Hi Guys,

I'd like some input into what way i should go with regards to archiving stuff recorded on my sky+. I've been tinkering a little bit, but would appreciate some valid input from you guys. (MODs: Feel free to move this post to which ever forum you need to - ta)

A fair percentage of the stuff archived is 1hr or less, and for this i've been using my Panny E65 in XP mode to record to a DVD-RAM, and re-authoring using TMPG DVD Author and/or using VDUB MPEG2 to convert the mpg into a xvid, and retaining the .ac3 audio recorded by the standalone recorder. This seems to work pretty well (especially using Donald Graft's de-interlace, plus lancszos resize). This xvid i can then archive on my media server.

However, the things that have been causing me problems archiving are sports matches (Football & Rugby League). Normally the programs run for 2 hours plus, up to 3 hours normally. Obviously i've tried using the standalone DVD recorder in either SP or FR mode, however, the macroblocks are amplified, as normally there can be some 'artifacting' in the original live broadcast - therefore this method is not particularly satisfying.

I'm currently trying capturing the program via IuVCR using Huffy as the capture codec, and then re-encoding to xvid using VDub again. This seems to be the route to go down, but i've kind of ground to a halt in terms of which filters etc i should be using in VDub for the best quality possible. I'm looking at getting a resulting xvid of roughly 700MB/hr with a 640x352 res (16:9 Broadcast). Note that i need a fairly good, but quick option (ie Vdub & Filters as opposed to the AVISynth route) - mainly due to the pressures of having a new family (he's 6 weeks old at the mo and fairly demanding LOL)

Has anyonegot any advice or suggestions on the filters i should be using in VDub, or maybe an alternative way to archive the stuff from my sky+. I am investigating the whole 'DVB-S Card' scenario for the future, however i've got loads of stuff archived already on my plus box that needs dumping off!!!

Many thanks in advance for any help/guidance you can give

DJT.

PS - LordSmurf: You were right - PANASONIC: Never again