Converting VHS to SVCD quality for burn into DVD media

[duet]

Hi, I want to archive my VHS tapes into DVDs at SVCD quality. I do know how to capture VHS into AVIs and converting to SVCD quality.

Does DVD require a 'specific' SVCD specifications when I convert AVI to SVCD? I would like to set my avi-to-svcd-specifications that is consistent for DVD to play properly on DVD player.

Upon having many SVCDs clips, how do I compile burn it into DVD which can be played on DVD player?

I've looked through the Guides but there are so many and do now know which ones I can use.

Thank you.

[Capmaster]

Why would you want to limit your quality to SVCD if you're going to be archiving onto DVDs? SVCD is primarily aimed at keeping the files small enough to fit on a CD, not a DVD. File size shouldn't be an issue because DVDs are cheap nowadays and you can always burn several discs.

Capturing to SVCD and then burning to DVD would be like recording onto a cassette for transferring onto a CD later. It doesn't make any sense.

Capture at full DVD resolution (720 x 480/576) and set your bitrate to around 6,500 Kbps avg/9,800 peak. Use that as a starting point and adjust it to fit your material onto the disc.

You say you've glanced through the guides and were intimidated by the number of guides there. Go back and start reading about "What is DVD". Then start reading the guides that cover capturing MPEG2 DVD-compliant video. Then read up on "Authoring DVDs".

It seems like a pain, but everything you need or want to know about capturing, editing, authoring and burning DVDs is in the guides already.

Also try the forum search and look for keywords like "DVD compliant" and "DVD resolution" and "Capturing DVD". You get the idea

The guides are your friends.
Forum search is your friend.

[duet]

Capmaster, thanks for your reply. I'm under the impression that

"There is no point converting VHS tapes to DVD quality as the maximum/best quality for VHS tape is up to SVCD quality. Is this correct? If my understanding is incorrect, then it makes sense to capture and convert VHS tapes at DVD quality."

Gosh... the guides are plenty but intimidating.

[lordsmurf]

"There is no point converting VHS tapes to DVD quality as the maximum/best quality for VHS tape is up to SVCD quality. Is this correct?

Correct. VHS is under 352x480 Half D1 resolution. No sense in wasting bitrate and resolution.. unless you just don't care, or the disc size desn't matter.

= If you're putting a 30-minute show on 1 DVD, do whatever.
= If you've got 100 hours of footage, and it can span and share discs, then go ahead and put 2-4 hours on there, using smart settings. No need to waste discs unless you're just aching to fill up that shelf unit or new DVD wallet.

One of many guides you may find helpful:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/understandsource.htm

[duet]

Lordsmurf... thanks for that confirmation. Yes, I've got 100hours plus of VHS archiving to make. I'll check out your site later.

Wonder if you could take me through one more question:
- how then, should I make the settings captures and conversions into SVCD quality that would make a DVD compliant disk for any DVD player?

Thank you.

[lordsmurf]

Lordsmurf... thanks for that confirmation. Yes, I've got 100hours plus of VHS archiving to make. I'll check out your site later.

Wonder if you could take me through one more question:
- how then, should I make the settings captures and conversions into SVCD quality that would make a DVD compliant disk for any DVD player?

Thank you.

Simple. Don't use "SVCD" 480x480 non-DVD specs, but rather CVD 352x480 Half D1 DVD specs.

Much of this depends on the hardware and software used for capturing. What card? What software? AVI or MPEG capturing?
If you read all the CAPTURE guides at digitalFAQ.com, at least the first 4 or so on the menu, you'll be primed pretty well.

[thecoalman]

As Cap suggested look under DVD in the "what Is" section to the left it lists the specs that are DVD compliant. Standard SVCD specs aren't DVD compliant. Forget it exists and work within the DVD specs.

Working within the DVD specs I created a file that if utilized would be able to fill 25 hours on a single DVD. Possible yes, practical no. You can adjust your resolution and bitrate to what you feel is adequate to your liking.