transfering Mini DVs to computer

[Boricua1134]

yeah I have a camcorder that uses MiniDVs & a FirewireGold
how do I transfer the DV footage to a computer and be able to edit it n stuff
what programs do i need 2

[JohnnyMalaria]

Base on your comp profile, connect the camcorder to your Firewire card and turn on your camcorder.

You should get a window pop-up asking what you'd like to do. One option is to use Windows Movie Maker.

If it doesn't show up, you can find it under your Start Menu.

Windows Movie Maker will let you capture the video, edit it and send it back to the camcorder later.

Beyond that, there are other programs available to do many things - but I'd start with the simple option first - your PC should already have what to need to get started.

[Boricua1134]

thanks alot man

[thecoalman]

Make sure when using Windows Movie Maker or any capture program you are capturing as DV-AVI, basically you will be copying the file from tape to your harddrive. Another program you can do this with is Windv and just about every consumer application on the market. One thing to note about Windows Movie Maker is you can only edit DV-AVI with it, for final output it's pretty much useless unless you want to send it back to the cam as suggested by JohnnyMalaria, import it into another program or create web quality video. You can't create DVD's that are playable on standalone DVD player. For that you need authoring software.

For that I'd suggest looking at the Ulead's Movie Factory or Video Studio. Both offer a complete package for getting your DV-AVI from cam to a final playable DVD. The biggest difference between the two is Video Studio offers many more editing abilities so if you have a creative side try that one first.

[MJA]

so you can't just import from the miniDV to computer then shrink it (since it's over 15gb)to fit on a dual layer media?

[thecoalman]

so you can't just import from the miniDV to computer then shrink it (since it's over 15gb)to fit on a dual layer media?

For a standard DVD player it has to be authored, there's a specific folder/file structure and the video has to be DVD compliant. By shrinking I'nm assuming you mean use shrink? Not too famialiar with shrink but I beleive that requires an already authored DVD, somone will correct me on that if I'm wrong.

There are other alternatives, Divx to DVD is one free program that is quick and easy to get many types of video to compliant DVD. It will convert the video and create the correct file/folder structure for you. Once complete you only need to burn it. Options are very limited on the free version... Some players also suppport playing Divx or MPEG burned as data discs, consult your manual.

[Boricua1134]

thanks guys