Newbie to the video creation process

[satwar]

Hi,

I'm new to video creation and am having trouble understanding the basic work flow process in video creation and the terminology. I've done some reading but would like some feedback on whether I understand properly.

First step is "video capture" from analog source (tapes). I assume if you have DV as a video source it is already considered "captured"

Second step is "post processing", I assume this means editing.

Third step is "encoding" to final desired video format (mpeg 2, 4 etc)

Fourth step is "authoring", I assume that means setting up DVD menus

Fifth step is "burning" to DVD


About the only software requirements I understand is the last step, burning. I think a software product like Vegas or Avid Xpress is used for editing, Step 2. But what software do you use for encoding and authoring? How do the Adobe products Premiere Pro (I think this is the editor), Encore (I think this is for authoring) & After Effects fit in to the work flow?

Also I'm thinking of purchasing a standalone DVD Recorder for time shifting of TV programs (VCR replacement + program archiving). At first I thought this might be an easy way to capture video from tapes, but a DVD Recorder is doing more than just capture, it's doing all steps in one box, which is fine for simple archiving of a TV program but is not so good for producing creative video.

Sorry if this request for help sounds stupid, but this site is overwhelming me with the amount of information presented. I'm hoping some kind guru will guide me to the light.

Thanks in advance.

[rkr1958]

Welcome aboard and without getting to picky it sounds like you've got a good start on things.

Here are some of my recommendations for entry level+ software:

1) encoding ==> TMPGEnc Plus or CCE-Basic (30-day trails available ... ~$50 each to buy)
2) authoring ==> TMPGEnc DVDAuthor w/ac plugin (30-day trail w/o ac3 plugin available ... ~$80 to $100 to buy) ... Also if you get a DVD Recorder w/writer ... you can use TMPGEnc DVDAuthor to edit out commericals of your TV shows and make simple menus ... I do this all the time).
3) AVI capture, editing and filtering ... Virtualdub (free)

These are some of the tools that I use regularly ... Before you buy these, or any other tools, though I'd recommend that you try out first.

[abc-123]

1. Capturing: I can't help you there as I don't do any captures myself so don't know.

2. Editing: Say you've captured a tv show and want to edit out the commercials before burning. You should have an .avi file produced by your capturing software. You need Virtualdub which can cut out sections of the clip exactly where you specify. You can also do this straight from the encoding software like Tmpgenc, but you have less control over the audio that way. Here's a guide for virtualdub: https://www.videohelp.com/virtualdubedit.htm

3. Encoding: Lots of programs out there to do this but my favorite is Tmpgenc. It's popular and lots of people can help you troubleshoot it around here if anything goes wrong. This will convert your avi file into mpg audio and video files. Here's a guide for Tmpgenc: http://members.dodo.com.au/~jimmalenko/AVI2DVD.htm

4. Authoring: The coolest program I've found is Dvdlab pro. It lets you get really creative later on when you've learned the basics and want to do some really intricate effects. It's worth it to start learning to author with a program that is not limited. This will produce 2 folders for you, an empty audio and a video folder with vob, bup and ifo files. Here's a guide for Dvdlab: https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=220092

5. Burning: I just use nero to drop the two folders onto a disc and burn. Lots of people don't like nero, but it's worked well for me so far. Here's a guide for Nero: http://members.dodo.com.au/~jimmalenko/NeroExpress.htm


As for purchasing a dvd recorder, I can't help you there as I don't have experience with them. But I'd think you'd have more control over the process doing it this way. JMHO.