Best quality all-in-one dv to dvd program?

[tsantsa]

Hi. I just got a computer with Sonic Digital Media (or something like that) pre-installed. It has a dv to dvd function that I like. However, it doesn't have very good quality on final output.

I was wondering, what is the best single program that can handle import to conversion to buring in an all in one package. The reason I ask, is because the lady is going to be handling the dvd making of the archive dv video that we have. Of the young one, of course!

I am reasonably proficient at using Tmpegenc, Main Concept and even CCE, but I am not the one that's going to be going through all of these tapes and converting them to dvd, she will be.

She isn't going to be doing any editing whatsoever, just going straight to dvd with what will fit in the highest quality possible. Any editing will actually be done later. Sonic just doesn't have the quality that I like. I don't know what it is, but the original tape looks a bit nicer than what Sonic puts out to dvd.

I have a Sony dv cam (a few years old now) that has the appropriate Firewire connection. Each tape holds only 1 hour of footage, so I figure there shouldn't be too much in the way of straight to dvd encoding going on, meaning 1 hour of any dv footage should be able to fit on a standard single layer dvdr, correct?

I HAVE been trying to read the guides on this particular subject, but there is ALOT out there. So basically, in case you haven't figured, I want to preserve the best quality of just a straight to dvd copy. Nothing fancy for the moment, just for archiving into digital to edit later.

TIA

[edDV]

First comment: DV to DVD (no editing or chapters or menus) is OK. But keep the MiniDV tapes for archive and future editing. MiniDV originals will be the best quality. DVD should be considered a playback only medium.

"best" needs futher clarification. Image Quality? Budget? You seem to also be saying "easy to use".

Options:
1. WinDV for transfer and any DVD Authoring program with MPeg2 encoder.

e.g. ULead Movie Factory or Workshop (Mainconcept Encoder)

2. Suites (DV transfer - editing - encoding and authoring)
e.g. Adobe Premiere Elements
e.g. Sony Vegas Movie Studio + DVD
e.g. ULead Video Studio
(all Mainconcept based encoder)

For highest quality set encoding preferences for ~8000-8500 Mb/s CBR for approx 1 hour

[redwudz]

For quick and easy, I use DivxToDVD for encoding and authoring from DV files. You can't get much simpler. If I need to edit or filter, VirtualDub. I do the transfers with WinDV.

[ozymango]

I was wondering, what is the best single program that can handle import to conversion to buring in an all in one package.

That limits things quite a bit, I think, but in a good way. First, what is your budget? I've got three recommendations, the first two being reasonably affordable (under $100) and the last a bit more ($399) but pretty sweet and relatively easy, even for non-geeks.

The first two are --

Ulead Videostudio
Pinnacle Studio (9 or 10, whatever's out now)

Either of these will give you both decent editing options plus a non-too-scary editing "interface" that'll walk you through, if needed, every step of the process from capturing to editing to burning. The converters are pretty good (to my taste, anyway) but can be slow; I lean towards Ulead just because I prefer their interface but each one has its fans (and its detractors!!!). You can download a trial version of Videostudio, I know, from Ulead's website and check it out, dunno about Pinnacle.

Lastly, for $399 there's Ulead DVD Workshop, which will take you from DV import to finished DVD, in a very simple flow, but it has quite a bit of power under the hood and it's pretty easy to make some very nice menus. Plus it supports AC-3 sound and multiple soundtracks and all sorts of really useful goodies, should you guys decide you like doing this stuff and want to make some more complex projects.

Again, the flow is very simple (sometimes too simple but hey, I've got Premiere if I want to confuse myself! ), so even for relative novices it's pretty quick to pickup. Drawback: It can be really slow unless you've got a fast CPU and lots of RAM, and then it's just kinda slow.

Oh, and you can test drive the program before you buy, download from Ulead's site, so no out-of-pocket expenses up front.

Good luck and have fun!

EDIT: As for LordSmurfs comments about fat chance finding a decent all-in-one converter, this is definitely a concern ("does everything" software tends to suffer in comparison to the most highly-developed stand-alone individual products), but I can't agree that you finding such a product is, indeed, either a fat (or slim!) chance. Again I've found the results of even the $99 programs more than acceptable, but of course your mileage may vary.

Besides, at least two of the programs I mention above have free and pretty much fully functional downloads for trial usage, so you won't be out financially in giving these a test. Of course if install and testing time are an issue, that's something you'll have to figure out for yourself, in determining what is "best" for you.

