New and wondering what I need to get going

[BozoB]

Hey everyone,
I am totally new to DVD/VCD Burning and I would like to know what kind of equipment and software I need. Let's see, I know that you guys need to know some things so here is the info that I know needs to be stated:
Running System: Microsoft Windows XP Pro
RAM: 256
Local Disk: Total Capacity 37.24 GB
Processor: Intel Pentium 4. Speed: 2.00GHz
FireWire: I am not sure. What does this look like and where is it located?
Now, I would also like to do some capturing from VHS and other stuff like my miniDV Camcorder and I would also like to make backups for the DVD's I do have. I have a baby soit's kind of scary to not have backups. there are a few things that i know I need. here is what I do knowI need:
Captur Card
DVD Burner
Software for authoring
That is all I know about. What I am asking is what do you recommend I do. What kind of Capture card should i get? What DVD Burner? Which Software? Also, I am not rich but I will do what I need to but if you could recommend good quality for good price, I would be really grateful. much Mahalo.

Your Friend,
Bozo B

[BozoB]

I would also like to know the difference between +R and -R or whatever. And, is there anything you recommend for conversion between PAL and NTSC Format? I have friends who would like videos but live in defferent countries. Thanks.

[jimmalenko]

Anything appearing after this line is purely my opinion and based on my own experiences. Any advice I provide should be taken with a grain of salt.

There is a lot of information on this site that can help you. Start by reading "What is DVDR" in the top left of this page. That will give you an introduction as to what makes up DVD. There is also a link to the differences between + and - there. Also try the DVDDemystified FAQ - it is a massive document but will provide much info.

In terms of hardware:
Ideally, put in another 256MB of RAM. You will get by with 256 but you will notice the difference with 512.

Capture wise, If you wish to go from VHS (analog) and miniDV (digital), you will need something like the ADVC-100 or the ADVC-50. The difference being the ADVC-100 can output back to VHS, whereas the ADVC-50 only outputs to digital media. For this reason the ADVC-50 is cheaper. These accept analog or digital input and plug into a firewire port. If you don't have a firewire port, you can buy a firewire card which is pretty cheap.

I would consider getting another Hard drive. DV takes up 13GB per hour, so if you are going to be doing around 4 hours at a time, an 80GB HD would be a minimum. Go as high as you can afford though.

Burner wise, I have had much success with my Pioneer 106D.

Software wise, for DVD ripping I use Smartripper/DVD Decrypter to rip, DVDShrink to transcode, TMPGEnc DVD Author to author and Nero to burn. I also use TMPGEnc Plus for various re-encoding jobs.

Have a look in the Capture Cards and the DVD Writers Sections to the left for reviews on the devices I have recommended. You will find all of the software I have recommended in the Tools section to the left.

Hope this helps.