/4-inch master and not a VHS dub of the production.

Okay, I obviously need a 3/4-inch playback deck, but then what? I'm in the process of buying an XPS PC and a dvx100 camera. I understand I can use the camera as a pass-through device, but there's another way to accomplish this--by using an analog to digital device??? What do I need, specifically? AND for picture quality purposes, which way will give me the least loss of picture quality? And to add a commentary audio track, would you use the camera as the sound recorder or would I be able to do that by using Premiere Pro, etc., and a good mike hooked-up to my XPS PC?

--Dale

Find out what video out connectors exist for the playback deck. Certain cameras have pass through for analog inputs, and for S-video. I do not know about any others.

The 3/4-inch unit only has composite bnc outs, no S-video out.

If it has bnc outs, then is it rgb or just a composite? I know they have those little bnc->Rca plug things and just copy it to your computer.

But if its rgb or component (same thing to me. My tv doesnt support it, it doesnt make a difference to me) then you might be able to get a better quality video if you found some sort of convertor.

Well the simple way would be to get some adaptors at RadioShack. Like a BNC to female RCA , and XLR female to RCA.

It would be nice if you also had a umatic machine with a good TBC with DNR. Something like SOny's 900 or 950 with the internal TBC with the DNR add on board. You will only be able to get the composite video and left and right audio with umatic machines. Don't forget to turn the audio output levels down, or you audio will be over modulated.

he says " 3/4-inch SP videotape" (beta sp) , that has component and s-video (and composite) outputs ... if its 3/4" umatic , it doesnt have component

you can get it transfered at a post production shop near you .. or I have all those machines (everything from 3/4" to beta sp to d-beta to hdcam) ..

if you want - send me the tape and i'll convert to an avi or burn it to a dvd for you .. but you better hurry as im off to china most of next month ..