MPEG2 vs AVI

[arkclk]

I've created at least 100 DVDs of different events from weddings to Marching Band shows using a Sony Digital camcorder and Ulead. The old camera, DCR TRV330 allowed me to import data into Ulead in an AVI format. Specifics of an example file:
Microsoft AVI files-Open DML
948,822 KBytes
29.97 Frames/Sec
3512.11 kbps
Compression: DV Video encoder - - type 1
Attributes: 24 Bits, 720x480 4:3
DV audio - NTSC

This has produced very good results. I've now bought a new camcorder, a Sony hard disc drive DCR SR42A that uses its own software to upload video to my computer. The files look fine when I play them from my camcorder into the TV, but when they go through Ulead onto a DVD, they are not clear. The picture looks like poor qualilty video.

Example file:
NTSC DVD
MPEG-2 Video - Upper field first
24 Bits, 720x480 16x9
Variable Bit Rate (Max 9100 KBPS)

Since I'm working with 16x9, I'm opening VS by selecting the 16x9 option.
Any ideas on what I can do? Should I first create a DV file before editing?
Thanks so much for any advice.

I'm using VS 9.
Thanks
Andy

[arkclk]

I forgot to mention in my first post that I'm using VS 9.
Thanks
Andy

[sjj1805]

There is a review of the camcorder here.

This review states that the camcorder records in low quality MPEG2.
Your best option then is to stick to MPEG2 - changing from one format to another will only degrade video quality. To create a DVD your files will need to be in MPEG2 anyway.

MPEG2 can be edited but be aware that with the earlier versions of VideoStudio some users reported audio/video synchronisation problems.
The suggestions that have been made if you find yourself a victim of this issue can be summarised as:
1. Try and avoid using transitions but stick to straight cuts.
2. Consider turning off smart render.
3. Consider using a purpose built MPEG Editing program such as Womble or VideoRedo. You can then pass the edited video back to VideoStudio for authoring the DVD.

[Ken Berry]

Make sure also that in editing the mpeg-2 and in the burning module, that the final properties you choose for your DVD use Upper Field First. Otherwise, if you use a template you used with your old camera it will have Lower Field First and the end result will not look good on screen.