Using Freeware Tools

[Mistress Diana]

I consider myself pretty savvy with computers, and normally, with perseverance I can accomplish what I set out to do, but right now, I am one very frustrated person.

Computer info - Win XP Home Ser Pk 1 - Celeron(R) CPU 1.80 GHz, 512 (448) MB RAM 40 GIG HD (Toshiba MK4018GAP) -- DVD/CD-ROM drive (Toshiba DVD-ROM SD-R2312 Roxio Easy CD Creator 5.3.4.21 (Direct CD ) Adaptec Compdata document (Text & HTML)

IN VCDEasy it shows ASPI Adaptec V4.60 (since version 4.60 did not seem to work went to 4.71 and got a little further) CDRDAO version 1.1.7

Before I go any further, would it be best to simply copy all the messages I get from Smartripper, DVDx, and VCDEasy and then paste them into a question here? I don't want to overlaod anything.

As you can tell, I have used freeware to attemp to rip, encode, and burn a DVD, and other than ruining 4 CD-R disks, I have accomplished nothing.

I have ripped, and re-ripped, I have used DVDx, over and over, spending many, many, many hours, and tried burning with VCDEasy. I have gone to all the suggested places and read, or even printed out directions, and I just can't seem to get it.

This started out to be just a fun thing to see if I could do it, then I wanted to learn how to convert my old VHS tapes to DVD disks, but if I can't do this, I will never get any further.

I know this is a bit long, I am sorry, but one more thing. If I can't finally do this with Freeware, is there a product I can buy, but still burn to CD-R disks.

Thank you and again, sorry this is so long. Any suggestions you have will be most appreciated and I will try to use them.

[Tommyknocker]

Let me get this straight: You tried to make a DVD with VCDEasy? Last time I checked it only made VCDs and SVCDs. Can yo be a little more clear?

However, if you want to copy VHS to (S)VCD, try to capture the VHS to your computer to 480 x 480 format, convert the video with TMPGEnc to SVCD using its template, then burn the resultant file with VCDEasy.

Or try to capture to 352 x 480 (I really like the XXX x 480 format better than the XXX x 240), then convert to VCD with TMPGEnc, then burn with VCDEasy.

Of course, this assumes you have read the Newbie, Capture, Convert, and Author guides, or we both are wasting out time. Hang in there!

[Mistress Diana]

My error, I was trying to make a VCD. Had also tried SVCD, but no luck, which was why I went with VCD. I am truly interested in this procedure right now, will worry about VHS to DVD later, but thanks for the extra info.

I think because I was trying to copy a DVD, that is why I referred to, what was supposed to be my end result, as making a DVD, but again, I meant VCD.

[dbecker]

go here http://entiendo.gotnet.net and it has simple instructions on converting dvd to vcd using dvd decryptor, dvd2avi and tmpgenc. I have found this combo to make the best vcd out there..

[K2]

It sounds like you are making coasters. If you are happy with the qualityof DVDx for VCD, you can play them on your PC first, then perhaps you are having problems with the burning process. VCD is low quality no matter what encoder you use. DVDx is great because it saves the step of ripping the movie to your computer. VCDeasy to great for creating the needed image but have many features you may not need. I find it is not able write to many CD burners. I recommend you try VCD imager GUI. It is very simple but gives you a image. I find DVDdecryptor in ISO write mode is very reliable. Yes it will write a CD image. With this method I have no coasters.

Another consideration...
Some DVD players have problems with CDRs. The lasers are very sensitive to the dye used by the manufacturers. I had no ploblem with Hival but 3M CDRs had problems. It was the DVD player dropping data, did not like the dye used. I do not know what to recommend, only to try many.

[Mistress Diana]

Thanks K2, I will check out your suggestiions. Being able to play these on my DVD player is not an issue right now, just being able to make a copy onto a disk would be an accomplishment. I seem to be able to get the movie ripped and encoded onto the computer, where I can play it back from my hard drive, I just can't seem to get it burned onto a disk.