VHS to DVD: Need straight answers

[Rudyraymoore]

My goal is to convert VHS tapes to DVD-R using and ATI AIW 7500. I would like 2 hr DVDs, and 5-6 hr DVDs. I need a clear suggestion on what settings to use. Specifically:
What ATI TV capture profile (DVD High, DVD Low, Deinterlace? Frame Sequence? VBR? Bit Rate? Motion Estimation?)

How should the resulting file be edited?
(TMPG settings: Template? Rate control mode? Bitrate? Noise reduction? Sharpen edge? Color correction? Deinterlace? GOP Structure?)

I'd probably want to author with DVD workshop.

I could fiddle with settings and experiment for months, but I thought someone else may have the same equipment, and has already figured it out. I don't need any 'depends' answers, just a clear suggestion.

Thanks
RudyRay

[crahak]

Myself, if I was gonna do something like that... I'd capture with virtualdub, mpjeg codec for video and PCM sound, then reencode it with say, one of KWAG's templates. VHS being what it is, I'd go for 1/2 D1. I have an ATI card, and I don't care much for their lil program that comes with it... Anyways, good luck

[Poplar]

Right now I'm in the process of transferring my collection of VHS/BETA tapes to SVCD/CVD. Although our medium is different, I think we can share some experience.

1. Get a bigger hard drive. 20GB can barely function when dealing with digital video.
2. Since your OS in WIN98, just like mine, I suggest you capture with VirtualDub or AVI_IO, uncompressed or with HuffYUV, at 1/2 D1(352x480). Full D1 is overkill.
3. For editing and post-processing, use Avisynth and VirtualDub. For complicated transitions and effects, use Premiere 6.0 or other NLE software.
4. For encoding compliant MPEG-2 streams, use CCE SP or MainConcept Encoder 1.2/1.3, both of them are way faster speedwise and better quality qualitywise.

You might need some other software here and there, like audio editor and a bitrate calculator, etc, but the most important parts are what I just mentioned. There are many subtleties and know-hows during the process. You probably need some trials and errors to get good result. This is always the place to ask for help.