Capture format basics

dmz · Post by **dmz** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 7:53 pm

Greetings,
Without wanting to continue the debate regarding avi/mpeg capturing I have two basic questions about selecting the capture format. What is the difference between DV and AVI format? What is the difference between MPEG2 and DVD?

Thanks

jchunter · Post by **jchunter** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 8:12 pm

The Recommended Procedure sticky provides a concise summary/overview and procedural steps for editing both video formats. See http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic.php?t=27

DVDDoug · Post by **DVDDoug** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 9:48 pm

What is the difference between DV and AVI format?

DV is the format on the tape from your DV camcorder. It requires 13GB to store an hour of DV. AVI is a Microsoft "container" format.

An AVI file can contain any format, including DV, MPEG, DivX, Xvid, etc. The AVI file contains a FourCC code that tells the software which codec to use.

When you transfer* the video form your DV camcorder to your hard drive, you get an AVI/DV file. This file contains the unaltered digital DV data from your camcorder. Again, 13GB per hour.

What is the difference between MPEG2 and DVD?

DVDs contain MPEG-2 video. But, there are restrictions on the DVD format. For example, an MPEG file can have VGA-standard 640x480 resolution, but this is not allowed on a DVD. If you capture to a DVD format, you are getting an MPEG-2 file that meets all of the DVD restrictions.

On a DVD, the MPEG files have a .VOB file extension and instead of one big file, it's split into multiple 1GB VOB files.

There may be subtle differences that make VOB files different from MPG files... I'm not sure... Sometimes you can edit a VOB file by changing it's extension to MPG, but sometimes you can't.

* I like to call this transfer or copy rather than capture. I like to reserve the word "capture" only for real-time capture. If you don't capture the broadcast or the streaming analog video from a VHS tape... you've missed it!

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Wed Aug 23, 2006 10:06 pm

For further information see the article in the Tutorials Section
From Camcorder to DVD with VideoStudio

Trevor Andrew · Post by **Trevor Andrew** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 9:23 am

Hi

When you capture to DV from a digital camera you are literally copying the data to your pc.
There is no re-coding during capture, the only properties option you have is to select DV-Type 1.
I believe this to be the best form of capture.

When you capture to Avi You have to set the capture properties from the options cogwheel, you have to be aware of the avi structure/compression etc.
The footage is usually from an analogue source.
The software has to recode the data during capture. This process can be very demanding on your pc.

When capturing to Mpeg 2 choose DVD as the capture format.
This will use a standard template, you will be able to customise the properties but only within the industries standards.

If you choose Mpeg you will be able to change the capture settings to practically anything. Settings that are not suitable for the Dvd structure. This is bad news.

It’s a little confusing when all the talk is referring to Mpeg when you should choose Dvd.

For Mpeg 2, Basically if you want to Share Create Video File choose DVD as the format.
If you understand the properties structure use Tools Make Movie Manager to create your own templates.

Trevor

dmz · Post by **dmz** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 11:44 am

Thanks all.
Trevor hit the nail on the head.
If I am "capturing" from my mini dv camcorder then i should select dv rather than avi.
If i want to go the mpeg route then i should use dvd rather than mpeg-2.
Im glad Trevor said copying rather than capture. This has always confused me. If i am copying then I dont need to stop services etc as I will not get dropped frames. I have never understood why i should use firewire rather than usb cause its only a copy and it shouldnt matter how good my computer is. Am I wrong here? (btw i do have a superfast computer and i do use firewire).

Trevor Andrew · Post by **Trevor Andrew** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 12:08 pm

Hi

Not to confuse the issue.

When I capture from a digital source via firewire selecting DV or Avi the format will revert to DV.

When I capture from an Analogue source selecting DV or Avi the format will revert to Avi.

At least that’s what has always happened.

Trevor

maddrummer3301 · Post by **maddrummer3301** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 12:50 pm

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:01 pm

If i am copying then I dont need to stop services etc as I will not get dropped frames. I have never understood why i should use firewire rather than usb cause its only a copy and it shouldnt matter how good my computer is. Am I wrong here? (btw i do have a superfast computer and i do use firewire).

I don't believe this is true. I also have a fast computer, and also capture/transfer via firewire, but if I don't shut down apps, and my anti virus or something else kicks in, I most likely drop frames. I have since followed Steve's tutorial on setting up a dedicated hardware/user profile for video editing. Takes a while to set it up, but I no longer have to manually close apps before I start editing. Works great.

daniel · Post by **daniel** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:02 pm

trevor andrew wrote:When I capture from a digital source via firewire selecting DV or Avi the format will revert to DV.

When I capture from an Analogue source selecting DV or Avi the format will revert to Avi.

Same here, occasionally made the mistake, and it automagically fell back on it's feet.

Dmz: re Firewire/USB: what I heard over the net is USB 2.0 is, according to specs, as fast as Firewire or nearly.
But in fact since all USB devices share the bandwidth the real speed is not up to par.
Firewire is a single connection. Since the DV transfer is (about?) real time rate, USB may (and thus Murphy says will) fail.
The computer spec does not play a role, only the interface capability.
(and as Black Lab just said, if the software is busy or not...)

Computer power does come into play for the originals who encode MPEG on-the-fly while capturing, instead of taking advantage of neat and slow off-line compression.

Now that's a bait: Lively worms, full-grown flies etc
(I don't care, I'm on holidays from tonight and won't see the flames.)