what's the best app for capture+convert+auther+burn.

[eroy]

Hi,

I just bought a new Sony HC.
I'm looking for the best application for capturing DV from the camcoder,
converting it to DVD format, authering the Video file and finally burn the file to DVD.

I hope there is one application that does all the above.
If not, could you please advise which are the best apps for each action.

Thanks in advance!

[Scorpion King]

Sony HC3 HDV 1080i???

[edDV]

If this is a standard definition DV camcorder, several PC software suites that work reasonably well

Adobe Premiere Elements -- focused on DV to DVD for the average user.
Sony Vegas Movie Studio -- more editing options
ULead Video Studio -- also good for capturing TV programs but more difficult to learn.

There are many others with more negative reputations or are less user friendly.

[dewaynespaw]

ULead Video Studio and Pinnacle Studio are probably the most affordable ones at around $100.00. I have both of them and use them occationally. I think Vegas is quite a bit more (I'm not exactly sure though) but have heard it is a great program.

[edDV]

ULead Video Studio and Pinnacle Studio are probably the most affordable ones at around $100.00. I have both of them and use them occationally. I think Vegas is quite a bit more (I'm not exactly sure though) but have heard it is a great program.

All of the products mentioned are in the ~$100 list ($30-60 street with rebates) range. Some are offered in Premium versions to support HDV high definition at slightly higher cost. Adobe, Sony and ULead products are all feature reduced versions of their higher "prosumer" products that are priced $500-800 and up. Pinnacle's consumer products are from separate acquisitions than their pro level products and are on different development paths. Pinnacle Studio has had a very buggy and frustrating reputation vs. the other products mentioned. I encourage you to read the user forums for these products before you buy.

[eroy]

My camcoder model is Sony HC 39e.
are there any free apps you can reccomend?
I need very average use, nothing too complicated.
If you can pick free apps for each action, which will you pick?

Thanks.

[guns1inger]

Don't know about free HD transfer, however for subsequent phases I would recommend fitcd/avisynth for processing, HCEnc for encoding, and GUIForDVDAuthor

[edDV]

Free gets very expensive in learning curve. The 30 day demos are free.

[Scorpion King]

My camcoder model is Sony HC 39e.

not HDV....

[edDV]

HC39E specs. Standard MiniDV

http://www.ciao.co.uk/product_details.php?ProduktId=6110674

[redwudz]

My method of DV to DVD:

WinDV to transfer
VirtualDub Mod (With addition of the Panasonic DV Codec) to edit, filter
TMPGEnc encoder to convert to MPEG-2
TMPGEnc DVD Author to author
ImgBurn to burn DVD

The TMPGEnc products are both payware, the others are freeware.
You could replace the encoder with a freeware one like HC or QuEnc
You could replace the authoring program with the freeware DVDAuthorgui or GUI for dvdauthor

Or alternatively, the older freeware DivxToDVD should be be able to do it all. If you like that program the payware ConvertXToDVD is well worth the small cost. You can still use VirtualDub Mod as your editor (Output as DV) and then use ConvertXToDVD or DivxtoDVD to complete the rest of the project.

There are guides for all these programs, usually linked from the bottom of each tool page.

The advantage of the individual programs is more control and options and usually better quality. The disadvantage is a steeper learning curve.

[stiltman]

No mention of Avid FreeDV for editing?

It doesn't have all the features of the payware products, but it's very good at doing the basics.


Personally, I now use
Avid Xpress Pro HD for editing
Canopus Procoder for converting
TDA for authoring
ImgBurn for burning

All are kinda expensive products though....Next best editing software I like was Vegas


(dang I can't type worth crappola today)