DVD Recorder or direct to computer?

[GuyScharf]

I've recently tried a Philips DVDR3390 and was not happy with the way I couldn't integrate it into my system. Looking at other DVD recorders, I ask myself: Why a DVD recorder? Why not run the signal directly to the computer?

I use a Dish DVR for most viewing. My user for a DVD recorder would only be to record occasional programs to DVD or long-term storage, or to make DVD copies of some (mostly non-commerical) VHS tapes. With the Philips, I found that I could get the results I wanted by copy from DVR to a DVD-RW, taking that to the computer, and re-authoring and burning a DVD there (using TMPGEnc DVD Author 2). I probably did that for 75% of the DVDs that I have created.

So why not just skip the intermediate step of the DVD recorder?

What are the drawbacks to that approach?

If that is a reasonable approach, what do I need to get started? I do not have any kind of capture card now (but I do have sufficient computer power and hard drive).

Links to good articles that would educate me would be welcome. I looked at some of the articles here, but didn't get any clear understanding of pros and cons of this approach.

Thanks.

Guy

[A_51]

Do a serch of old topics. This have been discused more than twice...

[ZippyP.]

"Capturing" with a DVD recorder may seem like an intermediate step but it is much simpler than buying and installing a good capture device, learning the software and settings, practising until you get it right, then making good quality captures (and tying up your computer in the process).

Your choice, but for quality and ease of use the recorder is pretty much fool proof.

[Epicurus8a]

I have a Pioneer 420H-s DVD recorder with an internal hard drive.

1.) Because I record to the hard drive, I can easily edit out commercials before saving programs on DVD-R. This saves time because I don't have to rip discs to my computer for re-authoring (unless I really feel the need to re-author.)

2.) Since the DVD recorder is a completely independent machine, my computer is available for other tasks.

3.) If you plan on performing sophisticated editing, get a good capture device like Canopus. Most of the other stuff on the market is junk, IMO.

Good luck!

[BruceSD]

I use both (a PC to capture, and a set-top DVD recorder.)

By and far, a set-top DVD recorder is moe convienent. If you get a descent one, it works, it always works. No installing a card, no tweaking the card, no device driver problems etc. Press record, it records. You get a DVD when you are done. For recording off your Dish system, it doesn't get easier. A set-top box is also cheaper.

If you are transferring VHS with any playback issues o poor quality generally, or are 4/6+ hour tapes with lots of mixed content and require lots of cutting, using a set-top box is not convienent. Poor quality/dodgy tapes need more options (higher bitrates filtes etc.) Lots of babysitting the recording involved in long/mixed tapes. I have done it, having to sit there watching a 6 hour tape, constantly pausing the recording to "edit", having to finalize a disc and then swap discs, knowing what is on the tape and how long it is in advance of recording etc. A huge pain. A set-top box with a hard drive can help ease that though, my set-top recorder doesn't.

A capture card adds a lot of power and versatility. You can capture in many formats. You can also capture in different resolutions and bitrates, important for VHS. Not so important for quality souces like DBS.

It is best to have a PC dedicated to capturing, I tried it on my main general use PC, and it is cumbersome at best. Having to constantly defrag the hard drive, trying up the PC and waiting to use it for other things etc. is very annoying. And, unless your PC is next to your TV and receiver, that will mean a long (analog) wire run from the receiver to the PC which mayl reduce quality.


Frankly, if you are just capturing clean "easy" VHS tapes, and intend to capture mostly Dish content, I'd stick with the set-top recorder hands-down. I use my set-top recorder for recording off my Dish Network system, and the quality is fantastic and it is very easy. I have hundreds of VHS I have to convert, many 6 hours, many in bad shape, so I had to use a capture card and a standalone PC for those, and all the work and hassle involved.

[GuyScharf]

Thank you all. Your arguments in favor of staying with a set-top recorder are convincing. I'll stick with that for now. I think I can solve my integration problems with an A/V 2x1 switch, so I'll try that next.