Can I use ADVC-100 to capture to mpeg

[kadzbiz]

I have just purchased the highly rated Canopus ADVC100 capture device. I have Windows Movie Maker to capture the VHS video movie, but that fails to import the movie after capture as it is missing some codec that I need. That's one problem. The other problem is that I use TMPEG video wizard dvd to edit my movies, but it will not import WMV files. Is there a way I can import a WMV file to TMPEG video wizard, if not how can I capture to an mpeg file? Nero captures in AVI format, which I find to be horrendously large. Is there another program I can use to capture in mpeg format? Thanks.

[BJ_M]

main concept mpeg encoder --though for editing you should use dv avi files

[zoobie]

the advc100 is DV only

[thecoalman]

but it will not import WMV files.

Capture as DV-AVI with WMM or any other application, as mentioned above the ADVC is a DV only converter. Addtionally at no point does WMV enter the picture anywhere when making video for playback from a DVD.

[kadzbiz]

Looking at my ADVC100 device, it has the option of digital or analog input. That's why I bought it, to capture my VHS video movies. For some reason, TMPEG doesn't seem to cope to well with the captured AVI formats. Is there software that will video capture in MPEG format?

[mats.hogberg]

Again: The ADVC is for DV captures only. No software changes that, as it's a hardware encoder. As far as capturing quality goes, capturing to DV beats any other option. If you wanted mpg, you should have got one of the Hauppage cards.
If you have a DV codec installed, TMPGEnc (the encoder, not DVD Author) should have no problem with DV AVI. (Panasonic DV codec)
There are plenty of guides on DV to DVD:
https://www.videohelp.com/guides.php?searchtext=&tools=&madeby=&formatconversionselect=...or+List+Guides

/Mats

[kadzbiz]

Sigh, so much to read & learn, so little IQ to put things into practice. I really do appreciate all of your input guys. I'd be happy with AVI as long as it worked well. So you're saying that if I install the TMPGEnc encoder, TMPEG Video Wizard should be fine right? What is the reference to the Panasonic DV codec? Do I need that too?

[mats.hogberg]

You need some DV codec to edit/convert DV, yes.
TMPEG Video Wizard should be fine.

/Mats

[kadzbiz]

If I'm reading it right, it's pretty pricey at $99USD. Is there anything cheaper? I've already spent so much money on the new PC and Canopus ADVC100. Wife's furrowing her brow!!

[mats.hogberg]

What's pricey? TMPEG Video Wizard? If so, there are free alternatives (as good, but perhaps takes a toll on your IQ again ) - Look under TOOLS left for mpg/DVD encoders - HCenc comes highly recommended.
If you have/will get Vista, some versions (Home Premium and Ultimate) come with some "Windows DVD Maker" software, which will take the captured DV and turn it into a DVD in one go.


/Mats

[kadzbiz]

To clarify - I have TMPEG Video Wizard & TMPEG DVD Author Pro already. Do I need the TMPGEnc (to make the imported AVI files that I captured with WMM from my ADVC100) to solve the problem I had with AVI's in TMPEG Video Wizard? TVW kept freezing and the AVI file didn't look smooth. It was the TPMGEnc that I was referring to as being pricey.

And I thought this VHS to DVD stuff was going to be so simple...

[mats.hogberg]

No. TMPEG Video Wizard will do fine. If possible, try to keep WMM out of the loop. I'm sure there are better tools to use for capturing with the ADVC. It may well be WMM that is causing your trouble with TMPEG Video Wizard.

/Mats

[kadzbiz]

Aha, now we're onto something! I HATE WMM, so I'd love to keep it out of the loop. I'm searching for a better tool for capturing with the ADVC. Anyone got any suggestions for a simpleton? I found another gadget at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&O=productlist&sku=366521 but it doesn't have the RCA inputs that my VCR only has.

[jagabo]

DVIO, WINDV

[kadzbiz]

Jagabo, you initially stated that I should install the Panasonic DV Codec as sugeested earlier. Have you now changed your mind? You think I should try the DVIO or WINDV instead?

[Cornucopia]

That's not what jagabo is saying.

Codecs do ENCODING and DECODING. They'll be needed when you want to render/export/convert and when you want to playback/display.

What you're doing with DVIO or WinDV is capturing (really just transferring a stream into a file). No encoding or decoding is occurring, so really no codec is even needed.

