Mac Software that Encodes like a DVD Recorder

[Gypsy898]

Hi,

I have a Pioneer DVR 520-H. When I record tv shows on my dvr to burn to dvd, I usually like to use the LP recording speed, so I can get about 6 episodes to a blank disc. I get decent quality. NOW, is it possible to do the same thing with my mac? Is there mac software out there that encodes on the same level as a dvd recorder?

I have a 1.5 Ghz PowerBook G4. Also a 1.8 Ghz iMac G5.

[rumplestiltskin]

This depends on the hardware. Roxio makes a SD device with software called Easy VHS-to-DVD. Costs about $70 or $80. It records only at MPEG2 size (standard quality I guess). What you do with it after that is your choice:

- Leave it as is.
- Compress to various formats (MPEG4 for iPod, AppleTV, eMail, etc.)

I believe El Gato has a SDTV device that gives you the choice of lower quality capture but I think this is bitrate -and- size-related. In other words: If you capture at 320x240 at a lower bitrate, you can have a sort-of-LP quality.

These choices may not resolve your question.

[Case]

How long (in minutes) are these episodes? 22? 44? something else?
How big (in GB) is the blank disc? 4.38 (4.7) or 7.96 (8.5)?
These numbers are needed to calculate the average bitrate you seek.

It is possible to encode a DVD at a lower-than-normal bitrate, but if your source material isn't as pristine as your tv signal, then the visual quality will suffer a bit more. E.g. some clip found online is already encoded lossy (at least) one time extra. Another encode at low bitrate of such material may show more artifacts. If that is still decent, is up to you.

[Gypsy898]

It would be a single layer dvd, and the episodes would range from 42 min. to 48...

[Frobozz]

That Pioneer recorder is an excellent unit (I have the 510 H). There is nothing I know of that can record in real-time MPEG 2 on the Mac in the low-resolution of the Pioneer's LP mode. Every real-time MPEG 2 encoder for the Mac that I'm aware of captures at 720x480. The target bit rate is to fit at least 2 (maybe 3) hours of video to a DVD. It's been awhile since I've checked this but I believe the LP mode on your Pioneer recorder is at 360x240 resolution.

Now with digital TV the ElGato EyeTV Hybrid can capture the actual video stream without any encoding. This is in MPEG 2 format and is lower resolution for SD channels than 720x480. It can also capture the clear QAM channels from cable TV. I don't know how many hours it fits to a disc. Different channels use different settings.