Give suggestions...come on...it's for church

[scrillah]

I need to edit church video. It's currently been recorded on vhs, but going digital in the future. Right now I'm concerned with anolog in/out but added firewire is a plus. I want to capture in mpeg2 or mjpeg (which ever is better). It has to go back to vhs so I need to capture as clear as possible. I know there'll be loss because of analog. I saw a Dazzle Hollywood DV-Bridge, but didn't know if I should go with that or something else. All suggestions are welcome. The system that will be running it is an Athlon 900MHz (can upgrade if needed) I don't want to spend much more than $200, but will love to spend less Thanks to everyone that helps and those that wanted to help but had no info.

[SLK001]

Suggestions? Why would we want to help a church? We're all pagans here!

[scrillah]

OK I said all suggestions welcome. What I meant was, all helpful and useful suggestions. 8)

[SLK001]

Okay, I risk being drummed out of the PAGAN GUILD (and PLEASE don't tell anyone that I helped you!), but my leading question is this: Why do you want to stay in tape? VHS quality is marginal, at best, and another transfer back to tape will result in even less quality. Also, explain in more detail what you are trying to accomplish. Like, what are you trying to edit on the tape?

Did you leave a "0" off your budget? Also, how large of a hard disk do you have? A capture of DV can be a HUGE drain on HD resources!

For long term archives (those that you will view again in 10+ years), digital format is the way to go. Probably MPEG2 should be used (if not DVD, which is more of a standard).

Editing MPEG2 is no easy task (just peruse the forum here), and it is not really structured for editing. Hence, the need for a Non-Linear Editing suite.

I'll wait here (in this dark alley), for your answers to my queries! I'll be the one in the dark robes! If anyone asks, you don't know me!

[scrillah]

You're funny. First, thanks for actually helping. The plan for the future is DV, but now just capture from vhs, cut out a few scenes here and there, add some transition and send it back to vhs. I know quality is going to suffer for now, but that's what I have to deal with. As far as HD space, not much trouble to add or swap out when needed. You suggested Non-Linear Editing suite. Give example. Around $200 is allotted for just the card. I don't need studio quality. Thanks again and don't worry. Your secret is safe with me

[SLK001]

Pssst... over here... I have to whisper, because some of my fellow GUILD members are around here somewhere.

If the DV Bridge has both analog in and out, then this card may be the one for you. Adobe Premiere is a good NLE video editing suite, but runs around $5-600 AND it has a very steep learning curve. VirtualDub is also a NLE video editing suite, and is FREEWARE, but of course, doesn't have all the features as Premiere. It's also not as difficult to learn as Premiere. But depending on your needs, VD may just be the ticket for you. Download a copy of VD and grab some DV from somewhere and see if it will fulfill you needs. I also suggest that you start reading all the guides on this and other sites. Video work in itself, has a very steep learning curve.

Well, I have to go now... We have a virgin sacrifice tonight, and I still have to find one!

[scrillah]

Thanks...It's looking like the DV-Bridge or AIW 7500.

[thxkid]

If you plan to edit scenes out I would stay in an AVI format like Huffy, Indeo or Divx, I like useing Huffy or Indeo it uses just enough compression to not use all your hard spce up and still stay in great quality and if you canget your hands on Ulead Media Studio pro and Hollywood FX Gold Transition effects, I am telling you you would be suprised on what this software can turn your video's into, Frame to frame cuts of transitions, multi video I done 5 video's overlayed on one background and upto 4 differnet audios in digital stereo. Something to look into the future, plus there are some editing programs with simple effects out very cheap $50 like MGI video wave 4 or 5, most of these programs have demos at their web site so you can try them out, for Me in nice knowing the Ulead District Operator for the NW US, I get all Ulead Free as Full trial Release programs, they are full version and legal to have.
I used a $49 capture card for the longest time and made great video's or edited tapes. If plan to edited to MPEG1 or 2 then you be better off getting a Hollywood Plus or Utobia MPEG1/2 Output decorder card they have a higher quality picture than these video cards with TV output, like ATI and Nvidia. You can get these MPEG2 cards for $39 to $59.
I have completely went Digital on everything, VCD's, SVCD's and DVD-R's, don't even use a Video recorder any more have 2 Home DVD recorders and put all on DVD-R or DVD-Ram, use the computer and burn as VCD or SVCD, believe me this digital is the way to go over analog, its higher quality, digital stereo audio and you can do multi quality recordings with none or very very little loss of picture quality. Price drop is unbeliveable also. CD-R burners $45, DVD Burners $299 Home DVD recorders $649, the blank media is cheap also CD-R's for 20 cents each in 50 packs, DVD-R's name brands $3.99, a year ago I thought it would not be this low and the price is going nowhere but down.

[scrillah]

Thanks alot! I appreciate the info.