Best Option for Capturing?

[quxote]

I was wondering if someone can offer a suggestion for me. I am sure this has been asked before but I can seem to find which method is best for capturing VHS and converting to DVD.

I have 3 options.

I just purchased a Samsung DVD Recorder, I also have WinTV that I can use to capture video and I have a Sony DV Handycam (DCR-HC30) that I belive has a passthrough.

My question is which would be the best option to use to capture the VHS tapes so I can edit, add titles and background music, then author a DVD.

If I use the DVD Recorder I have to finalize the disc then "rip" it to my computer before editing it.
If I use WinTV (which has a hardware MPEG encoder) will I lose quality.
If I use the Handycam will I loss frames or quality?

Obviously using the DVD Recorder is the easiest if I did not want to edit and add titles and transitions etc.

Also, this would bring me to part 2 of the question. Can anyone offer a suggestion for a easy to use program for editing and transitions. I tried Windows Movie Maker but it seems the quality will be lost.

Thanks for any suggestions. My system specs are below.

Alienware Areas 51 PC
Asus p4C800-E Motherboard
Intel 3.2 Ghz CPU 800Mhz FSB
2 GB RAM
Primary Video Card ATI x800 Pro
Secondary Video Card NVidia GeForce 420 MX
Primary Hard Drive 10,000 RPM 36GB Hard Drive
Secondary Hard Drive 7,200 RPM 75BG Hard Drive
External Hard Drive 300 GB
Sound Blaster Audigy 2

[thecoalman]

If I use the Handycam will I loss frames or quality?

Chances are you'll get a better final product especially if you plan on editing, really depends on what the hardware has, the amount of editing, the software you are using, if you are following a good procedure... blah,blah.... Some DVD recorders for example have filters and/or LTBC's etc, same with the cam. So the real answer is.....<drum roll> Depends.

Overall the best way to go from VHS to DVD if you want to edit and experiment is using a uncompressed format like DV-AVI, better for editing and more important it's better for applying software filters. If you really want to improve VHS capture look into the hardware you are using prior such as the VHS deck, this is probably the most important thing for good captures, a good deck can make a world of difference.

[dadrab]

thecoalman makes very good points.

One other thing to think about, though, is the attaction to using a capture device that encodes straight to MPEG2 (via hardware chip) as you capture. The trick to that is to have hardware to tweak your video before it gets to the capture device.

That entails a stand-alone TBC and probably a proc-amp in line so your colors and signal get to the capture card in prime shape.

Once captured, your footage can then be edited in VideoRedo, authored and burned with no re-encode.

[Stiiv]

using a capture device that encodes straight to MPEG2 (via hardware chip) as you capture.

My Dazzle DVC-II does exactly that. Not bad for a 7 year old device.

[new_dist]

Hi
I have been using an ADS InstantDVD converter to convert Svhs/vhs to digital(mpeg)
for a year now and it is simple and quick !
It will also take DV and convert to mpeg for editing !
Dave

[yoda313]

Obviously using the DVD Recorder is the easiest if I did not want to edit and add titles and transitions etc.

Well even though most here would say mpeg is bad for editing if you want simple editing there is nothing wrong with using mpeg. You can rip it as you say and edit from there.

BUT most here would say using avi straight from the dv transfer would be ideal. It depends on how much work you want to do. BUt if you want it quick and dirty you can't beat the ease of a dvd recorder.

[jagabo]

The single best thing you can do for VHS capture is us an S-VHS deck with a line TBC, noise filters, and a proc amp.