File format

[Rappy]

I think this is an easy question, but I have not found the answer yet. (and my head has begun to spin) I am in the process of capturing 2 sets of video(MF+6). One directly from my Canon HV20 (about 15 tapes) and about 100 VHS tapes thru a Canopus ADVC300. From all the reading of the various forums (here and others) I am under the assumption that the best (loss less) format to "save" the files is as an "AVI" file? Can I save these files as AVI? All the captures I have done so far all show them as MPEG files. Is this the same?? My game plan is to save all these files to my hard drive (to view via a HTPC, and only send to a DVD for the tapes that friends or family might want) so I want to save the originals at their highest levels for archiving.

Regards,

Rappy

[Ron P.]

Hi Rappy,

Since your Canon records to miniDV cassette it is possible to work with the DV (avi) format. This is very different than the MPEG-2 format. DV is a slightly compressed format from the "raw" avi format, and MPEG-2 uses a lossy compression. Raw uncompressed "avi" will take up to 65 gig per hour of video.

With that said, however your camcorder records very high quality (HDV) compression, so your quality at the SD will be far better.

You would use a Firewire (IEEE-1394) cable to transfer your video data to your PC, in the DV format. You can archive your video in that format, however keep in mind that DV uses about 13 gig per hour of video. Once you're done with any editing, you can then choose to burn to DVD, or render a DVD Compatible MPEG-2, or in your case you can also opt to produce HD video.

I'm not very versed on the HD or BD formats, and how to properly work with them using DVDMF or VS. For that do a search on the forums, and look for member etech6355.

[etech6355]

Also to add to what Vidoman has said you have 2 different source formats IF you recorded in the HDV mode (High Definition Mode) on the HV20.

On the HV20 if you recorded in the HD mode then you archive in the mpeg2 format.

On the HV20 if you recorded in the SD mode then you archive in the AVI (DV-Type1) format.

When you transfer the tapes using the Canopus converter you record in the AVI mode (DV-Type1).

You have 2 different sources, one being High Def & the other Standard Def.

[Rappy]

Thanks for the responces! I guess I have one more noob question. I am not sure if I have my "project" settings correct. I would like to know the proper settings for getting the best out of my Canon HV20 to make DVD's. Also - Would the formula change if I just wanted to capture the file to a hard drive and store it?

What I have been useing so far is:

HQ 4:3 (Dolby Digital) from the drop down menue
Display Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Field Type: Lower Field First (DV)
Checked:
Do not Convert Compliant MPEG Files
Two Pass Conversion
Auto Repeat when disk playback ends

Under the Preferences Tab, I do not change anything besides "Resample Qaulity" to BEST

Thanks in advance for any help,

Rappy

[Rappy]

Mini BUMP

If anyone could confirm that I have the proper settings (post above) for capturing from a Canon HV20 to MF6+.

Thanks in advance,

Rappy

[Ron P.]

For archiving I'd say yes. Except the Auto Repeat when..., only applies to burning the DVD.

Also the Field Order will be different if you're capturing HD, which should be MPEG-2, and Upper Field First.

If you're going to burn a DVD, create DVD Folders or burn an ISO image file, then you would want the format to be MPEG-2, Lower Field First (if you are using DV).