Alludo USER to USER Web Board

I am a new VS11 user and have reviewed the information in this forum and other reference sights for hours before posting (not to waste your time). I have a very similar issue as the post on Dec 18. Several things that are suggested just don't work...at least not for me.

Problem: I "captured" the video from my DV tape via DV camera to a Panasonic DMR "Set Top" DVR. I thought that this would be an easy way to "digitize" the video and assumed that VS 11 would read that video no problem. Problem.

1st question - Is it better to just capture from tape directly to VS? It appears so.

As another post stated the import process freezes at 61% (they stated 58%). Every time. I copied the files to my hard drive. Same result. I changed the file extension to .mpg. That froze VS11 every time it tried to import it, changing the extension just seemed to make the file unstable. I even downloaded a VTS "cleaning" program called FixVTS ver 1.603 and ran that on the file 1st. No help. I tried importing via most of the methods described here.

You know i waited several years for video editing to "advance a bit" before i dove into the frustrating task of video editing. Right out of the gate it still appears an archaic and unstable process. I can't believe VS can't read a DVD created by a DVR in 2008???

Question 2: Why won't VS11 "read" set top dvr created DVD.

Frustrating...

UPDATE - I WAS able to get all of the files (4 for each dvd) to import after changing their extension from VOM to mpg but the very 1st files from each of the 3 DVD's that i copied to my hard drive will not import.?
in other word on DVD one was 4 .99gb files titled VTS_01_1.mpg, VTS_01_2.mpg, VTS_01_3.mpg and VTS_01_4.mpg. The 1st file VTS_01_1.mpg will not import and locks program up. This the same for each of the 3 DVD's

Ok!
Well you answered your first question absolutely correctly! YES! It is always better to simply capture from the cam to DV-AVI using a Firewire connection. It is virtually lossless and results in a file type that is by far the easiest to manipulate from there. Additionally when you render to MPEG for a DVD or whatever the software has the luxury of taking its time on one process to do so. very relaxed!

Capturing from the cam to the DVD recorder requires an "on the fly" conversion combined with the recorder "slappin'" down that data on to a DVD at the same time AND (yes it gets worse!) leaves the entire process open to hidden data corruption. This kind of corruption does not raise its ugly head on playback but it does make itself apparent when importing and editing...as you have seen!

Now I am sure you are thinking that is bad...but wait! There's more! DVR's also employ a wide range of DVD write strategies depending on disc, recorder and format specs so there you have it! A rather long list of possible things that could go "not quite right!"

Before you go blaming all the editing software manufacturers (not just VS) you need to understand that the original specifications for MPEG on to DVD were designed for playback...not editing. Also the original specs have a wide range of variable parameters and file construction protocols resulting in MPEG2 files "usually" being able to be edited just fine. However, as you have found, "sometimes" it all falls over.

Stick with Camcorder to DV-AVI on the computer captured via Firewire.

Adding just a little bit more meat to the reply by my colleague lancecarr
please view:
Suggested work flow by SJJ1805 for Video Creation

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto to Lance's fantastic explanation

I think this web board would be very slow and boring by now IF that one simple little thing had been adhered to. However since the people demanded more, different, better, the manufacturers provided. Provided as in more headaches, more hair pulling, more heads banged against monitors, desktops, and walls. More PCs being tossed out windows, being beat upon by fists, and large heavy hammers......

We got what we wanted, and they got what they wanted (more of our money)....

Hehe!

Good advice. I am taking it.

I assume when i capture i use DV format Type 1. Also to capture from an old super8 camera i need something to convert the av cables to firewire signal, correct?

Thanks again guys!

To capture from an old Super8 camera can i use my Canon DV camera as a conversion device? Will VS11 recognize this? I would assume that i could not control the camera via VS11 because it would just be acting as a flow through device?

What is best way to "hook up" or capture old super8 videos from the super8 camera (only outputs are AV)

Provided as in more headaches, more hair pulling, more heads banged against monitors, desktops, and walls. More PCs being tossed out windows, being beat upon by fists, and large heavy hammers......

Are you relating past experiences?!

I suppose a bit huh...

I just read where you suggested someone else use their DV camera for a pass through. Do you think that is a good option so i don't have to purchase a converter?

It depends how old your DV camera is and what its Manual has to say about passthrough. Not all of the older models allowed it. Some allowed you to connect an analogue camera to it, but then recorded the analogue video to the DV tape. And then you captured that as a separate operation. Some older models did not allow for any kind of passthrough... So you have to consult your camera's Manual...

Before I got a spare VCR for my editing room I used to use my camcorder to record from our main VCR in our living room. I would then transfer from the camcorder to my computer. Although it was an extra generation my eyes perceived it to be slightly better quality.

Since the addition of the VCR in my editing room I use the pass-thru function of my camcorder to go straight from VCR (thru camcorder) to PC.

If your camera does not support pass-thru why don't you give the VCR-to-camcorder-to-PC a shot. You may find the quality very acceptable.

I believe my Canon Optura 40 will allow pass through, regardless you answered my question that there is no need to purchase additional euiptment if so.

Thanks again for eveyones great help and i am sure that i will have more questions along the way...

How in the heck do you search this forum??? I cannot find a search feature? I also cannot find a way to get into my pers info (sys info, operating sys, etc) and edit it.

If you scroll to the top of the page just above the "Paintshop Pro" logo there is a "Search" button.
Be Warned! When you get the search results, "Right Click" on the entry you want to look at and choose to open in a new tab or window.
If you don't and the entry does not give you the answer you need then clicking "Back" in your browser probably won't work and you will have to re-enter the search.
The Senior members of the forum have been agitating to get the forum updated. Unfortunately Corel seem to think that the existing "hamster in a wheel" that we have driving the forum has a few years left in him yet! Poor little #####...we were hoping to go to steam and all!

Thanks again!!!!