WinDV and DVIO can be replacements for WMM (at least for the transferring into the computer). If you want to edit, you'll still need something else (and then, you WILL need a codec for sure). Virtualdub could serve as a free editor if you're OK with it's GUI.

Personallly, I don't like the Panasonic DV codec, I like Cedocida better (more options).

Scott

[kadzbiz]

[quote="Cornucopia"]That's not what jagabo is saying.

Actually, jagobo had stated before he deleted the post that if I just installed Panasonic DV Codec, that TMPEG Video Wizard should work with the AVI okay, but maybe he changed his mind when he wrote DVIO & WINDV, that's why I asked the question.

[quote="Cornucopia"]WinDV and DVIO can be replacements for WMM (at least for the transferring into the computer). If you want to edit, you'll still need something else (and then, you WILL need a codec for sure). Virtualdub could serve as a free editor if you're OK with it's GUI.

[quote="Cornucopia"]Personallly, I don't like the Panasonic DV codec, I like Cedocida better (more options).

I'll have to give WINDV and DVIO a try then instead of WMM. As far as Cedocida is concerned, just install it and use TMPEG Video Wizard as per normal do I?

PS - I hope I done all the quoting correctly. I apologise for any errors.

[thecoalman]

Perhaps this will help, download WinDV and follow steps 1-3 here:

http://www.dvd-guides.com/content/view/33/59/

At this point you should have a playable file on your computer that is roughly 14GB per hour of footage.

You most likely do not need the panasonic codec.....

===============


Stpes 4-7 are in regards to getting an acceptable format for your other TMPGenc programs. I'm not famialiar with either so I'm assuming they require MPEG2 input. For that you'll need a standalone MPEG encoder such "TMPGenc the encoder "

================

Youy can convert to MPEG on the fly with certian products like Ulead's, this negates the benefits of having the Canopus in the first place and will not produce very good results unless you're on a very fast machine. Works pretty well for DV cams as far as quality goes becuse it will pause the cam mid capture but that's a technology I wouldn't trust. Anyhow you're not in that boat anyway as it has to be done real time so stick with DV-AVI.

Last thing to note is using WMM for transferring from the Canopus will produce the same results as any other capture application, bear in mind you're dealing with a bit for bit copy of what is being snt over the firewire. Any application you are using is just acting as the middle guy between the canopus and your computer, all the grunt work is done by the Canopus.

[Cornucopia]

re:quotes--you need your endquote mark at the end of each quoted segment[ / quote ] (without the spaces).

Install one or the other codec, but not both. Don't know if TMPGVW allows capture from DVcam or not. Otherwise, should work with your setup.

Scott

[kadzbiz]

Thanks for your patience guys. I'll work on it in the next few days when I get back home and see how I go. Will let you all know.

What's TMPGVW? Haven't heard of that one.......I'm capturing from a VCR by the way, not a DV Cam. My DV Cam is easy to work with; straight to DVD and easy editing with Video Wizard.

[thecoalman]

My DV Cam is easy to work with; straight to DVD and easy editing with Video Wizard.

I'll assume you are refferring to a DVD cam? A Canopus is no different than a DV cam.

[thecoalman]

===============


Stpes 4-7 are in regards to getting an acceptable format for your other TMPGenc programs. I'm not famialiar with either so I'm assuming they require MPEG2 input. For that you'll need a standalone MPEG encoder such "TMPGenc the encoder "

================

One last note about this, one of the benefits of having a Canopus is that it produces DV-AVI which is a better format for editing with than MPEG. For the best results the footage should be edited using a DV-AVI capable editor then exported as DV-AVI before going onto steps 4-7.

What I would suggest is you do steps 1-3 then report back once you have a DV-AVI file on your computer.

[jagabo]

I originally suggested you download Panasonic DV Codec but decided that you might already have a DV decoder because you mentioned your video being jerky: "TVW kept freezing and the AVI file didn't look smooth." If you captured as DV AVI and didn't have a DV decoder you wouldn't have seen any picture at all. You didn't specifically say you captured as DV AVI, maybe you didn't (it's possible to convert on-the-fly while capturing). This is further complicated by the fact that Windows has two video systems, DirectShow and VFW. Decoders for one don't work with the other. Anyway, I decided to suggest DVIO or WINDV because that way we would know for sure you were capturing as DV AVI (and those programs are simple to use and work well). If you still had problems after that we could look at DV codecs etc.

