VCR -> DVD Recorder (JVC DR-M10S) -> PC -> DVD+/-R

[ckwok1]

I recently purchased a JVC DR-M10S (PAL model) and decided to convert all my VHS tape to DVD. But I want to remove all the commericals from the original recording and add menu to the converted DVD. So I decided to capture the video using DR-M10S, then copy and convert the captured video to MPEG files on my PC. Perform necessary editing and re-authoring. Finally, burn them on DVD+/-R. I have decided that a frame size of 352 x 576 is good enough for the above purpose and intended to keep about 3 hrs of video on each DVD.

My problem is "What is the best setting to use on JVC DR-M10S?"

The options I am considering are:

(1) Using DVD-VR in SP mode (I don't thing I need XP mode). Properties of captured video is 720 X 576, VBR 8760 Kbps (avg is about 5 Mbps)

(2) Using DVD-Video in SP mode. Properties of captured video is 720 X 576 VBR 8760 Kbps (avg is about 5 Mbps)

(3) Using DVD-VR in FR190 mode. Properties of captured video is 544 X 576 VBR 5340 Kbps (avg is about 3 Mbps)

(4) Using DVD-Video in FR190 mode. Properties of captured video is 352 X 576 VBR 5340 Kbps (avg is about 3 Mbps)


Using (1), (2) or (3), I need to re-encode the video file because they have a different frame size or bit rate from the required value. But I hope that capturing at higher resolution may produce a better result. Is that true?

Using (4), I should be able to use the captured files directly. But the software I use (Ulead Media Studio Pro 7) divided each chapter of the video into separate files. JVC add a chapter mark about every 5 minutes. That means I need to combine the files before buring the DVD.

Using (1) or (3) (i.e. DVD-VR), I can create playlist on DR-M10S to remove the commericals. I think it is easier than editing on PC. Unfortunately, extracting video based on playlist cannot be done at the exact frame. There are errors of several frames.

Using (3) or (4), (i.e. FR190 mode), I can capture one 195 min tape to 1 DVD. It is very convenient for me. But this is not the most important point I am considering.

I also have some problems using the captured JVC files directly. When I play back some of the files on PC or on another (JVC) DVD player, the play back (always at the same point) may stop momentary (< 1s). But if I re-encode the file, the problem is gone. I still need to do more testing using different software and condition before confirming the problem. Any one has experience similar problem?

Any suggestions for me?

[Moonstomp]

Hi ckwok1,

I'm also a JVC DR-M10 owner and have done some VHS to DVD conversions using the following guide:

http://www.dvdguideuk.dsl.pipex.com/dvdguide/editing1/editing1.htm

I think it should be useful for your project.

Using DVDDecrypter in IFO mode (and set for File Splitting = None) should solve you problem with having to join multiple files in Videostudio.

I always use DVD-Video on the DR-M10 - apparently the DVD-VR can be problematic, so best steer clear of that one.

In terms of the recording mode - I just pick one to suit the length of VHS tape I'm transferring. (e.g. If it's a two and a half hour movie I'd use FR150 mode, if it's a one hour Music concert I'd use XP mode). Depends on the project I'm doing.

Hope this helps.

Good luck,

Moonstomp.

[ckwok1]

Hi Moonstomp.

Thank you for your information. I shall go and read the guide.

> I always use DVD-Video on the DR-M10 - apparently the DVD-VR can be
> problematic, so best steer clear of that one.

I read several posting about NOT using the DVD-VR mode. I did some testing in extracting video from disc recorded using DVD-VR mode and I haven't encountered any problem yet. One advantage of using DVD-VR mode is that I don't have to finalize the disc. Therefore, I can record some video, extract the data from the disc, and continue to use the disc to record more video.

Thank you again.

[lordsmurf]

http://www.digitalfaq.com/edit/recorderedit/recorderedit.htm

JVC DR-M10S used here.

[ckwok1]

Thanks for the responses. After reading those recommended guides and doing some more testing. I believe it is best to use the DVD recorder to record in the resolution and bit rate that matches what you want in the final DVD. JVC DR-M10S has a good MPEG encoder, there is no reason to re-encode the video on the computer again. Therefore, use

o FR190 DVD-video mode for 3 hr+ recording at frame size of 352 x 576
o XP or SP DVD-video mode for 1 or 2 hour recording at frame size of 720 x 576
o FR195 DVD-VR mode for SVCD (re-encoding is necessary to reduce the bit rate) at frame size of 480 x 576
o FR190 DVD-video mode for VCD (re-encoding is necessary).

After capturing, extract the files to PC, do the necessary trimming and make sure that your video editor will not re-encode the file. Finally, create the menu and burn them on to DVD+/-R.