How do I keep the Avi quality from mini-dv when converting to DVD?

[jbitakis]

I am still using a mini-dv camcorder and I want to place these videos on dvd for all to see and for ease of viewing later. When I burn them directly from the camcorder to DVD using the DVD Burner it comes out somewhat grainy and not as clear as when I transfer those dv files from the camcorder to the computer and it is save as an AVI file. When I view those avi files on the computer that came from the mini-dv camcorder, it looks CRYSTAL CLEAR. If I then transfer those avi files to dvd using some software on the computer, will it still look crystal clear, or will it look like it does when I transfer it directly from camcorder to dvd using the dvd burner.
James

[Cornucopia]

Sounds to me like your DV->DVD recorder setup was via Analog, not digital. That's probably where you lost the quality.
A standard DV->PC via Firewire DV capture to DV-AVI, and then DV-AVI to MPEG2 via Encode (TMPGEnc, HCenc,CCE, Mainconcept, etc) and then Author & Burn (many apps I won't mention right now) to DVD should keep everything digital and of the highest quality.

Make sure: Since DV material is usually Interlaced, KEEP it interlaced on the MPEG2 encode. Don't RESIZE either. Those 2 things are the 2 that most mess newbies up and have to get info on this site to learn how to do it right.

If you're doing it right and keep the bitrate medium high or better (5.5-9.0 Mbps, higher is better), it should look nearly the same.

Scott

[jbitakis]

"Sounds to me like your DV->DVD recorder setup was via Analog, not digital".

Actually, I use firewire from my minidv camcorder to DVD Recorder, how is that Analog?
James

[jbitakis]

Ok, I encoded the avi file using CCE, it saved it to a VAF file, a MPV file, and a wave sound file. Now what do I do to get it to be on a dvd?

[guns1inger]

What software do you use ?
How much footage are you putting on a disc (running time) ?
What process do you use for authoring ?

All play a part, and depending on method, can impact quality.

[Gavino]

Actually, I use firewire from my minidv camcorder to DVD Recorder

If you are getting poor results from this method, check the recording settings on your DVD recorder, particularly the one that controls the duration that fits on a disc (which determines bitrate).

Avoid the 'long-play' modes and go for a setting that gives one (or at most two) hours per DVD.

[manono]

Ok, I encoded the avi file using CCE, it saved it to a VAF file, a MPV file, and a wave sound file. Now what do I do to get it to be on a dvd?

You author the audio and video to a DVD. Muxman is about the easiest. Just load the audio and video, give it a destination, and 'Start'. Or, you could create a chapter list and, using a different authoring program, create menus as well.

[jbitakis]

OK, now I used Nero vision to author and burn to DVD. The amount of video was only 42 seconds long. The bitrate was around 8.0 Mbps. I did not de-interlace or resize it as was told me earlier in this post. It still looks "grainy" to me.
Maybe I am expecting too much as I have gotten used to PERFECT HD quality watching TV on my HDTV. I think it is time for me to get a HD camcorder and a bluray burner to have HD quality for my home movies.

[Cornucopia]

We don't know what your settings on ANY of these things were, and that is what makes all the difference - the settings.

When you say grainy, what do you mean?

Do us a favor, take your DVcam and plug it DIRECTLY to your TV. Is that GRAINY? If so, you need a new cam (HD or not). Is it too soft or blocky? The you probably do want HD. If it's OK, then the cam is fine and it's just something about your process that is lowering your quality.
You mention your recorder does firewire. OK, but at what BITRATE is it capturing/encoding it? You never said which DVD recorder?

More info please...

Scott

[nharikrishna]

One possibility: The video on DVD may be grainy due to the lack of adequate lighting while shooting the video. Video shot in poor lighting conditions, when encoded, will look grainy in the final output.

[Cornucopia]

yeahn nharikrishna, but then the original direct DVcam would also look "grainy" on the TV if it were due to low-light issues. That's why I think we need more info...

Scott

[zoobie]

I was thinking lighting, too.
DV-AVI is 25 mbps whereas compliant mpg is around 8 mbps so you'll be reducing data by 2/3rds for beginners
Try AVStoDVD which will do all the above for you as it comes with HCEncoder, Muxman & ImgBurn
..and you may be right...you may be expecting too much of what you're used to watching

[nharikrishna]

yeahn nharikrishna, but then the original direct DVcam would also look "grainy" on the TV if it were due to low-light issues. That's why I think we need more info...

Scott

Ok. The OP sad he watched the footage on computer, not on TV. That's why I thought he may not notice the grainy picture on TV if the Camera is directly connected to the TV due to the difference in displays.