capturing mini DVD-R files

sandy · Post by **sandy** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 5:01 pm

Can you capture digital files from mini DVD-R disk (from a panasonic digital video camera) or can this only be done with the mini DVD-RAM disks?

DVDDoug · Post by **DVDDoug** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 7:08 pm

In theory you can, but you should download the trial software to see if it works with your format.

Several users have reported problems when importing DVDs made on from stand-alone DVD recorders. So, Video Studio seems to have problems with some formats.

If it doesn't work, you may still be able to use Video Studio... Your camera probably came with software to extract the video into an MPEG (.MPG) movie file or other format. Once you have a digital movie file on your hard drive, you can edit it with Video Studio.

...But, I should mention that DVDs use MPEG encoding, and there are difficulties with editing MPEG files. The various Ulead products are good at making DVDs from MPEG files, but if you do lots of cutting & splicing, special effects, or transitions, you might need a special-purpose MPEG editor.

The AVI/DV format is best if you are going to edit the files, but in your situation converting to another format and back to MPEG for the final DVD will degrade the video quality somewhat.

Post by **Ken Berry** » Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:53 pm

With cameras which use mini DVDs, it is not so much a question of 'capturing' as transferring the files to the computer. I understand that with DVD -R(W) mini discs, you need first to 'finalise' them. Then you can simply put them into your computer's DVD-reader drive and use VS9's 'Insert DVD/DVD-VR' by right clicking in either the Library pane or timeline. A pop-up will appear which shows the structure of your DVD, and allows you to choose chapters to download. Make sure you put a check-mark in the little boxes beside each chapter. If you have problems with them, then some people have found it better to copy the contents of their mini DVD to a folder on their computer, using XP's 'copy file' function. And then using 'Insert DVD/DVD-VR' on that folder. But has already been suggested, yet other people find it easier to use the software which came with the camera, download the video, then use VS9 to edit. However, I don't know what software package might come with Panasonic cameras...

skier-hughes · Post by **skier-hughes** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 3:49 pm

I wrote a piece on the sony dvd cam and also on editing from the discs. I found it easy to use VS9 and the disc in the dvd player on the pc.
http://www.myvideoproblems.com/Tutorial ... corder.htm

If it's of use to you.

maddrummer3301 · Post by **maddrummer3301** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:08 am

Sandy,
When you use the DVD-RAM disk in the camcorder it's recording in
the -VR mode (you need to know that for future editing/importing).

If you use a DVD-R disk it's straight dvd-video mode. (Same a any
standard dvd).

To import a dvd-ram disk your computer needs to be able to read the
dvd-ram disk. To find out if your computer can read it you can open up
a software dvd-player such as "Power_Dvd" or "Win_Dvd" and select
the dvd with the ramdisk in it. The movies will play if your computers
dvd drive can read the dvd-ram format.

Same with the dvd-r format EXCEPT you must FINALIZE the dvd in the
camcorder before you can use it on any external equipment to play the
dvd. Only your camcorder will be able to read the dvd and add more
video to it until you finalize it.

If your using the trial version the original release has bugs so it may
or may not work. You can't install updates to the trial versions.

Buy the full retail package to get the books and CD.

Hope this helps,

MD