computer DVD or desktop DVD

[su]

Hi!

I'm thinking about to buy a DVD rewriter. I need it to copy to DVD my films from my digital cam. Do anyone knows what is the best, the desktop or the computer DVD rewriter?

Thanks!

[mats.hogberg]

That depends on how steep learning curve you want. A desk top device is mainly a no brainer - not more difficult (nor advanced) than a VCR. A computer DVD-R is much more like a CD writer (but for DVD-R) - you can do much more with it (only your software sets the limit) like editing, effects..., but you have to "read the manual".

/Mats

[su]

Hi mats! First of all thank very much for your reply, but I have one question... suppose that I edit the film in my computer (cut some parts of the film, add some efects, put some music..), and then I'll make the copy to the desktop DVD rewiter. There is any difference between the desktop DVD-R and the computer DVD-R? I'll lose some functionallity? Or may I'll lose some quality?

[mats.hogberg]

If the desktop player can be connected to the computer, then, used this way, it's the same as a computer DVD-R/RW. I wasn't aware of any stand alone DVD recorder that could be hooked up to the computer as a DVD writer.
If you mean: Capture the digicam recorder to the computer, edit, and record on the settop using TV Out from the computer, then you will loose quality.

/Mats

[bugster]

If the desktop player can be connected to the computer, then, used this way, it's the same as a computer DVD-R/RW. I wasn't aware of any stand alone DVD recorder that could be hooked up to the computer as a DVD writer.
If you mean: Capture the digicam recorder to the computer, edit, and record on the settop using TV Out from the computer, then you will loose quality.

/Mats

I believe there are one or two models of DVD recorder available with firewire in. Intended to allow recording of DV direct from camera to DVD. I don't see why this couldn't be used from a PC with the 'export to tape' option of many DV editing programs.

Even if you can't export direct from the PC to the DVD recorder, you could always export to tape (assuming your DV cam has firewire in) and then re-export from cam to DVD recorder with no quality loss (as it is all digital)

[su]

The DVD-R that I'll probably buy is a PHILIPS DVD R 890 and it has a iLink port (firewire). I think that I can use this port to connect the PC firewire to the DVD-R firewire...

[mats.hogberg]

Even so, it seems like a very roundabout way - if you don't really need/want a stand alone DVD recorder. You get >3 computer DVD writers for one Philips DVD R 890 ...

/Mats

[bugster]

Even so, it seems like a very roundabout way - if you don't really need/want a stand alone DVD recorder. You get >3 computer DVD writers for one Philips DVD R 890 ...

/Mats

very true, and it wouldn't be my persoanl choice, but to some people ease of use is worth a lot of $$$$'s