avi or mpeg2 to bmp etc

[mdez]

Any suggestions on getting the best quality still shot from either an avi or mpeg2 file. Output would be nice in either bmp, gif or tif.

I use Studio DV to capture from DV. DV camera also has jlip software that will capture a still, but I don't want to install it in case I have some problems with the firewire connection/capture facility. The jlip software sounds like it wants to use the serial port rather than the firewire.

Studio DV does allow me to grab a still from tape or captured video but the quality is poor. (although also related to my camera work..) I have tried output to bmp from TMPGEnc but setting ranges etc seems cumbersome & i get a huge number of bmp files that I have to sort through.(unable to comment on quality of this method)

Any suggestions would be apreciated on producing a quality still, preferably with some control over resolution, and if it accounts for the interlaced video...

thanks

[Ricardo]

I've found that the tmpenc method works best.

Set the range to the exact frame that you want and if you have interlacing (with movement in the frame) then de-interlacing will required.

Output to BMP.

[mijman]

Import your AVI or MPG into VirtualDub, find the frame you want, go up under the "Video" and choose "copy source frame to clipboard" then simply paste in Paint or a similar program. I use the Paperport program that came with my scanner, because I don't have Paint installed. Save to bmp
simple.

[mdez]

Thanks for the suggestions..