Transferring video to hard drive.

[vid83]

I know that when I create a DVD, the DVD is a lower quality than the miniDV.
So if I wanted to transfer from miniDV to hard drive while perserving the exact same quality as the miniDV, what do I need to do?

Note: I am assuming that I need to save it as a data file by going to File > Export > Movie in Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5. Is this correct? Or do I use a different method?

[redwudz]

If you are asking about a miniDV camcorder, you would normally transfer the DV to the computer over a FireWire link and that would give you an exact copy of your DV tape, with the same quality. Once it's on your computer hard drive, then you can do with it what you want.

Most times, converting a DV to a DVD, you use a high bitrate, maybe about 9500Kbps. That should give you about one hour of video at close to maximum quality for DVD. Of course any conversion will result in some loss, but that would minimize it for MPEG-2, DVD compatible format.

Just to add a bit: You would need a FireWire card, as I assume your camcorder outputs in that format. I use WinDV for the transfer program. If your camcorder only has USB output, then you would need to use that. Either way, you should be able to keep the quality until you re-encode it to a different format.


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[vid83]

My main purpose is to archive a FULL quality video just incase something happens to the tape. I assume saving it as a data file on a hard drive.

[redwudz]

Most any video on a computer could be called a data file as it is always digital. But the format is generally DV-AVI from a DV camcorder. It should be a 1:1 transfer, at least with DV and FireWire.

I guess I am always adding something; DV is about 13GB per hour. As mentioned, it will be exactly the same quality as the DV tape.

[vid83]

What is a 1:1 transfer?

Also, is this the correct method or should I use another method?: In Premier Pro: File > Export > Movie.

[redwudz]

1:1, same as the tape quality. No losses. I don't use Premiere, but the main thing is to get the DV to the computer hard drive. Then you can do what you want with it. It doesn't matter much which program you use, this is a data transfer, similar to moving a data file from one drive to the other. Most any program that does a FireWire transfer will do it exactly the same. WinDV is a simple program to manage the transfer, but other programs will work the same.

[lordsmurf]

Use WinDV
Premiere is a pig at capture. Only use Premiere to edit (and encode out to whatever, but not author unless its Elements).

[vid83]

Use WinDV
Premiere is a pig at capture. Only use Premiere to edit

Can you explain?

[edDV]

I know that when I create a DVD, the DVD is a lower quality than the miniDV.
So if I wanted to transfer from miniDV to hard drive while perserving the exact same quality as the miniDV, what do I need to do?

Note: I am assuming that I need to save it as a data file by going to File > Export > Movie in Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5. Is this correct? Or do I use a different method?

If you already have the video in Premiere Pro then File > Export > Movie > avi > Compressor DV (File Type: Microsoft DV AVI)

If the project format is also DV, there will be no recoding for unfiltered DV import files. Frames that are part of a transition will be recoded.

[vid83]

If you already have the video in Premiere Pro then File > Export > Movie > avi > Compressor DV (File Type: Microsoft DV AVI)

If the project format is also DV, there will be no recoding for unfiltered DV import files. Frames that are part of a transition will be recoded.

Wouldn't I save it as DV-AVI rather than AVI since my tape is miniDV?

[JohnnyMalaria]

DV-AVI is an AVI that specifically contains DV. Just followed edDV's directions and you'll be set.

[edDV]

If you already have the video in Premiere Pro then File > Export > Movie > avi > Compressor DV (File Type: Microsoft DV AVI)

If the project format is also DV, there will be no recoding for unfiltered DV import files. Frames that are part of a transition will be recoded.

Wouldn't I save it as DV-AVI rather than AVI since my tape is miniDV?

It is DV-AVI. Adobe specs the container (AVI) and then the codec (Microsoft DV AVI).

[vid83]

Now I'm confused because I remember reading an old post where you are supposed to select DV-AVI since the source is DV (miniDV tape).

[JohnnyMalaria]

Premiere Pro 1.5 has two ways to save DV as AVI. The way edDV described uses the traditional way - you choose AVI and then Microsoft DV AVI from the list.

But, Premiere also has another DV encoder from a company called MainConcept. When you choose DV-AVI in the list, you use the MainConcept encoder. This is the recommended way.

However, if you haven't changed the video other than cutting bits out, it will make no difference since the original frames are exported as-is.

You should use the DV-AVI option because when new frames have to be encoder, it is better quality than the Microsoft DV encoder.

[edDV]

Agreed but it should only affect the frames in the transition if you maintained the DV workflow.

Even if the full timeline is recoded in DV format, the losses are minimal.

[vid83]

Let me see if I got this right:

1) Use DV-AVI if no editing is done (text, transitions, etc.)

2.) Use AVI > Microsoft if you edited and use transitions, text, etc.

[JohnnyMalaria]

No.

You can use either if no edits/transitions etc

You should use DV-AVI if there are edits/transitions etc because the quality will be better

To avoid confusion, just use DV-AVI all the time.