Versatile video recording software MAC/PC?

[clancey]

Sorry...I posted before but I now realize my problem is a software issue, not hardware so I'm reposting my question.

I'm using a Canapus ADVC 110 Video card to import video into a MAC. The import program I am using is Quicktime Pro which does give me a very limited number of quality options. There's "device native", a couple of h264 options and a mpeg4 option. What I need is something like Quicktime Pro but with a lot more quality options. Ultimately something that will let me import with H264 codec and create a file of about 8 Mb/s but it would be nice if that were completely flexible. I do want to avoid bloated programs that do too much...I want something simple - something dedicated for importing video only.

Once I get this figured out I will have to do the same for PC. Can anyone recommend a Video card that comes with flexible software to do the same as I talk about above for PC?

[edDV]

Sorry...I posted before but I now realize my problem is a software issue, not hardware so I'm reposting my question.

I'm using a Canapus ADVC 110 Video card to import video into a MAC. The import program I am using is Quicktime Pro which does give me a very limited number of quality options. There's "device native", a couple of h264 options and a mpeg4 option. What I need is something like Quicktime Pro but with a lot more quality options. Ultimately something that will let me import with H264 codec and create a file of about 8 Mb/s but it would be nice if that were completely flexible. I do want to avoid bloated programs that do too much...I want something simple - something dedicated for importing video only.

Once I get this figured out I will have to do the same for PC. Can anyone recommend a Video card that comes with flexible software to do the same as I talk about above for PC?

What is the goal for this video? If you intend to filter or edit, first import as DV format then export compressed from your editor..

For the PC you can use the Canopus ADVC with a wide varierty of software. You don't need another capture device.

[clancey]

Thanks edDV

The first approach is exactly what I'm doing now. Works fine but the work flow is an issue.

I have a company that does a variety of film related stuff but we also have some basic video services. One of the things that we do is make DVDs from video tape but now there is a lot of demand for MOVs and AVIs from video tape. So what we want to do is offer that at the same price as we do a DVD which is only about 20 bucks for 2 hours. There's not a lot of wiggle room at that price for extra processing time so the goal is to have the end product upon the completion of the import from tape...no more conversions.

Is this possible and if it is with the quality be unacceptable compressing two hours of VHS video for instance, onto a single DVD data disc?

[edDV]

Thanks edDV

The first approach is exactly what I'm doing now. Works fine but the work flow is an issue.

I have a company that does a variety of film related stuff but we also have some basic video services. One of the things that we do is make DVDs from video tape but now there is a lot of demand for MOVs and AVIs from video tape. So what we want to do is offer that at the same price as we do a DVD which is only about 20 bucks for 2 hours. There's not a lot of wiggle room at that price for extra processing time so the goal is to have the end product upon the completion of the import from tape...no more conversions.

Is this possible and if it is with the quality be unacceptable compressing two hours of VHS video for instance, onto a single DVD data disc?

A playable DVD needs to be MPeg2. There are several methods to capture and encode VHS material to DVD. All methods would benefit from a field or frame based TBC in the path between the VCR and the ADVC capture device.

1. Encode on the fly while capturing. This is the lowest quality approach and not recommended for long play times. For quick and dirty long length capture, use 352x480i instead of 720x480i.

2. Capture direct to DV format. Then encode non-realtime to MPeg2. This gets much better quality but doubles the time needed to get to encoded MPeg2. Then you still need to author the DVD.

3. Capture direct to a good standalone DVD recorder. This is a one step process and saves you time and effort. Processing and encoding is done in fast hardware and quality is good in "2hr mode" and very good in "1hr mode". It is ideal when you don't intend to edit or filter the video before making the DVD.

Search the forums for "best" TBC or DVD Recorder for this purpose.

For MOV, Divx, Xvid, h.264 use method 2.

[16mmJunkie]

Thanks edDV

I have a company that does a variety of film related stuff but we also have some basic video services.

Is this possible and if it is with the quality be unacceptable compressing two hours of VHS video for instance, onto a single DVD data disc?

A playable DVD needs to be MPeg2. There are several methods to capture and encode VHS material to DVD. All methods would benefit from a field or frame based TBC in the path between the VCR and the ADVC capture device.

1. Encode on the fly while capturing. This is the lowest quality approach and not recommended for long play times. For quick and dirty long length capture, use 352x480i instead of 720x480i.

2. Capture direct to DV format. Then encode non-realtime to MPeg2. This gets much better quality but doubles the time needed to get to encoded MPeg2. Then you still need to author the DVD.

3. Capture direct to a good standalone DVD recorder. This is a one step process and saves you time and effort. Processing and encoding is done in fast hardware and quality is good in "2hr mode" and very good in "1hr mode". It is ideal when you don't intend to edit or filter the video before making the DVD.

Search the forums for "best" TBC or DVD Recorder for this purpose.

For MOV, Divx, Xvid, h.264 use method 2.

I agree with edDV @ his offering of ways to complete your task, and if you take the time to do a little searching through our forums you will find answers to most of your questions. If most people would take time to do this it would amaze them at the knowledge they can find here. Just takes a little time of looking the site over to find the search methods. Welcome to the site and good luck with your projects.


16mmJunkie

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