Simple question for the experts

[Manny C]

In another thread, Diva was recomended to convert a VOB file to DV for editing. I decided to try this just to see how it works. My question is this: When I try to choose DV as the format for export, I see several different options except DV-NTSC. I don't understand why it isn't in the list. I know it's there when i'm using Quicktime Player Pro, so where did it go?

Should I just choose another DV format, then convert it again in QuickTime Player Pro? If so, which format should I use when exporting from Diva?

[pixeljammedia]

It's there before the slash in DV/DVCPRO NTSC

[Manny C]

So DV-NTSC is the same as DVPRO-NTSC ?

[WiseWeasel]

DVCPRO is better than DV. Not sure if 50 is better than regular DVCPRO, but either should be fine. I think DVCPRO50 is a lot higher bitrate, and so will require more HD space.

[Manny C]

Thanks!

[pixeljammedia]

So DV-NTSC is the same as DVPRO-NTSC ?

Yes, DV, DVCPRO and DVCPRO 50 really refer to tape formats. If you were playing around with a DV VTR and inserted a DVCPRO tape you'd see no difference. They are essentially the same format, and write the video information the same way. The differences are small. DV tape is metal evaporate and the lubricants of different DV tapes can be incompatible and mess with your camcorder/vtr tape heads. People suggest always using the same brand of DV tape. DVCPRO is Metal Hydride and can be used interchangably. On some of the older DV VTRs, the expected length does not exceed 120 min. the new DVCPRO can be 184 min. and means that some older vtrs, camcorders will not rew/ffwd past that 120 min mark and may slow the tape down (thinking it is about to end) while recording. Long story short, don't use DVCPRO tapes longer than 2 hrs. on old dv equipment. The modern dv equipment won't care.

DVCPRO 50 is different it has a bitrate of 50 MBps as opposed to the 25 in DV/DVCPRO. You can use DV/DVCPRO tape in a DVCPRO 50 cam but it will have half as much recording time. The higher bitrate allows for more video information. If you have a DVCPRO 50 camcorder/vtr then you probably paid plenty for it, and hopefully knew why you were buying it. You don't need my $.02.