Mini DV capture, firewire or Video in for better quality?

[gs-R]

Just wondering which method should I use to capture from my sony dv camcorder. Should I use the firewire port or use the video in on my capture card? Thanks a lot in advance

[mdm]

The firewire port will simply transfer the video to your system, retaining all of the quality. Using the Video In will require doing a Capture, where there is always some loss of quality.

[jtor]

...and with mdm's explanation, you SHOULD use firewire (if you have the port) for DV camcorders.

[p_l]

Here's a question for the experts: If DV "capture" is simply a transfer of the DV video from your cam to your computer, why do some programs "capture" as DV-AVI Type 1 (e.g., VideoWave), while other programs "capture" as DV-AVI Type 2 (e.g., Pinnacle Studio, or Sonic Foundry VideoFactory / Vegas Video)?

[web-keeper]

That's a very good question,
if someone could explain the differences between the DV Types (DV Type1 & DV Type2), I would be very greatful.

[wannabedvd]

That's a very good question,
if someone could explain the differences between the DV Types (DV Type1 & DV Type2), I would be very greatful.

Here is a good article that explains the diff.

http://thetechnozone.com/videobuyersguide/Codecs/Type1-Type2-DV.html

[donpedro]

So if I understud that link right.... There should not be difference in quality, but only in way how audio is stored within AVI. Am I right ?

Type-1 vs. Type-2 DV Files
DV cameras produce interleaved audio-video; each frame of video also contains the audio information. If you save DV data to an AVI file, you have a choice:

Include the native interleaved data as one stream in the AVI file, with type ivas. This is known as a type-1 file.
Split the DV data into separate audio and video streams, with types auds and vids. This is known as a type-2 file.
For video capture, where maximum throughput is crucial, it is better to save the data as type-1. This is because type-2 files carry redundant data: the video stream still contains audio data, which is hidden by labeling the stream as video. Also, writing a type-2 file requires some additional processor time to split the interleaved stream.

On the other hand, type-1 format can present problems for real-time editing. The application must extract the audio from the interleaved stream, make the edits, and interleave the data again. Also, the type-1 format is not compatible with Microsoft® Video for Windows® (VFW). DirectShow can handle both types of files.