How to get best Capture Quality?

[tweke]

Hi All!

I'm a newbie, and I've taken a stab at moving some of my movies from my Sony Digital Handicam's 8mm tapes to DVD. Technically you could say I've been sucessful, but the Quality of the output is not impressive.

I've tried Ulead's VideoStudio (ver 4) as well as DVD Moviefactory 2, but they both seem to lose significant resolution. I looked, but didn't see a guide that addresses this - Is there one? If someone could point me to a site/page/link that could help, I'd sure appreiciate it! Or even just some comments on the "right" way to do this...

Thanks!

[Tommyknocker]

The best way is to transfer via firewire in AVI DV format. You won't be disappointed.

[lenti_75]

..an then convert the AVI file at least at 5000 to get o good resolution.
Check the settings for the compression, and if you want a good quality don't go higher than 1,5 hour / DVD
you will get he same quality as original.....

[tweke]

Thanks for the encouraging replies!

Ok - I have the firewire and that part is working. So, do you have any specific recommendations for software tools to use to create the AVI DV file?

And on the "at least at 5000", are you refering to the bit rate? (Sorry, but I really *AM* a newbie... ) And are there recommended tools to use here?

Thanks!

[thing914]

Hi, you are where I was about 6 months ago. If you have the basic process using the tools you mentioned you at least have a feel for the process. Improving the quality is where the real learning curve comes in, and it is a steep curve. But worth it. Keep reading the guides, and check out the various tools. I never had good luck with the all in one type programs and went pretty quickly to individual tools for each step.

Read and reread the various forum questions. A lot won't make sense but as you learn more it starts to build so reread. There was a long and still ongoing forum thread on converting StarWars laserdiscs, last I looked it was at 24 pages long. I've reread that twice now and that helped me make the jump into frameserving using AVISynth and doing IVTC and other things. I'm now getting a headache trying to nail down the issue of 'colorspace'.

Just to give you an idea of my basic process for Hi8/D8 tapes.

transfer/capture using a inexpensive program called ScenalyzerLive, I've heard of a free program called DVIO and there are others.

I get the avi file saved using the Canopus codec.

Use VirtualDub to view the avi file. You can edit out chunks with this. Resave using the video - direct stream copy. You can also use this to save out the sound file as a wav.

Encode the video to .mp2 using TMPGEncPlus, I ignore the templates and use setting I got after looking at one of the guides and also info from LordSmurf's website www.lordsmurf.com Yes, that 5000 that was mentioned was bitrate.

I use the free ffmpegGUI to convert the wav to AC3

Author using TMPGenc DVD though I'm trying out DVD-Lab also

Burn using Nero.


Get some DVD rewritable discs and do lots of testing, I use small 5 min clips. Try different settings, there is still as much art as science to this and seems like there are slight variations in every different system. You need to find what works for you. You need to see the final result on your tv since what you see on the computer can't be trusted as the final result. You need to learn how your particular process with look on tv, and any differences when on your computer.

Once ready to burn a complete dvd, save yourself headaches and use quality media. The price difference between cheap and quality isn't worth the problems. This is so new though that what is quality media changes. Don't trust name brands blindly, check the forums here again since what is good media can change over time as the industry is maturing.

Good luck,

[tweke]

Thing914,

What a great post! I really appreciate all the pointers and tips - your reply is *very* helpful. In fact, I've printed it out and will add it to me rapidly growing folder on "Burning DVD's". I use this material to do as you said: read and re-read until it starts to make sense.

I already have the DVD-RW's ordered and will be putting them to good use as soon as they arrive.

Thanks for taking the time to compose that reply!

[thing914]

Glad it was helpful. I know how frustrating starting out can be with some of this stuff. Most of the postings you read don't make much sense but they will pretty quick as you get into it. I'm doing as a hobby so don't mind fiddling around with it, doing lots of tests, etc. All helps with the learning.

I've been messing with widescreen lately, capturing some letterboxed movies from my DishPVR satellite system and trying to make the end result dvd an anamorphic widescreen. And just finished using Scenalyzer and my Sony D8 TRV103 camcorder to capture some tests. I'm trying out the 16:9 widescreen mode in the camcorder and will see what the result looks like.

You'll eventully get to the point where you like the quality you can produce. Everyone seems to be different. Some people like anything they can convert. I'm probably somewhere in the middle, play with filters, etc to try and clean some stuff up. I'm happy with the result but I'm sure some others would see things I don't. You'll probably do stuff early on that you like but later as you learn new techniques you'll want to redo stuff. So save the original tapes of anything important.

This website is a great place for info, lots of good people around. And as you get into it your questions will start to focus in on specific steps or bits of each task or program you use.

[lordsmurf]

What I do is in my signature. I also now use a APEX DRX-9000 DVD recorder.

[tweke]

lordsmurf,

Just took a look at your site - looks nice... think I will find a wealth of info there. All us "newbies" appreciate efforts like yours. Thanks!