Cannot Import DVD RAM To DVD-lab

[jpetrick]

I originally posted this to the wrong thread so if you see it more than once, please forgive the error.

I routinely access files on my Hitachi DVD RAM camcorder via Windows Explorer and various other programs, however, when I attempt to Import assets with DVD-lab, the file navigation box comes up and I can navigate to the correct folder on my camcorder. However, when I open the folder that contains the VRO files, DVD-lab assets import shows the folder as empty. It apparently does not recognize the .VRO extension. I have seen other posts on the forum about others importing DVD-RAM assets. Can anyone tell me how to accomplish it? Many thanks in advance!

[Specialist]

Ulead MEDIASTUDIO PRO version 7.0 (the new version) can read the .VRO files.

This is a very cool feature.

It makes it possible to edit video recorded by Panasonic and Hitachi DVD disc camcorders and stand alone player/recorders.

But you need to have a computer DVD drive that supports DVD-RAM.

Or... a USB connection to your DVD-RAM camcorder.

Anyway, I just finished testing it.

I have the first generation Panasonic drives... LF-D321 (retail) and the LF-D311 (OEM) in two different workstations.

These drives support DVD-R and DVD-RAM.

(Panasonic has since introduced newer drives such as the LF-D521 and the SW-9571 that add support for DVD-RW.)

I took a DVD-RAM disc recorded in a Panasonic DVD-R/DVD-RAM stand alone player/recorder (DMR-E30) and inserted it into my Panasonic computer drive.

Then I opened Ulead MEDIASTUDIO PRO 7.0's Video Capture program.

Then I selected the DVD-VR capture plug-in.

Then I browsed to the DVD-R/DVD-RAM drive.

(CAPTURE>VIDEO>BROWSE BUTTON)

I typed ".VRO" in the entry line.

PRESTO!

MEDIASTUDIO PRO 7.0 recognized the .VRO file and allowed me to save it to my hard drive as an MPEG file for editing.

There is no quality loss at this point.

The .VRO file is essentially an MPEG file.

So it is essentially copied to the hard drive with a different extension.

Then I inserted the file into the Video Editor program timeline and edited it.

MEDIASTUDIO's Smart Render feature makes it possible to retain the original quality of the MPEG file, only re-rendering specific segments where I add titles, transitions, filters, etc.

Then I can export back to the DVD-RAM disc in the DVD-R/DVD-RAM drive by clicking FILE>EXPORT>ULEAD DVD-VR WIZARD.

As far as I know, Ulead MEDIASTUDIO PRO 7.0 is the only video editor on the market that supports DVD-RAM video recording in this way.

It's ideal for consumers who buy the new generation camcorders that record directly to DVD-RAM discs:

http://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?storeId=11251&cata...fModel=VDR-M30

I think it's pretty much the only real solution for professionals who use the new Hitachi CR-D10 pro-level DVD-RAM camcorder:

http://www.hdal.com/products/products.ihtml?step=3&pid=1066&parent=51

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

[jpetrick]

Media Studio Pro appears to be way, way, overkill for my purposes. Hopefully something simpler is available.

[Specialist]

Indeed, there is something simpler.

Ulead's consumer-level video editor, VIDEOSTUDIO 7.0, *also* supports the DVD-RAM video devices.

It works in similar fashion to its sibling product, MEDIASTUDIO PRO 7.0.

The DVD-VR capture plug-in is the key.

You can buy Ulead VIDEOSTUDIO 7.0 here:

http://www.ulead.com/vs/compare.htm

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net