analog to digital and then edit

[doogy777]

Hi Sorry if this is a repeat of a former question. I have been reading here and just a little confused.
Have an older panasonic camcorder that does not have an output, records vhs-c tapes and I want to convert to digital format and then edit on my pc.
Some of the DVD Video recorder combos like this Magnavox at Walmart
Magnavox DVD Recorder/VCR Combo, ZV420MW8
people posting feedback say the dvds only will play on those machines and not their other dvd players or pc.
So I was wondering if any of you know what I might look for as far as output or whathaveyou
that would do what I need?
Thank you

[stantheman1976]

Do you have a digital camcorder also? If so check to see if it has analog > digital pass through. If so you plug the A/V cable from your VHS-C camera into your digital camcorder and the firewire from your digital to your PC. Then capture just like you would normally.

If not then pick whatever DVD/VCR combo recorder you like, record to disc and use DVD Decrypter to copy the DVD to your PC. In the options find the File Split option and choose None. This will give you one VOB file you can alter if you please or reauthor into a new DVD that would be more compatible.

[redwudz]

I'm not really a fan of the combo units. It seems too often that the VHS part gives you problems while the DVD recorder part keeps working. You might be better off to use a separate DVD recorder and VCR. JMO, though.

Another alternative is a capture card like a Hauppauge 150 and a VCR to feed it. That would give you DVD ready MPEG-2 files. You would still need to author to the DVD format, but a freeware program like GUI for dvd author can do that. Finally burn to DVD with ImgBurn. Takes it bit more work, but you have more control over the finished product.

As far as problems with DVD recorders and non-standard output; Not that common. If you use a good quality DVD disc, they should work on most set top players. Many people try to use economy DVD brand discs. You don't save much, if any, money that way. You just waste time and failed burns with cheap DVD disc brands.

Two of the better DVD brand discs, Verbatim and Taiyo Yuden. You won't find TY in most stores, but Verbatim are available at many chain stores. Cheap discs that don't work aren't really a bargain.