Storage format for later dvd conversion

[brewsterw]

Hi,
I am creating Home movies from DV format to XVCD currently , but would like to keep the highest quality version available with minimum space so that I can create DVD's out of the same movies when the prices come down on the burners . Here are my questions...
1) SHould I just convert all the movies to DVD format MPG? I back up everything to CD so that would limit me to about 15 minutes per CD correct? Is there a way to make the files smaller so that they will still play in my DVD player?

2) Should I/Can I convert them to Divx. If so how can I do this?

Thanks For Your Help


Bruce

[Truman]

Both MPEG and DivX are lossy formats. If you want to "keep the highest quality version available with minimum space so that I can create DVD's out of the same movies when the prices come down on the burners", store it as DV tape.
If you can live with little quality loss, check this topic
http://forum.vcdhelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=87063
or store it as miniDVD. Then you have to merge and reauthor later.

[brewsterw]

Thanks,
I think I will go with storing it back onto the min dv. Though I am interested in the miniDVD you talked about. Where can I find information on that format?

Thanks

Bruce

[Truman]

Mini DVD has the same structure as DVD but burnt to CD. Hence you can fit about 15-25 min on one CD. Only few standalone players are able to play it. Check the "how to author" section.