Rookie is closer to making DVDs!

[rjack]

I might be close to changing my title of rookie thanks to my forum friends on videohelp.com! Here is where I am:

I now have a firewire port on my Dell XP so that I can plug a 6 pin-to-4 pin wire in and get a TRUE digital picture. Three questions -

1. Since I have miniDV tapes and High8 tapes to download, then edit and burn to DVD - what video setting should I "capture" in? Window movie maker has best quality, digital device and an "other" choice that lists out about 18 other settings. I want to play back the DVDs on a samsung 61" DLP HDTV.

2. If I use movie maker, can I just let the entire tape download and then go in and break it apart into separate video file on the computer?

3. Also, the PCI firewire card I purchased came with VideoStudio 8 SE VCD software. Should I use that instead of movie maker?

Thanks in advance.

[minidv2dvd]

to get the minidv tape transferred to the computer use the firewire port/cable and winDV. it's free and will capture into type I or II avi and you can set the file splitting options. use type II unless you have something that needs type I. then import the DVavi into your editor of choice try all that you can and pick whichever one you like best.

as for the high8, what are you transferring it to the computer with?

[rjack]

I am using the same firewire on the high8. I have started using the WinDV, and it look like the videos are the same quality as when I used the S-wire and the Roxio Easy VHS to DVD. I guess the picture will be better once the DVD is made.

It looks like I need to just record all the videos via WinDV and then use a NICE movie making software to split up and create DVDs.

So far, I have used Pinnacle (junk) and then the Roxio (junk). At this point, I am willing to pay anything for nice software that will allow me to properly edit videos. Roxio will allow you to make up to 4 chapters and window movie maker will allow you only to "split" the video/file.

[redwudz]

DV to computer is just a data transfer. Doesn't matter much what you use. You do your modifications after you get it on the hard drive. WinDV is one of the best transfer programs.

Next you probably want to edit. Cut/Paste/Filter, etc. Freeware: VirtualDub, or other editors.

Next you encode the edited DV to MPEG, DVD compatible. Freeware: HC, Quenc, or payware MPEG encoders.

Next you author to the DVD format to create chapters, menus, etc. Freeware: GUI for dvdauthor or payware authoring programs.

Last you burn to a DVD disc. Freeware: ImgBurn.

Or you can use a all-in-one program.

That's just a few suggestions. Plenty of other ways.

[rjack]

Nice! Exactly what I needed - spelled out for the Rookie. Thank you. If I do decide to get an all in one, what do you suggest?