[kadzbiz]

Okay, I AM able to capture in DV-AVI with WMM. If I open the file using TMPEG Video Wizard though, it seemed to be poor quality, having large disjointed blocks of image, nothing smooth at all. When I try to import the AVI file into TMPEG Video Wizard to start editing, then TMPEG kept freezing.

Canopus = DVD Cam, okay I understand what you're saying.

"TMPGenc the encoder " that's what I was asking about before. Pricey at $99USD. You think I need this added to my TMPEG Video Wizard and DVD Author Pro?

[Cornucopia]

You may have a Type1/Type2 DV-AVI mismatch.

DVDate can convert between the two if you need it.

A great portion of this problem will go away if you'd stop using WMM to capture.

Scott

[thecoalman]

Okay, I AM able to capture in DV-AVI with WMM. If I open the file using TMPEG Video Wizard though, it seemed to be poor quality, having large disjointed blocks of image, nothing smooth at all. When I try to import the AVI file into TMPEG Video Wizard to start editing, then TMPEG kept freezing.

How does it look if you open the file in a video player?

Canopus = DVD Cam, okay I understand what you're saying.

Apparently not..... Canopus = DV cam(aka mini DV or Digital 8) , In other words if you have a mini DV cam you can use the same exact procedures with the Canopus.

You think I need this added to my TMPEG Video Wizard and DVD Author Pro?

I'm not familiar with software but if you can import a DV-AVI into it and export MPEG or create a DVD from DV-AVI then no you don't.

[kadzbiz]

How does it look if you open the file in a video player?

Apart from TMPEG Video Wizard (TVW) I played it with the capturing software WMM and that seemed okay.

Apparently not..... Canopus = DV cam(aka mini DV or Digital 8) , In other words if you have a mini DV cam you can use the same exact procedures with the Canopus.

Well, with my DVD Cam, I take out the DVD and then transfer the files from the DVD to the PC and edit in TVW. I don't see how that is the same procedure as for the Canopus.

[thecoalman]

Apart from TMPEG Video Wizard (TVW) I played it with the capturing software WMM and that seemed okay.

Download the DVdate application that Cornucopia mentioned above. Check that is in fact a DV file, it might be helpful if you post the information it gives you here. As he mentioned you might have a type 1 type 2 conflict assuming the TMPGenc software accepts DV-AVI. You can also use this to create a new type 2 file to try in TMPGenc. WMM only creates type 1 so if the TMPGenc software only accepts type 2 you will be better off using WinDV to create type 2 right from the start.

: I take out the DVD and then transfer the files from the DVD to the PC and edit in TVW. I don't see how that is the same procedure as for the Canopus.

A DVD cam is not the same thing as a DV cam. Your DVD cam records in MPEG hence the reson the software you are using isn't a problem, it's meant to be used with MPEG. A DV cam records and outputs DV-AVI like your canopus. This DV-AVI file at some point has to be converted to MPEG2, if your TMPGenc software wil do that then you don't need additional softeware.

[kadzbiz]

You guys are great! Firstly, I confirmed with DVDate that WMM captured AVI in type 1 and TVW didn't like that. Converting to type 2 with DVDate solved that problem. Secondly, I used WinDV to capture 30 mins of AVI to type 2 (about 1.2 gig). Woohoo, goodbye WMM!! I then used TVW to encode the DVD files at 6000 CBR and tested the result. The source file was a little grainy, but the end result was the same, which is fine, BUT, I had some (how do I describe it?) what do you call it, artifacting? Is that the right word? It looked like there was large blocks of image within the image. Would that have something to do with the bitrate? I didn't yet try step 4 - 7 as you suggested. Is it time to do so?

[quote]

Perhaps this will help, download WinDV and follow steps 1-3 here:

http://www.dvd-guides.com/content/view/33/59/

Stpes 4-7 are in regards to getting an acceptable format for your other TMPGenc programs. I'm not famialiar with either so I'm assuming they require MPEG2 input. For that you'll need a standalone MPEG encoder such "TMPGenc the encoder "

[bendixG15]

sounds to me that somebody is pulling somebodies chain