UK Dullard with a lot to learn........JVC camcorder to DVD or something

[versatran]

Hi, versatran from the UK here. Amazing site.

Yearning for the days of transferring analogue video to VHS tape via cable and VCR....... So bloody easy. But, I have decided to embrace digital technology and am willing to learn. Have spent a lot of today on the forums, perusing threads and posts and have realised, (along with having the feeling that my head is about to implode!), that handling digital video is a completely different ball game! Codecs, Flags, the astounding number of file types, the even more astounding use of industry jargon etc. I know the forum is in English but it may as well be in Serbo Croat at the moment for all I've understood. Still, as I've said, thought it was about time I clambered aboard and really knuckled down as I can definitely see the advantages of having so much control over the editing of video.

My original problem was after having transferred digital video from my JVC Everio widescreen camcorder, (a chore in itself thanks to JVC's woeful instruction books and help files....), the .VOB clips appeared to be still playing back in 4:3 instead of 16:9. I think I may have rectified this thanks to someone suggesting changing the original anamorphic 4:3 flag to 16:9 using ifoEDIT. Not entirely sure if I've done the right thing but they appear to be working OK when using WMP and CyberLink PowerCinema, (bundled with the camcorder), but when I come to import and edit said clips using Windows Movie Maker or CyberLink PowerEditor Express, (again, bundled software which you would assume would be up to the task?), the clips appear to have reverted back to 4:3...

After much searching and head scratching today, I'm still pretty much none the wiser. Have found one thread that may contain the ultimate solution.......

https://forum.videohelp.com/topic338289.html

...but will have to re-read it many times I think so's I don't foul up.





Forgive me if I've not used the correct terms to describe my predicament but I intend to stick around, learn some more, and pick your brains on various other problems as I encounter them, if you don't mind. 8)

Anyhow....off to search some more but if anyone can suggest anything in the meantime, please feel free.



All the best

versatran

[tinker]

First of all, bundled software is usually strip down version of a full featured software, so to get all what software can do you will have to purchase full version.
If your files are .VOB, you can try Mpeg Video Wizard DVD. It is a good editor ad it will not re encode DVD compliant file. It has some good features to edit mpeg files. They have 30 day try with full features.

[versatran]

Thanks for the swift reply tinker. Yeah, realise that bundled is usually the bare minimum and will certainly take a look at your suggestion.

Looking back over my original post, I've probably mislead people. After having very little joy transferring my video's to PC from camcorder, (it's a JVC Everio GZ-MG142 by the way), I thought I would attempt connecting the camera to my standalone DVD recorder, (LG RC299H). This is where the anamorphic 4:3 problem arises. As I understand that even though the recorder is capable of playing the clips in 16:9, it actually burns at 4:3. Am I correct?

I think I need to slow down a little bit and try concentrating on fixing one thing at a time instead of being so impatient and running round in circles, confusing myself.....


Thanks again.

[usually_quiet]

DVD recorders record in the same resolution, generally 720x576 for PAL, and 720x480 for NTSC regardless of the aspect ratio. The aspect ratio flags in the IFO determine how it is displayed. When the IFO isn't used to display the video, say while editing, the aspect ratio will always be 4:3 for that resolution. When you are done editing and author the video to DVD again, you will need to set the aspect ratio flags again, either during or after authoring.

I have a Panasonic DVD recorder that can record in 16:9, but only when DVD-RAM discs are used. (I think all it does is set the proper flags, though I haven't tried it yet.) However I have used my Panny for recording programming to DVD-RW using an anamorphic 4:3 source. The original program is HD 1080i. The conversion to SD anamorphic was done by one of the digital-to-analog converter boxes being sold to facilitate the upcoming analog switch-off here.

I also used IFOEdit to set the aspect ratio flags for the video. The resulting video plays fine on my software players, but I have to manually set the aspect ratio on a TV to 16:9, for the video to display correctly. It isn't a big deal, since I have to do that sometimes with commercial DVDs as well. Try setting the aspect ratio flags to 16:9 and fiddling with the TV and DVD player settings first before converting to a non-DVD compliant format using a different resolution. It may be satisfactory.

[versatran]

When the IFO isn't used to display the video, say while editing, the aspect ratio will always be 4:3 for that resolution. When you are done editing, and author the video to DVD again, you will need to set the aspect ratio flags again, either during or after authoring.

8)

Now, that kinda makes sense.........Thanks UQ.

At the end of the day, all I want to do is utilise the 'widescreen' facility of my camcorder to its full extent. i.e. , maybe post a 'widescreen' video online or burn back to DVD, in original 'widescreen' after editing. I find it incredible that in 2009, when 16:9 has been a viable media option for quite some years now, why this whole process is so complicated for your average man in the street who has very little time to dedicate to the various procedures involved?



I am a simple 'layman' but I thank God that there are forums and people like yourself and tinker who are profficient and are willing to take the time and go to the trouble of assisting novice's like myself. Why is it that Joe Public has to rely on third parties rather than the Companies who produce the goods in the first place? It applies in all sectors of so called 'customer service' from major companies. Maybe the internet has made them lazy and complacent? It would explain thier 'couldn't care less' attitude.




Thanks again UQ

[versatran]

"JVC camcorder to DVD or something"

Thanks for adding that, whoever you may be? Much appreciated..........need all the help I can get.

[ChrissyBoy]

Have a look at http://www.svcd2dvd.com/Software/IfoAR2WS.aspx - that may help too...