mini Dv to DVD

[aptekcomputers]

Hello...This is my first post, so please excuse me if this has already been asked somewhere else...

I have a Canon Elura Digital Camcorder (mini-dv tapes). I have connected it to my computer using Firewire, and Nero 6 Ultimate. Here is the procedure that I use to take my home movies and transfer them to DVD.

1. Connect the Camera to the computer, use Nero to transfer the movie into an MPEG-2 Format. For about 45 minutes of video, the file size is about 4 gigs.
2. Burn a DVD in Nero.
3. Play it in the DVD player...

Now, for the problems...

It seems like I am losing quality when I am playing it on TV. I figured in this day of age, it should be next to perfect. It looks okay on my 36" Wega, and it looks HORRIBLE on my 50" Plasma (really pixelated). I am at a loss as to what I am doing wrong. The Wega TV is connected an older generation Sony DVD player, and my plasma is connected to a JVC progressive scan DVD player if that matters.
Suggestions?

Should I be using a different method? I really don't care to edit the movies...

I want my daughter to be able to play these dvd's when she grows without losing quality...

Thanks.

Ashish

 

[Snakexor]

is your 50 inch hd, even if it isnt, it makes the pixel bigger...also mpeg-2 isnt the best quality compression ever...

 

[Tu13erhead]

4 gigs for 45 minutes of video is pretty highly compressed. Play it (the DVD) on your computer and see how it looks.

 

[Snakexor]

agreed

 

[aptekcomputers]

Yes, the plasma is HD...

4 Gigs for 45 Minutes - How else do I convert the movie from the DV tapes to the computer?

Am I better off getting a standalone DVD recorder?

 

[gsellis]

You are fine. 1 hr = all the disc with 6000kbps MPEG2 and PCM audio. You could make it smaller with an advanced encrypter (Variable Bit Rate and AC3/Dolby Digital audio). The advanced tools will start at around $500.

 

[thraxes]

You can recode the raw AVI file in TMpeg Enc. and use additional little tools to do the job. There are alot of Free Tools to do the conversion work, are very advanced and don't cost 500$ Here is a guide to get you started: http://www.doom9.org/dv/guide.html

The Nero encoder is OK but I don't really like it as it lacks the abilities to fine tune your work and optimise the encoding. The Bitrate isn't the problem, you are probably dealing with interlacing issues and resolution glitches.

 

[Kogan]

Yeah, take a look at the doom9 guide.. You loose a lot of quality by using cheap encoders (like the one in nero)

Here's what I do:
1. connect the camera to my firewire port and use windv to copy the avi file to my hard drive (16gb for 1 hour)
2. Edit the avi as needed with various programs (windows movie maker is cheap and works fairly well)
3. Most important part - Encode the avi to dvd format using a high quality mpeg encoder - use 3 passes and variable bitrate. I don't get much quality loss putting 100minutes on a 4.4gb dvd.
4. author the dvd using TMPGEnc DVD autor or something similar
5. burn the dvd and you're done

Also, if you want a more simple solution, get a good quality dvd recorder. I've never used one, but it should give you better results than what you get with nero.

Edit: windv here: http://windv.mourek.cz/

 

[aptekcomputers]

So, what size should the file be for 45 min - 1 hour of tape...Is it the Nero that is not converting it right.?

If I get a good dvd recorder, will everything work a lot easier??

I thought technology should make things easier, but this is a pain in the neck...

Thanks.


Ashish

 

[gsellis]

Nero is using CBR and doing it "right". 1 hour is the whole disc. Just because the disc says it will hold 4 hours does not mean you will like the results (MPEG1 - 1000kbps or less).

Kogan - The only 3 pass encoder I know costs $1999 (CCE). I think it will do 8 passes, but I never had the $$$ to buy it. Canopus ProCorder is about #2 (without including the above $10,000 versions) and does dual pass. It is around $350.

Yes, the cheapest route would be to record and cut with Windows Movie Maker 2. Output to DV-AVI. Use TMPGEnc with a dual pass VBR and the AC3 plug-in (about $70?). For $99, you can get MediaChance's DVD-Lab (they have a 30 day fully functional trial) to then author the DVD (including burning or generating the ISO and burning with Nero.) Nero may also be able to burn with M2V and AC3 files, but never tried it. Mediachance does sell the TMPGEnc (Pegasys) encoder bundled with their player. Mediachance also sells an editor.

With the above, you can get better resolution (6000-8500kbps VBR - the CBR is usually 6000kbps) and 1 1/2 hours will fit on 1 disc. AC3 (DD) is a huge savings. PCM/WAV for 1 hour is about 1.2 GB. The same AC3 is about 300MB.

Most NLEs under $500 will only create CBR disc.

 

[thraxes]

Nero only works with ready made VOBs if it involves AC3 sound.