.avi or mpeg

[gary172]

Call me johnny-came-lately:
I just realized I can capture VHS tapes or TV stuff as MPEG (ntsc 29.97, 24 bit, 720x480, field order A, 4:3, variable 8264 kbps, LPCM audio 48 Khz Stereo). Apparently the Ulead software captures the VHS and transcodes (?) on the fly to mpeg.

Up 'till now I have been following a Ulead guide which shows how to capture as .AVI (ntsc, 29.97, 24 bits, 720x480, Field order A, type 1, audio ntsc, 48.0 kHz, 16 bit stereo), THEN convert to mpeg with same mepg 'quality' settings as in first paragraph. the conversion process obviously takes time.

What is the advantage, if any, in capturing first as .avi then converting to mpeg?

I did a test capturing as .avi, then as mpeg. The resulting files are 3:1 in size. After converting the .avi to .mpeg and then viewing the result and viewing the mpeg capture, I can't tell the difference. Capturing as high quality mpeg saves a significant amount of time. Am I missing something???

Thanks for your reply.

[setarip]

"I did a test capturing as .avi, then as mpeg. The resulting files are 3:1 in size."

Are you saying that the .AVI file is three times LARGER than the MPEG? If so, use a DivX codec (either when capturing as .AVI or in VirtualDub AFTER capturing as .AVI) - and the ratio/relationship will be AT LEAST reversed...

[gary172]

Thank you for your reply.
Let me rephrase the question:
What is the advantage, if any, in capturing a VHS tape as .avi versus mpeg, when the goal is to make a DVD?

Best Regards

[setarip]

"What is the advantage, if any, in capturing a VHS tape as .avi versus mpeg, when the goal is to make a DVD?"

None - especially since DVD format is simply an enhanced capability MPEG-2...

[gary172]

Thanks. I can save a lot of time capturing directly as DVD qaulity mpeg2.

Best Regards

[setarip]

"Thanks."

My pleasure ;>}