Video Asylum

Is there a good method to record programs to a computer, then to a dvd?

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NuWave

I want to transfer some old vhs tapes and dvr recordings to a computer and onto a dvd. Was going to try Dazzle but i read a review that said there isn't a pause-type function that would allow you to put multiple programs onto a disc, which is exactly what i want to do. I'd like to copy everything to a computer first and then organize them before putting them onto a dvd, but a direct burn would be ok too. Something that would work like copying music, only for video instead. Also, is there some type of video editor where you could edit or delete portions of a video/mpeg, sort of like how Audacity works for music files?

Follow Ups:

RE: Is there a good method to record programs to a computer, then to a dvd? - Bubba 15:34:39 06/05/08 (0)
Generally the best quality is by recording to DV format, not compressing on-the-fly to MPEG2. DV can be edited frame-by-frame, which isn't easy with MPEG2 because video is compressed over groups of frames. The downside is the staggering amount of disc space required, but with 500 gig drives for around $100, that shouldn't be an issue.

The WinTV PVR cards do a pretty good job of capturing direct to DVD-compatible MPEG2. I made DVDs of my sister's home videos that way. For what it's worth, the Hauppauge cards will capture from both NTSC and PAL sources. They're also said to be quite good at dealing with the somewhat non-standard video signal from a VCR.

If you've bought a DVD-RW drive as an add-on, (or a digital camcorder), it probably came with some usable video editing and DVD-authoring software. If not, older versions of editors can be bought on eBay fairly cheaply. (For about $40 I got a legit copy of Pinnacle Studio along with a PCI video/Firewire capture card).

For DVR recordings, you may be able to pull the hard drive and read it directly into the computer. Searching should turn something up. That will avoid losing quality by recapturing analog video.
RE: Is there a good method to record programs to a computer, then to a dvd? - suburbanDK 10:03:25 06/03/08 (0)
I've used a Happauge PVR-150 capture card (my video card doesn't capture) to very good and easy effect for getting it to the HD.

The editing and mastering software is complete crap that comes with it.
I also use Video ReDo for editing and highly recommend it.
I us DVD-lab Studio (~$100) for mastering DVDs, which makes
some VERY professional looking DVDs.

There's lotsa freeware out there and I've spent (i.e., wasted) a lot
of time and patience with them....tedious interfaces, lousy quality, etc.
It's why I bit the bullet and ponied up for these, and am very happy I did. I'm almost done with transferring all our BetaMax(!) tapes.
I even got paid to make a DVD from a local band's Camcorder recordings
and still promo images; one more job and the software's paid!

Anyway, I use a lot of freeware for transcoding, re-encoding, and
generally futzing around with video (this was supposed to be a simple
side project....HAH!), so can help if you want to go that route.

DrDave
RE: Is there a good method to record programs to a computer, then to a dvd? - blue_z 14:31:34 05/28/08 (0)
Hi there

I just started using DScaler to view the s-video input of an ATSC tuner card. There's supposed to be a record capability, but I've not tried it. It's a free download, and very easy to install, so it may be worth your while to try out. At the very least, DScaler will be the best method to view (if not record) those tapes on the PC monitor.

I use Video-ReDo (about $50) to edit MPEG2 files (OTA HDTV).

Regards

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