New to this, does Toast encode to mpeg? iDVD?

[wyngon]

Hello,
Getting my feet wet here. Okay I am trying to understand what to many of you is just the basics. I convert through a Canopus ADVC100, according to their tech support:
(The ADVC-100 simply transfers signals from one source to another. It acts like a signal splitter box. What comes in, comes out from another connector.
It does not encode to either DV or MPEG2. Your software must do it. If you want to capture your files as MPEG2, then you need a software package that translate the DV signal coming in from the ADVC-100 to the desired format.)
So I ask does Toast6 convert Mpeg? Does Apple software just do quicktime .mov files?
The ELGato eye TV and Formac converter specs both say they export in mpeg, are they converters and how are they different from the Canopus?
TIA

[GregN]

no comment really.. just wanted to be notified when there are replies to this topic. :P

*sit's back 'n prepares to soak up Mac knowledge*

[thoughton]

Just below the 'Post Reply' button there should be a line that says 'Watch this topic for replies' (only if you're logged in, probably).

No experience with the Canopus so I'll slink off into the night now... (although in my unwashed ignorant state I thought the whole point of the canopus was to convert analog video to DV? - which you can then use in iMovie or FinalCutPro)

[decay]

i see you also posted this at the Roxio forum... good thinking!

here's what the response was:

"Toast encodes into MPEG1 for VCD and MPEG2 for SVCD and DVD."

dk

[Frobozz]

wyngon, it probably is easiest if you tell us what you are wanting to do. I gather you are using the Canopus to capture analog video as DV. Now what do you want to do with it?

There's little reason to consider the EyeTV or Formac Studio boxes unless you are wanting to use your Mac as a TIVO-like unit for watching recorded television programs. Your Canopus box does a superior job to the others as far as capturing analog video.

[wyngon]

Frobuzz,
I initially was trying to find out what combination of hardware/software to speed up the whole process from import to burn. I have started a small,very small, home based buisness to convert analog to digital (VHS,Hi8, 8mm tape to DVD). During the learning curve I was surprised on long the whole process took, machine time. One source has told me that they have reduced that machine time down to about three times man time. They mentioned encoding and renduring while importing, how are they doing this? I know that with iDVD you can encode in the background if the source is less than 60 minutes, but many of my imports are 120 minutes and if any titles, chapters, transisitons and iDVD frames are used 4.7gb DVDS cannot hold this much data. I have used Toast6 with success but again the process is 8 to 10 hours long and I understand this is normal. As I am prone to say "It is what it is' or in this case with my limited knwledge "or is it". Thanks for your reply. I have no need for TV recording from either the Formac or EyeTV.

[Frobozz]

Thanks, I think I understand now.

If what you want is the quickest way to capture analog video for burning to DVD, the best option is a hardware encoder. The ADS USB Instant DVD for Mac was recently discontinued but Otherworld Computing (www.macsales.com) still is selling it for $180. It captures the video as MPEG 2 and has a trimming function for editing. It also comes with CaptyDVD (download the update from adstech.com) for authoring the DVD with chapters. It still takes some time, but for me it is about half the time of encoding from DV with my 933 mhz G4.

Another option is to buy a standalone DVD recorder such as the Philips with iLink. I haven't done this, but I've read you can output your iMovie directly to DVD in real time via Firewire using the Philips DVD recorder. Costco is selling one model at their stores and online at an attractive price (under $350). It even does 2-channel AC3 sound encoding. Also, hardware MPEG2 encoders do good quality.

If you insist on software MPEG 2 encoding, I wouldn't use Toast to encode MPEG 2 video for a business service. I get better looking video from iDVD 4 although it takes about 25% more time. I'd recommend BitVice but it takes much longer. DVD Studio Pro is something you should consider if you want to do this as a business.