The Basic FAQ for the Complete Novice AKA HELP ME

[thecoalman]

This is intended to answer the most repetitive questions asked at Videohelp.com.

In No Particular Order:

1. VHS,VHS-C & Hi-8----->DVD How?.

The first thing you need is a device to convert the analog signal into a digital format also known as a capture card or analog converter. There are many to choose from, see the Capture Card section for more info and user comments.

You will also need software to edit and author your disc, most DVD burners and capture cards come with all the software you need to go from capture to a finished disc. These are excellent tools for getting your feet wet to familiarize yourself with the process of getting your VHS to DVD. This software has limited options though and you may quickly find out you want to move onto something better. Software reviews and comments can be found in the Tools section.

The last thing you need is a RW disc, this is probably the most important thing you need. Why you ask? Creating DVD's is a complicated process and there are many things that can wrong along the way including hardware malfunctions and user error. You will make mistakes guaranteed. It's better to make 100 of them doing short test clips on a RW than spending hours putting together a DVD only to find out there is something wrong with your source video.

2. My disc won't play on my standalone DVD player but will play on my computer or stutters when it plays.

The first thing to do is check under the DVD Players section to the left. Find your standalone DVD player to see if it's compatible with the media type you are using. Not all DVD players will play burned media. Some will play only +R others only -R some won't play either. Note that the compatibilities listed are user contributed and in some cases may not be entirely accurate but for the most part they are.

If your DVD Player is listed as compatible with your media type eliminate all of the following:

1.Make sure the software you are using to burn with is updated to the latest version. Which version you have can be found by opening the program and on the top click help>about (insert software title). Updates can be found on the vendor's site.
2.Update you DVD burner's firmware to the latest version. To find what version firmware you currently have see the manufactuer's site for details.
3.Try burning at a slower rate.
4.Last but not least use good media. Cheap discs are cheap for a reason. See the DVD Media section to the left for reviews and comments on media brands and see the media forum.

If all of the above fail to work try it in a different player even if your player is listed as compatible.

3. My digital cam says I-Link and my computer has IEEE 1394 or Firewire ports.

I-Link, 1394 and Firewire cable and ports are all the same. They only differ in name. I-Link is a trademark of Sony, Firewire is a trademark of Apple and IEEE 1394 is the generic name.

4. My software keeps crashing how do I fix it?

Software in general is usually shipped with bugs, check the maunfacturers site for the latest updates. If this does not fix your problem post a question in the appropiate forum with the exact error that you are getting. Be sure to fill out your comuter details before posting.

5. What Is the Best Capture Card & Software To use?

This is a completely subjective question. There is no best. What is best depends on what you want to do with your video, your experience, your computer system, who's giving the advice, the size of your wallet.......etc. You can spend as little as $20 dollars or go well into the thousands. It all depends on what best suits your needs. The first place to start looking for what is best suited for you is to the right under the Lists section where you will find many reviews and comments on software and hardware.

6. My digital cam has Firewire, USB & Analog RCA output which one should I use?

Firewire, it transfers an exact copy of what's on you cam. The USB plug on some cams is for transferring digital still images. The RCA jacks are for connecting to a TV.

7. My video has horizontal lines going through it, has a narrow band of corruption on the edges or appears brighter or darker?

Computer monitors were not intended to play "made for TV video". The horizontal lines are called interlacing and are supposed to be there. The narrow band of corruption along the edges of video is called overscan, it is not visible when you play it on TV. Depending on how your monitor is set, how your TV is set the brightness level may vary. Do a test burn and compare the DVD to the original.

See the Glossary section for definitions of words.
For a larger FAQ see the FAQ.
The Forum Rule/Acceptable Use Policy

[yoda313]

Hello,

Thanks coalman Great start for a onestop guide. But you forgot DVDSHRINK

Kevin

[thecoalman]

Hello,

Thanks coalman Great start for a onestop guide. But you forgot DVDSHRINK

Kevin

Thanks Yoda. I was hoping to get it stickied. The idea is to edit and add things. I don't use DVD shrink becuase I'm working with original material so I really don't have a need for it. Do you have a suggestion? I'll add it.