Edit VOB files with Pinnacle Studio 8.12

[hawaii]

I need some help. I’ve been trying to research this issue on VideoHelp.com for about 2 weeks with no success.

I just got a Sony RDR GX-300 progressive scan DVR. The DVR works great and the video looks great. I have been transferring my 8mm home video tape to DVD +R format media. The disc plays on the DVR, my home and work computer with no problems.

What I want to do is very simple. I want to take the video on the DVD +R and edit it (collect all the birthdays, trips to the beach, etc.) with my Dazzle DVD Complete or my Pinnacle Studio 8.12. I know Pinnacle has a lot of problems. I want to take the VOB files created by the Sony DVR and open or import them into the Dazzle DVD complete or Pinnacle Studio 8.12. This authoring software only recognizes AVI and MPG files. I have used DVD Decrypter to convert the VOB files to MPG. The DVD Complete will open the file and play it with audio but will not let me edit. The Pinnacle will open the file, play and edit but it does not have audio (Pinnacle does not support AC3 audio file, Pinnacle knowledge base). I have read various forum questions about demuxing and remuxing the video and audio files into different formats and converting AC3 audio into WAV files.

My question is this, how do I get either my Pinnacle or Dazzle software to recognize and allow me to edit the audio and video files created on my Sony DVR without a loss of video quality. Is there a better way to do what I want to do without spending an arm and a leg? I’ve already spent and arm on the DVD Complete and leg on the Pinnacle and both were very disappointing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[edDV]

Pinnacle Studio 8 wasn't designed to edit vobs. You need to demux the vob to MPeg2 and audio

rant
The manufacturers of DVDR recorders and DVD camcorders in their infinite focus group derived wisdom concluded that users of such products had no interest in computer editing. Hence they left you adrift and expect us to rescue you. Don't you think we should be compensated?
/rant

I think you all should hound the manufacturer support lines until they provide a computer editing solution with the product.

That said some free and commercial products will edit VOBs. I'll start the list and others can add.

VOBedit
ULead Video Studio 8
...

Warning: they are either techie or in an early state of evolution. Editing MPeg2 has never been fun.

[docfly]

If Studio 8.x lets you do everything successfully except there was no sound due to the lack of AC3 support then I would take the chance and upgrade to Studio 9 plus which has AC3 support.

[hawaii]

Thanks for responding to my question and for your help!

edDV,
I have tried VOBedit and it demuxes the VOB files into separate video (.m2v) and audio (AC3) files. Pinnacle will only import multiplexed video and audio (non-AC3) files. Dazzle DVD Complete will import separate video and audio (non-AC3) files. I will try out Ulead Video Studio 8 but they want a $100.00 for the full version.


Docfly,
I checked the Pinnacle knowledge base and it doesn’t appear that Studio 9 has been configured yet to support AC3 audio. They said “hopefully in future releases”!

Again, thanks for your help!

Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[docfly]

I did a few searches using the terms studio 9 ac-3 and came up with several hits. Some leading to the "fact" that IT doesn't support it and other, like this one http://www.mikeshaw.co.uk/newslett.htm#5.1%20SURROUND claimng that it does. This one even has a screen shot showing the option. Mike Shaw is a highly respected Studio enthusiast and his web site is full of tips and tricks..
Pinnacle's site says surround sound and never uses the term AC-3. It also mentions an extra charge..... http://www.pinnaclesys.com/docloader_n.asp?templ=10&doclink=/WebVideo/studioavdvdeluxe...t&division_id=