DV->VCD Software

[daint]

Hello,

I have recently purchased a MiniDV camcorder, and I have yet to try getting it on to CD, I was wondering, what the best software to use for this was.

I want to capture from the camcorder, and convert to either a VCD or SVCD, as far as the software goes, the cost doesnt matter too much, it will be an investment, that said I dont want to go investing in new hardware.

Thanks

Rob

[Tommyknocker]

Your hardware investment should consist of a firewire card ($15-$50.00), and a firewire 4-pin to 6-pin cable, depending on your camera. As for software, DVIO is freeware DV capturing, TMPGEnc trial version can format video files into VCD format, and VCDEasy versions prior to version 1.1.6 are freeware burning applications.

I also like Video Studio 6 for my capturing, editing, and burning to disk, but once the trial version expires, you will have to purchase it to keep using it.

[daint]

Hello again,

Have been looking at Video Studio, is this any good? Like I say cost is no major problem, so if software like this is better, I am willing to invest.

Any opinions?

Thanks

Rob

[andkiich]

Just FYI and this is my opinion, and you will most likely be doing your own tests, but you'll have much better results with either doing an SVCD or DVD. I think you'll find that the VCD resolutions wil be just too low and your resulting video will not be as good as you are hoping.

[MachineMan]

I used to use Ulead Video Studio 7 to capture from DV directly to VCD format. When I got my DVD burner I still use it but capture the DV to DVD(mpeg) format. You can also edit the video and add effects if needed. It also has SVCD.

For the best VCD quality capture with Ulead Video Studio to DV or MPEG2 then convert the video file to VCD format with TMPGenc. If you don't have the hard drive space or extra time then capture directly to VCD format in Ulead. Even the best VCD quality may not look good if played on a large TV. SVCD or preferably DVD is best.

If you don't have firewire then you should get a card/cable/software combo. I bought mine at Fry's $49 sometime ago and it came with 3 firewire ports, a Firewire cable, and Ulead video Studio6.

If you are going to do SVCD then check to see if your DVD player can play it.