Streaming JVC MiniDV Cam to PC to burn DVDs

[AMGlobal]

Is there any difference in digital output quality if I setup my JVC DV Cam (GR-D71) to stream video output via usb to my PC, vs recording it to the Mini DV tape first then copying it to the PC. The reason I bought this DV camcorder was to avoid unnecessary multiple steps. (What I am trying to do is capture, in the highest quality, old 8mm film projected on a wall via my camcorder, if the final video quality is going to be the same, then I would prefer to stream the video to the PC and avoid copying it to the MiniDV) Is there a difference? Can someone explain what is the best way to proceed. thx AM

[Richard_G]

If you want high quality, use Firewire instead of USB. There should be no difference in quality between streaming or recording to tape and then transferring. The incoming video (from the lens) is digitised and then either output directly or stored on tape to be output later. By streaming you are just saving yourself some time.

[AMGlobal]

thanks for the info. now i just have to decide if i need to purchase capturing/video editing software (e.g. Ulead Video studio 8) or if there is some free software that will do the same job of allowing me to capture the video and edit it prior to burning it to DVD. (i will search the forum, but if you can direct me to a place to find the answer that would be great)

[guns1inger]

Do you have any software at present ? usually something ships with a firewire card. If your needs are simple, then Ulead products or even Premiere Elements will probably be enough. You could even start with Movie Maker until you understand you editing requirements better. It costs nothing as it's bundled in XP. Make sure you have the version 2 upgrade though.

Consider tmpgenc as a cheap but powerful encoder, and tmpgenc DVD author or DVD Lab for authoring your disks.

There are a few good freeware DV transfer programs, including DVIO and WinDV. Some prefer these to Movie Maker (they are probably right)

If you budget (and patience) allows it, go for best of breed for each stage, rather than an all in one solution. You will most likely be more impressed with the outcome, and usually have more control at each crucial point in the process. You will also learn and understand a lot more this way.

[AMGlobal]

Thx for pointing me in the right direction. I have a Roxio editor that came with the DVD RW drive. I will experiment with the other freeware you mentioned and see which I like better.