Is there a program that . .

[LBcork]

I can buy that will allow me to hook up my vcr to my computer and capture mpeg 2 (old home movies)

And that I can use the software that comes with it to capture mpeg2 from my camcorder.

I was using tmpeg to convert because I can capture from my camcorder in avi but not mpeg2. I'd like to have something simple that's all encompassing so I don't have to capture then convert.

Use simple language please!
Lisa

[Rond66]

We will need to know a little more info on your computer.
OS?
Hardware?
Capture card?

[LBcork]

Good questions?!
Operating Software- Windows ME.

The capture card came with the a Ulead Video Studio SE program I used to capture avi and used tmpeg to transfer to mpeg 2. Now i don't know if I should get the plug in (demo ran out) or if there is an entire package I can buy to do it more simply. I don't know what kind of capture card it is though

I don't need frills, just home movies straight to svcd.

i don't know what you mean by hardware?
I'm a real newbie.
It's taken me a long time just to figure this much out

Thanks in advance

[bunyip]

Depending on your hardware compatibilty and how much you are willing to spend, any of the ULEAD products (Media Studio, Video Studio, DVD Workshop or DVD Movie Factory) will do the job. They all support VCD, SVCD & DVD, and they all let you capture, and author in MPEG2, but if you want to edit and add special effects you will need Media Studio or Video Studio.

The cheapest is 'DVD MovieFactory'.

You can download trial versions of these to test them yourself.

[LBcork]

The DVD movie factory for the price seems too good to be true?

It says it can grab videos from anywhere (including vcr) but do I need a special capture card or plug for that? I can't figure out how I would do that. I thought I would have to spend $200 on Adaptec Videoh pci or something similar. Is that what an analog capture card is? Where do I buy this?

It says it captures to DVD ready format does that mean mpeg2.
And when I get a new computer with a dvd burner is this able to do that format too? or is that still mpeg 2?

Sorry for all the questions, I have searched this site endlessly and really it just confuses me more because it's so over my head!

I just want to archive my home videos. I think the people here are doing a lot more complex things. Thank you thank you thank you
Any more simple I repeat simple input would be appreciated.
Maybe I'll give the free trial a test run.
Lisa

[bunyip]

MovieFactory is cheapest because it does not have all the controls that the other products have. It has a set of standards it uses and sticks to them, which makes it easy to use. It allows you to set your own chapters and it handles multiple movies in the same project, you can change the way your menus look but that's about all. It sounds like this is what you are looking for.

I should point out that the Ulead MPG2 video renderer (the part that makes the MPG2 file) is not very good and you may not like the quality of the final video - but do the testing and you can decide for yourself.

To capture from VCR you will need an analogue capture card, but it sounds like you already have one (or is it a FIREWIRE card just for capturing from your Camcorder?).

When it says 'DVD READY' yes, it means that it makes MPG2 files that are suitable for DVD, and will work with a DVD recorder to make normal DVDs that will play in any DVD player.

[LBcork]

Thank you very much for your help it's becoming a little clearer.
Would I be better off with Adaptec Videoh or the ADS Instant DVD, I think they come with capture cards plus the program. But seems like I would spend a bit more.

What about the nero rendering? I just firgured out it can render to mpeg 2 with a cheap plug in.


Are some analog capture cards better? Why are some so much more expensive than others? What is the difference?