That being said, I think it's worth trying these out for yourself and seeing if you like the results; "best" covers a lot of territory.

[lordsmurf]

There is no "best".

Fat chance on a decent all-in-one. There is always a weak link in the process, whether it's functionality or quality. Current technology does not allow for a single program that can do 3-5 steps (complex steps too) all in one pass. Not gonna happen.

Learn the separate steps.
- Tranfer DV
- Encode
- Author and burn

[ozymango]

Learn the separate steps.
- Tranfer DV
- Encode
- Author and burn

I totally agree with lordsmurf in that you will (probably) achieve better absolute results doing it this way, but I believe you already mentioned in your initial note here that you, personally, already knew this and indeed were competent with other software. Thus your note was in regards to something that would be used by your wife (am I correct?) and for whatever reasons, you were seeking information on whatever "does-it-all" programs would produce superior results to your current version of Sonic, and not an invitation for us to tell you how to do things differently because we prefer other ways of going about this. Am I close?

If that is indeed the case, I suspect that if you were to tell your wife that she must learn how to do these steps separately because we say so, she'd tell you to go take a flying leap? In so many words?

Anyway, I reiterate my support for Ulead "does-it-all" products (especially when it comes to DV-to-DVD conversions, I can show you some samples of my own conversions if you'd like some actual results to go along with the blather we've been posting here), and in any case, hope you find a way to do this that works for you!

[tsantsa]

ozymango, you are quite correct in your assumption that she, my wife, would tell you all to 'take a flying leap!' LOL She knows how to USE a computer, just not how to USE a computer, see? I start explaining all the different ways to do things and its like painting by osmosis. Not dumb, just doesn't like complication.

Lordsmurf, I appreciate your confidence in all-in-one software!!!

edDV, the purpose, as you surmised, is for watching the damn things in a easier to use format. We all know what a pain it is to hook up the ole dv cam to the tv - WITH NO CHAPTER POINTS shame shame...(at least thats my situation.) I DO NOT plan on overwriting the original tapes. Chrissakes, they're of me boy!

Thanks alot gents, I now have many avenues I can explore. I had much trouble just googling for info. Crap loads of useless info. I don't like google much anymore, unless I know exactly what I'm searching for. Meaning, if I put something in that is not only vague to me, it seems that is vague to google netting nothing but fly-by-night shops and wierd references similar to what I was looking into...but I digress.

Thanks.

[Richard_G]

While it can't give absolute best quality, as no all in one can, Ulead DVD MovieFactory will give very good quality, particularly if you keep to one tape per DVD. It is very simple to use and will do everything from Firewire transfer through to the burn. You can crop out the rubbish bits, add menus and chapter points if you want to or just leave it as it is. It will even do a transfer and burn in real time if you want it to. It is cheap to buy but there is a 30 day free trial available for download from www.ulead.com for your wife to have a play with.

All of the comments from others about doing each stage separately are perfectly true and valid, but if it's simplicity with good quality you want, try it.

[guns1inger]

The easiest way to go straight from DV to DVD is to get a DVD Recorder and skip the whole PC/software thing altogether. Get one with a HDD and you can edit with some freedom. Sure, you don't get fancy bells and whistles, but it's something you can do together in the lounge room from the couch.

[lordsmurf]

Yeah, that's what I was about to say. Just buy a DVD recorder with a DV input.

I would not bother with a HDD unit, she doesn't sound like she wants to do work. That HDD would require reading.

The JVC DVD recorder is easy. Just turn it to the "DV" channel using the channel changing on the remote, plug the camera into the front of the recorder, and then hit record on the recorder. You get automatic chapter stops every 5 minutes.

Done.

And it'll look a hell of a lot better than any all-in-one software could ever dream of doing.

[ozymango]

The easiest way to go straight from DV to DVD is to get a DVD Recorder and skip the whole PC/software thing altogether. Get one with a HDD and you can edit with some freedom.

Now why didn't I think of that?

Price would be a bit higher than the cheaper "all-in-one" software solutions but not too bad; you may or may not want the HDD (hard disc) option depending on what you mean when you say you'll "edit later." For mpeg (DVD recorder) editing, I definitly find software editing on the PC much easier and faster than with a DVD player/recorder, a program like Womble MPEG video wizard is $100-ish and is a really excellent mpeg editor that also offers some nice transition and titling options.

So that's not quite "all-in-one" but it's pretty close, in that for the dv-to-dvd first part is one step anyway, you'd have the original footage on DVD pretty much pronto.