capture/project properties when importing from dvd

[dmz]

I used to have a vcr attached to my computer and captured directly from it. I have since bought one of those hard disk dvd recorders (which is a godsend for recording tv) and have attached my vcr to it. I now pump my vcr to the dvd recorder and then burn a dvd. This then becomes my input to VS10 by using the import from dvd option as my "capture". I have not been able to find out what the various settings are for my dvd recorder - they are just listed as things like sp, ep, hq. So I figure Ill use hq and when I import my dvd i get something like VBR 9600 (which seems overkill). Should I just set my project properties to match my final output? Or is "capturing" from dvd a special case?

[Ken Berry]

Given that you are in effect transferring analogue video from your vcr to your dvd recorder, it is indeed overkill to use HQ. At most, you should probably only use SP (which if I understand correctly, will probably burn about 90 minutes of video to one disc at a bitrate of max. 6000 kbps. Some people would even say that is too much for analogue source material. So you could use EP which would allow about 2 hours on your recorder at 4000 kbps.

When you then import this video from the DVD, it should have the properties you want to use throughout. Ensure you have 'Show message when first video inserted' checked in File > Preferences > General. So when you open your VS project for the first time and insert the first clip from the DVD, you will be asked if the project properties should match. Accept this. Then do your editing. Although you will be rendering this mpeg-2 video again, it you keep the properties the same, any loss in quality should be minimal.

[heinz-oz]

I agree with what Ken has stated with the following exception. If you want to edit the captured clips in VS, it may be better to use an overkill at the capture end and later convert to lower bitrate for burning to DVD. Mpeg files, if we can believe our resident advocates of mpeg editing (I'm not and never will be) are easier to edit and produce better end results if they are created with as high a bitrate as possible.

Give it a try but do not be surprised if you still get out of sync issues. Mpeg2 at low bitrates is not the best source material to be edited.

[dmz]

Thank guys. I understand the bit about mpeg editing. I only intend cropping and not applying filters so it should be OK. I think it best that I edit it using the best possible bitrate and then lower the bit rate when I create the video file destined for my final DVD cut.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi David

I would capture to the same bit rate that the dvd is to use.

That way when you come to render to a new file you would not be changing the bit rate. Rendering should be quicker, only the edited portions being fully rendered.

Just my personal preference.

Trevor

[Ken Berry]

I'm with Trevor! (That's what I was trying to say in a rather more long-winded way... )