Cant figure out best video and audio capture settings

[Jeff Hardy]

I have an old Sony Handycam 8mm, a VideoExpress converter and Ulead VideoStudio. The DVDs I burn come out jerky and fuzzy. When I try to use the property settings I cant get MPEG-2, only MPEG-1, and I cant get "upper field first" in any MGEG setting because the Output field remains low-lit in the "frame-based" mode. It's all experimental anyway because I just want a clear DVD for our television... Thanks! Jeff.

[Ken Berry]

What version of Video Studio are you using -- and specifically, can you give us its full name e.g. Video Studio 7 SE Basic... And what are the properties of the files you are capturing -- in the VS library pane, right click on one of the captured videos, copy down its properties and post them here.

[DVDDoug]

a VideoExpress converter

I assume you mean ADS Tech Video Xpress?

The website doesn't claim it can capture to MPEG-2. That's OK. You should capture to AVI/DV and convert to MPEG-2 as the last before you burn the DVD.

However, it does say "AVI", and "compressed AVI". That's a little vague, but compressed AVI is probably AVI/DV which is the preferred format for capture and edit. If it takes-up about 13GB per hour, it's AVI/DV.

Also, make sure your computer has a USB-2 port. (USB-1 is not fast enough for real-time video.)

Take a look at the Read This First... post at the top of the forum. It tells you what we need to know to help you.

[Jeff Hardy]

Answers:

1. Ulead VideoStudio 9 SE DVD

2. Properties:

File format Windows Media Video
File size: 59,436 KB
Duration: 411.509 seconds
Data rate: 1535 kbps
Video: windows media video 9
24 bits, 320x240, 15.000 Framse/sec
Audio: Windows media audia 9.1
44100 Hz, 16 Bits, Stereo
Aspect 1.33: 1.00
Is editable: yes

Thanks!! Jeff

[GuyL]

The captured file is neither MPEG1 or MPEG2. It is windows media. Are you capturing within video studio or software that came with your capture device?

[TDK1044]

ADS have a new box out called DVD XpressDX2. A Hardware Encoding chip inside the box creates the highest quality video without putting extra strain on your PC. It works with MPEG4, MPEG2 and MPEG1. It costs about $85 and is money well spent in my opinion. I posted the specs below:

Capture audio and video via the USB port to your computer hard drive or "Direct to Disc" (CD or DVD disc)
Exclusive "Audio-Lock" technology for perfect lip synch
Capture video directly to popular video formats; DVD (MPEG-2), SVCD, VCD (MPEG-1), MPEG-4 and DivX
Capture directly to Sony PSP video and Apple iPod video formats
Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness and Hue controls
Use the Included CapWiz application for easy video capture direct to your desired video compression format
Record to your computer hard drive or "Direct to Disc"
Compatible with all CD and DVD writers
USB 2.0 connection to PC (USB 1.1 compatible)