need help understanding what I did wrong

[CNT]

I don't know if the original capture was bad. It was captured using Pinnacle Studio Deluxe, using AVI in "Full DV quality", compression of "DV Video Encoder", 720x480 @ Framerate of 29.97, Data Rate of 3745 Kbytes/sec. There's no enabled options to change anything as the only capture option was "Full DV quality." The original VHS tapes looks good (not best since it's VHS), captured 'em and the AVI in MS Media Player looks good too (in normal size, not full monitor screen).

I have 7 AVI and edited it all to a 1:18 hour (to fit in a 80min CD-R). The total for this first series is 2:20 hours, so thought to make 2 VCD. The trick for me is to burn the AVI onto a CD (or DVD yet). The available options to output the video from AVI to are listed as:

Internet Low Bandwidth
Internet High Bandwidth
VideoCD
Multimedia
VHS
SVCD Compatiable
DVD Compatiable
Custom

So far, I tried exporting ("Make Movie" tab) to MPEG and AVI, both are just about the same video image quality. Not only that, the Pinnacle does not burn directly to CD-R. I have to create a new MPEG/AVI file, and then use Nero 5.5 to burn it onto CD-R. This is where I am left hanging with wondering.

Right now, I still like to buy a DVD burner. Just that I am just having little mixed feelings about buying NEC 2510A. Not that the money is the issue (but still want under $100), I am waiting on LiteOn 832S. Just that first generation, sometimes new stuff on market isn't the best buy, preferriable second or so on generations. OTOH, since I am buying a new DVD burner today, might as well get the Dual Layer, for the sake of "better have it than not have it later" because I am not going to be buying new burners every month. But, that's OT.

In close, maybe I just need the DVD burner. Just that I hope not that buy it and only find out nothing changed.

I tried Virtual Dub, I couldn't just understand what I am doing. What you suggest on what I should do. The point is the VCD I created are horrible (and others said it's a normal image, just the way it's done).

http://members.toast.net/cnt/source.jpg
http://members.toast.net/cnt/format.jpg

Chuck

[CNT]

Not only that, I just found out I don't have Pinnacle hardware available in Virtual Dub capture settings.

[pijetro]

Not only that, I just found out I don't have Pinnacle hardware available in Virtual Dub capture settings.

VirtualDub uses oldschool VFW drivers, and i suspect Pinnacle uses WDM drivers, so don't get upset if VirtualDub doesn't recognize it, or vice versa..I would suggest going to Pinnacle forums for specific issues with Vdub..You should of course still be able to view the video in VirtualDub..

The point is the VCD I created are horrible

Was this the purpose of your whole post?? If so, what does horrible mean?? Since VCD doesn't support interlacing, i'd suggest that you deinterlace first, and then export for VCD.

You can:
1) Learn how to make VCD's at a cool site called www.VCDHELP.com
or
2) Learn how to make DVD's at a cool site called www.DVDRHELP.com

You've gotta get more specific on what your problem is..

[CNT]

You've gotta get more specific on what your problem is..

He he, the specific problem is I don't like the video picture from the VCD. I think it is because I never created a VCD and expect it to look like a regular TV program. The picture looks pixelized, maybe the wording is it's not "interlacing"?

I will try the tutor section. It's 10pm now and I'll try this some other time.

Chuck

[CNT]

I did a search in Pinnacle Forums for "VFW drivers" and "VirtualDub", nothing helpful, only find "I used VirtualDub blah blah". No how to use it or where to install the VFW drivers. I did read many of the guides in this website, but couldn't find where I need to install the driver to make the Pinnacle Studio Deluxe AVDV PCI card work with VirtualDub. I really want to try VirtualDub because I read many good things about it.

All I want to do is capture VHS tapes, cut out bad sections (no editing), then burn 'em to VCD (or DVD if better video picture). After burn into VCD (or DVD), then I want to record it again to a new VHS (to take it over grandma's house).

I really need help here, sure I am a newbie and would apperiate very much help to get going with this. I have CD-RW/DVD combo unit, and if I have to buy a new DVD burner, I would (since they are under $100). The VHS video were recorded using a camcorder (shooting family times, kids, etc). Now I want to collect the pile of VHS and make VCD and record back to VHS (using 6hours EP speed to help less the VHS mess).

Chuck