vhs/beta to dvd

[bbrule7]

I am in the process of transferring vhs/beta movies to dvd. The process I'm using is vhs/beta vcr to digital camcorder through i link to hardrive using windows movie maker for capture. Then I use dvdsanta to convert avi files to dvd format and then use dvdsanta to burn to dvd. This process works well, but I'm wondering if there is a less time consuming method that would give me the same quality.

[reboot]

If you had a good hardware mpeg-2 encoder capture card, you could cap directly to dvd compliant mpeg-2, then author and burn.
It would save you the total encoding time, and you'd probably end up with better quality.

[ormonde]

"Then I use dvdsanta to convert avi files to dvd format and then use dvdsanta to burn to dvd."

As an alternative, follow this procedure:

1. Convert the AVI (DivX or Xvid)/mpeg file(s) to a DVD compliant mpeg-2 file(s) using "TMPGEnc" or "TMPGEnc Plus". Use the DVD template (NTSC or PAL) form the "Project Wizard" to help you accomplish the task. If you have an mpeg file that is already DVD-compliant, then skip directly to step 2.

2. Then use "TMPGEnc DVD Author" (different than "TMPGEnc") to author the newly created mpeg-2 into a DVD-related file structure (.IFO, .BUP, .VOB). As an alternative, you can use "DVDLab" to author as well.

3. If the combined filesize of the project exceeds 4.37 Gig, use "DVD Shrink" or similar transcoding program to compress.

4. Use "Nero" or similar burning program to burn onto a DVD (r, rw) disk.

[setarip]

"I'm wondering if there is a less time consuming method that would give me the same quality."


Although "ormonde" has quoted my favorite methodology for converting .AVIs to DVD, it certainly is NOT a less time consuming method than the one you're presently using - although it may yield higher quality results...

[reboot]

Another less time consuming method, would be to find some capture software that will cap directly to mpeg-2.
Even Nerovision Express should do this, with AC3 audio!

[bbrule7]

Thanks to all of you for the quick responses. I have a couple follow ups, how will the suggested changes give me a better quality end product? Also I'm confused as to what is getting rid of macrovision from my vhs/beta tapes.

[setarip]

"how will the suggested changes give me a better quality end product?"

BY virtue of using something OTHER THAN "DVD Santa"...

[bbrule7]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I'm very impressed by the fast replys on this forum. I've asked questions on other forums and usually didn't receive an answer or if I did they were never this quick or so easy to understand. Thanks again.

[ormonde]

"Thanks again."

Glad (We) could be of help