Capturing avi files in PAL

spenlevy · Post by **spenlevy** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:04 pm

I am trying to capture video from a DVcam in DV format

In trying to change the properties for a new project in VS 11 I notice that if I select AVI files it only offers me NTSC in the "edit file format box".

If I select Mpeg it defaults to PAL - the format on my video camera, and the format here in Australia.

My Questions:
- I understand it is best to capture and edit in AVI, so why can I not do this in PAL?
- Is this a problem and if so should I just capute and edit in Mpeg?
- Should I just keep the avi capture in NTSC and change the frame properties to 720x576

In short, what is the best combination for capturing and editing from a DV cam in VS 11 to maximise quality on the final PAL DVD.

Thank you.

Post by **Ron P.** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:38 pm

1. Are you able to capture in PAL? If so continue to do so. However I would suspect that when you installed VS11, the correct "region" was not selected. During the install, it allows you to select, the country AND the proper format, NTSC or PAL. Since VS was developed in Taiwan, that is NTSC, the default for VS is NTSC. The only way to correct this is to re-install the program.

2. Temp Workaround..

DV is the best to capture and edit from a DV camcorder.

Trevor Andrew · Post by **Trevor Andrew** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 3:04 pm

Hi

If you are using a Mini-DV type camcorder you need to connect to the pc via firewire(I-Link)
This connects from the DV-Out terminal on the camera.
When you select AVI it will default to DV.

When you select DV as the capture format you transfer the data to the pc with no re-coding.
There are no capture settings to select other than DV type 1.

See my quick guide for DV-Avi from the link below

spenlevy · Post by **spenlevy** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 3:10 pm

Thanks Ron - that appears to fix it.

I notice however you have 16 bits - any reasons for this? I assume 24 would be better.

Trevor - yes, I use firewire from a mini-DV.

Trevor Andrew · Post by **Trevor Andrew** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 4:08 pm

Hi

Video Studio will change the project settings automatically to match the first video file imported to the timeline.

If you select Show Messages when............... from File-Preferences
It has to be the first video so best to start a new project.

When you capture the video files are loaded to the timeline, now you get an info window asking you to change/match the project settings, select details to see properties then select OK/Yes.

My DV-Avi properties are...from Panasonic NV-GS 400 DV camcorder

Microsoft AVI files
24 bits, 720 x 576, 16:9, 25 fps
Lower Field First
DV Video Encoder -- type 1
DV Audio -- PAL, 48.000 kHz, 16 Bit, Stereo

Try it, start a new project and insert one of your captured files.

Post by **Ron P.** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 5:51 pm

I just noticed that error on the project properties. If you'll look at the first screenshot it does show 24 bit. I'll have to look and see why VS changed it to 16 bit..

Edited

Noticed that the codec I inadvertently choose was Microsoft video-1, instead of DV. In order for VS to accept the change, you need to make sure on the AVI, under the audio section change that to DV Audio PAL.