[MacDV] Re: Converting VHS/8MM collections to DVD--MacDV Digest, Vol 5, Issue 13

[Ted Langdell]

Ted Langdell
Ted Langdell Creative Broadcast Services
Marysville, CA
Main:  	(530) 741-1212

WT...

You asked about the EASIEST way to convert your collections.

Your use of the word "collection" causes me to visualize at least a 
good sized bookcase filled with VHS and 8MM tapes.

Easiest: Go buy a DVD recorder, and transfer directly to DVD. The cost 
is not very expensive anymore (relative to what they used to cost), and 
you'll get the job done a WHOLE LOT FATSTER WITH A LOT LESS WORK.

If you burn directly to DVD, your job's done in real-time, with a 
little more for finalizing the disk.

A DVD recorder with hard drive would allow you to record to the HD and 
then split, trim, add file names, etc, before creating a playlist and  
burning what's on the list to DVD.  That could help organization of 
what's on specific disks.


I'd recommend NOT using your computer to convert to DVD, UNLESS you 
need/want to do serious editing before burning, or add fancy menus and 
specific chapter markers.

As you know, iDVD will take quite a while to compress and then burn a 
disk.

I don't think you want to tie up your computer or your time for the 
amount of time it would take to do hours and hours of transfers.

One way of cutting the cost is to look for a customer return at one of 
the box stores... like Best Buy, etc.

A year or so ago, I got my Panasonic DMR-HS2  with Hard Drive (MSRP at 
the time around $1000) for $499 at Best Buy because it was an open box 
customer return.  Still have full warranty, and the only thing missing 
was the manual... which I downloaded as a PDF file from the Panasonic 
website.

I DID plug it in, hook it up to a monitor and test that it played and 
recorded to and from the hard drive using off-air.  (Makes a great 
replacement for a VHS deck to time-shift programs, AND you can save 
them to DVD)

The next week or so might be a good time to hit the stores, because 
some of these DVD recorders will be coming back.

Hope this is helpful.

Ted.



On Dec 26, 2004, at 1:29 PM, 
macdv-request at listserver.themacintoshguy.com wrote:

> Message: 6
> Date: Sun, 26 Dec 2004 13:43:17 -0600
> From: W T McCain III <list at mccaingroup.com>
> Subject: [MacDV] A to D: advice needed....
> To: "A place to discuss digital video on Macintosh."
> 	<macdv at listserver.themacintoshguy.com>
> Message-ID: <p06200706bdf4c4cf058c@[10.0.1.4]>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed"
>
> I have been burning DVDs using iMovie, iDVD & Toast for quite a while
> now on my PB Titanium 500 (I upgraded the DVD drive).
>
> I am finally ready to convert my kids extensive VHS collection to
> DVD. I am also ready to convert my extensive collection of 8mm analog
> video tape to DVD.
>
> What is the easiest way to do this?
>
> My digital video camera is a Sony TRV900, so it does not pass through
> via firewire to iMovie.
>
> Is getting a CANOPUS ADVC-110 and importing via my old analog 8mm
> camera into iMovie the easiest way to move the 8mm data?
>
> What is the easiest work flow for moving VHS to DVD? Do I have to
> import into iMovie, or can I use the CANOPUS ADVC-110 to import to
> Toast to burn a DVD?
>
> Your advice is appreciated!!
>
> WT