Transfer mini DV to Mpeg

[koolthing]

I just started videotaping legal depositions w/a Sony DVCam. I have used the Imagemixer software but it is too slow with the amount of tape that I have. How is the best and easiest way to copy the mini DV tapes into Mpeg so I can input into legal software like Sanction II? Also, Can I videotape and record at the same time w/a specific software?

[greymalkin]

for dv already on tapes you can't "capture" to the pc any faster than 1x..so a 1 hour tape will take 1 hour to get to pc. After that, you then have to encode the video as mpeg and the speed of the encode will determine your processor/memory/hd speed..etc.

NOW..if you are simply wanting to transfer to mpeg and don't necessarily need to edit anything about the video you COULD get a hardware mpeg encoder card and connect the camera to the capture card via s-video(for the video) and rca(for the audio). You may still want to record on the dv tape as a backup measure. I beleive that should work.
Your capture card should come with some sort of capture software.

Now you will have an mpeg file on the hard drive to be copied into the program you mentioned.

For a good idea of what capture cards are out there you may want to browse the "capture" section of this forum or maybe one of the nice members will come after me and give a good suggestion. I have the ATI Theater 550 but the software that comes with it is terrible. I'm using 3rd party software but it's more of a dvr/pvr than a straight capture program.

It will cost you an initial investment of < $100 and the time you save using it will be well worth it.