Home Video Edit

[jagfan]

I'm new to this video stuff, so I apologize if I'm not using the right terms. I have researched much and learned alot from these forums. But I still need some guidance.

I recently transferred several old vhs home videos to dvd using my standalone dvd recorder. I'd like to edit these dvds (cut some stuff out) and reburn after editing and then make copies to give to family members to watch on their tvs. These are not professional videos just stuff captured at various family events. So, although the quality is not great, the value is very sentimental.

The problem is I really don't know what my next step is or what software to use. Last week I purchased my first dvd burner and Nero software is included with that. Has a bunch of programs among them are NeroVision Express and Recode2. Reading the manuals, has left me somewhat confused.

I'd appreciate if someone could guide me in clear and simple terms on what my next steps should be.

[daamon]

Hi jagfan,

As you've recorded VHS to DVD, the footage will be in MPEG2 format - probably stored in VOB files on the DVD discs (though I'm not 100% on how files are recorded on disc, as I've no experience with DVD recorders).

If I'm right, you can load up the VOB files into an authoring tool like TMPGEnc DVD Author (there are others, so long as you pick one that accepts VOBs).

In the authoring tool, you can choose the in and out points of your footage - i.e. allowing you to select the beginning and set the ending to cut out stuff.

Keep doing this until you have the footage how you want it, then just author and burn. To achieve this, you may need to load up the VOBs a number of times in each track - once for each edit.

This way, there's no re-encoding and so the quality of the original DVD recording is maintained.

That should get you started... Good luck.

[TBoneit]

Another option rip them into the computer as one big file with DVD Decrypter and use a lossless frame accuate editor. I like Videoredo and others Like Womble MPEG Video Wizard. These should both edit and not affect quality. Then you can download the TMPGEnc DVD Author and reauthor before burning.

I know for sure VideoReDo has a trial version that has no limitations if you request the trial key from them and DVD Author is also available in a trial version. That is what I would do and in fact is what I use. They are both easy to use.

You should be able to find download links to all of these in the tools menu on the left as well as guides on how to use. I suggest reading the guides first.

Good Luck

[TBoneit]

As a follow up you can just import them into DVD Author and edit but iy may ort may not be as accurate as you'd like. Only trying will tell.

Cheers

[daamon]

As a follow up you can just import them into DVD Author and edit but it may not be as accurate as you'd like.

On reflection, you may find that TMPGEnc DVD Author will only allow cuts to be made at I-frames - this is certainly the case for chapter selection. In which case, TBoneit's suggestion of either VideoReDo or MPEG Video Wizard is a good one.

An I-frame starts a GOP, and occurs only every 15 frames for PAL, or 18 for NTSC. They may occur more often, depending on GOP structure, but probably not enough to allow accurate cuts. Of course, if TDA does allow cuts on non I-frames (B and P frames) then you're OK.

I've read recently that people feel the latter (MPEG Video Wizard) is more flexible - but try both and see what suits you, and what you like.

[jagfan]

Thanks much daamon and TBoneit for your guidance.
I d/ld DVD Author last night and am on my way. So far I'm achieving the results I wanted.

[daamon]

Good news. No problem, and good luck!