Does capture codec affect end DVD playability?

[netster]

I'm pretty new and need two questions answered please:
1. When encoding to DVD, does the initial capture codec matter or does the final video file just end up converted and compliant for any PC or stand alone player?

2. If the capture codec does matter, should I just go with an old reliable like Indeo 5.11 or is it OK to try a lossless like MUS, etc.?

I ask because our workplace is releasing DVDs soon to Africa, and I hope to create a disc that can at least play on a PC there. If region-free works on their player and TV, then even better.

Thanks for the help.

[redwudz]

It will somewhat depend on what you are capturing with and what your source is and what the steps for editing, processing, etc., are. One of the better lossless codecs is HuffyUV. A little less CPU intensive is PicVideo.

If you capture at DVD resolution, then encode to MPEG-2 you should have good quality, depending on your source and your encoding settings. All burned DVDs would be region free, but you would have to see what the local format would be used there, NTSC, PAL or other. For audio, converting to AC3 should be fine. The DVD brand could also have a bearing on playability.

You would have to give more information on your equipment, sources and procedures to give much more advice. I'm assuming a non-commercial type of DVD. For mass production or pressed DVDs, that's quite a bit different.

And welcome to our forums.

[netster]

Thanks for the quick reply and welcome.

I'm capturing video from a BETACAM-SP deck through a Sony DVCAM deck and running Firewire into a Pinnacle DV500 card that's tied to Premiere. Then editing there and exporting a hi-res movie and encoding/menus in Ulead DVD Workshop. Huffy sounds great--I'll try it.

These discs would be pressed actually, and yes I'd love to know if the initial capture codec matters for playing the final discs on a PC. I'd like to capture and export at the highest-res possible for encoding, but maybe it's safer to use DV capture quality?

Initial tests with people in Africa show that our region-free disc plays fine with a multi-format TV.

[redwudz]

If you are coming from DV into the computer, you don't really need to change that to any other format of AVI, it should be fine. HuffyUV is good, but it's more for a capture card situation. Your video seems to be already in a good format for editing and encoding to MPEG-2.

The initial transfer from the BETA-CAM-SP deck to eventually your editing program, I'll let someone with more expertise with that type of equipment answer. We do have some professional video people here.

[netster]

OK, sounds like everything is in good order. Thanks again for your helpful info!

[BJ_M]

for better quality - you really should capture BetaSP as component - like with a laird or canopus capture device .... those both go to DV also ...

[netster]

Thanks, I'm getting an Avid system soon with Mojo and component cables--will definitely be better.

[JefeQuickTech]

I'm curious did you try the HuffyUV?

I've only been able to get usable DV500 video using the DV500 Pinnacle codec. "Usable" means that if I want RT (real time) editing features and in-sync audio in the DV500, then I need to capture using the DVTools of the DV500. Not a joy, but I've found good work arounds.

Question for BJ_M: If you're going to DVD, does your experience show you that component capture really looks any different in the final product?