help with JVC DVD recorder settings

[donsmith]

I know this has been discussed but usually people are very general.

From what i have read, it seems that a good way to capture standard vhs from my jvc s9911u to my jvc dr-m1vs recorder would be to force 352x480 by selecting "FR155". is that right?

I wasn't sure if there would be much difference between fr180 and fr155. i would assume you would rather have a high bitrate with 352x480 than the same or lower bitrate with 720x480. by that i mean stay at fr155 and not drop to fr150 or the resolution would go to 720x480.

also, would it be wise to capture at a higher bitrate and then "dvdshrink" them down to size (within reason, >90%). or is that bad.

thanks for any help you guys can give. I'd really like to hear from people with experience with these units and vcr capturing.

[donsmith]

so i guess i have everything correct then?

i know people have these jvc machines, its all people on here ever recommend, it seems.

i do feel somewhat like an idiot that i'm the only one responding to my questions.

anyone know of another forum that discusses this stuff?

[lordsmurf]

Your question is in the wrong forum, should be in the DVD recorders section, that's why all the JVC users missed it.

[lordsmurf]

Using DVD shrink would not be wise, no. That is not a proper way to reduce disc size, and will results in artifacts, especially on homemade discs. It's really only a good idea to use DVDshrink on commercial discs with high bitrates, but even then, some amount of artifacts ensue.

In DVD-Video mode (never use VR if you can help it), the 352x480 starts at about FR160 or so (gspot to verify from a test clip) and then the "cherry" setting of this unit tends to be FR180, 3 hours at 352x480 and with a nice bitrate to match (3000-4400k VBR).

I've had the JVC DVD recorder since about April 2004, got one of the first units.

[donsmith]

thanks,

[donsmith]

from my experimenting, it does seem like i notice a difference if i use the one hr best quality mode over the 3hr mode on home movies. i can really tell a difference between 3hr and 4hr+ on high motion stuff.

i understand all you reasoning with vhs being good enough with 352x480 capture, i'll have to test some more to convince myself.

thanks again for the answers.

[DVWannaB]

just 2 things:

@ lordsmurf:
What do you mean when you mentioned that "VR In DVD-Video mode (never use VR if you can help it)". Not sure what that means?

It seems that you would want to capture your tapes at the highest quality mode (1 hour) in VRO mode (DVD-RW disk) and then transfer to your computer for re-encoding to 352x480 at desired bitrate (preferrably 3000 to 4000 mbps).

@ everyone:
While I understand the 352x480 for VHS, this method may prove to be misplaced when you have to watch it on 52 or 57 inch HDTV, if and when you decide to upgrade. At that smaller resolution it may prove to be a bad move. Unlike our smaller regular 27 or 36 inch sets, which has a very forgiving nature, these larger newer hi-tech sets are less so.

Just some food for thought and to kick around.

[donsmith]

i believe you should stay away from the VR mode because it is not exactly DVD spec. The resolutions can be really odd. makes it difficult when you are archiving and plan to give out copies of home movies to family. on dvd.


I think it is fine to use if you are recording tv shows and just plan to watch them only on the jvc unit, just not for archiving.

[DVWannaB]

i believe you should stay away from the VR mode because it is not exactly DVD spec. The resolutions can be really odd. makes it difficult when you are archiving and plan to give out copies of home movies to family. on dvd.


I think it is fine to use if you are recording tv shows and just plan to watch them only on the jvc unit, just not for archiving.

don,

I agree. The VR mode serves 2 purposes. 1) If you just want to watch on the recorder, as it will not play on any other recorder; and 2) the ability to edit quickly on your computer. Personally, I use VR mode only for #2. I find it more efficient for recordings where i want to create my own menu on computer, where I can edit and author in my DVD authoring program. SO I use VR just a temporary format for final DVD.

[lordsmurf]

VR mode is not for editing on the computer.
Use DVD-Video mode, there is no difference.
Rip IFO in DVD Decrypter, or copy VOB files

[donsmith]

i've wondered about that but haven't had the time to try it out. I usually rip my dvd-rw with dvd decrypter.

so i can just copy the vob files over with copy and paste? i assume the jvc doesn't add any copy protection or anything then right?

with the prices of hard drives dropping, i'm thinking of just keeping the files as single files on a hard disc. Then i could just rename them from .vob to .mpg right? I don't really need them with all the extra dvd files then, it would be simplier. I don't have use for extra audio tracks or subtitles or anything like that.

I would really only need to author them if i make copies for family members then. I also might do it just to have more than one backup.

[DVWannaB]

VR mode is not for editing on the computer.
Use DVD-Video mode, there is no difference.
Rip IFO in DVD Decrypter, or copy VOB files

lordsmurf,

I am confused by your statement. You said that VR mode is not for editing on the computer, but then DVD-video mode is no difference. With that, would it not be the same video content but in diffrent modes. One you have to rip to your computer and one you copy. The editing with both is the same process and the video quality is identical. Am I missing something? Isnt it really a matter of choice of format moreso than anything else?

[lordsmurf]

DVD-VR mode allows for non-standard DVD resolutions and settings. It's not good to use.

As far as what is "best" to edit on the computer, they are equally as easy to edit. The same in this regard.

It would therefore be in your best interests to use DVD-Video mode and no DVD-VR.

It's not a "choice" but rather a requirement to play on normal DVD players.

[DVWannaB]

ok, got it. I guess I will have to go back and check some of those VR recordings t make sure I got what I expected with resolution and bitrate (not spiking over 9600 mbps)