MPEG files to computer

[Steve-C]

I have various home movies on a Sony Handycam that records in mpeg format on a DVD. Without wanting to sound too much like a rookie... What do I need in my computer to copy the DVD to my PC (Windows XP Pro, Pentium 4, 512Mb RAM, CD-Burner) and then burn it to (CD or DVD)... so that I can save these movies?

[THoff]

That's easily done using Ulead Videostudio 7, 8 or 9. UVS 7 lets you use a special capture plugin (which comes with the program) to "capture" from the DVD into a UVS project. UVS 8 and 9 streamline this process by adding a "Insert DVD / DVD-VR" menu command to the "Insert" menu.

Once the video is in a project, you can trim the video, delete stuff, apply effects, titles, transitions etc. and then burn a new DVD.

[Steve-C]

In other words, I need to add a DVS burner to my system, instead of my CD?

[GeorgeW]

Well, if you want to have high-quality video, you should consider a DVD Burner. You can still burn high-quality video to CD-R, but you just won't be able to fit as much per CD disc (only about 20 minutes depending on video/audio bitrates).

DVD Burners and media have dropped in price -- a few months ago I saw a 4x burner (sufficient, but not as fast as the DL 16x burners) plus 50 DVD-R discs for a total of $8.00 (after rebates)

[Steve-C]

GeorgeW, Thanks SO MUCH! That is exactly the info that I have been looking for! Now it's off to find a DVD-RW.