I need to copy my valuable VHS tapes into VCD. As far as I know, there are currently two ways to do so as described below, 1. To capture VHS video to my computer via a video capture card (.avi format) and then convert it into MPEG1 file. 2. To transfer VHS video into my Digital Camcorder via Analog A/V Input, and then send DV into my PC via FireWire interface.

Does anyone out there know which method will make a better quality VCD.

Thanks Kui

Zhangk1@juno.com

-- Kui Zhang (zhangk1@juno.com), April 26, 2001

Answers

I've been using AVI transfer via my video card (Asus GeForce 6600 Deluxe), the result is pretty good. I'm using Panasonic MPEG1 Encoder Plug-in for Adobe Premiere to convert AVI to MPEG1. Converting AVI to MPEG1 will take roughly 2 hours for a 25-min long clip. However, the quality is just as good as some real expensive MPEG1 real-time encoder card, except you need to pay for the time to encode.

What I normally do is I create a batch file in Adobe so I'm encoding a few clips while I'm sleeping. It doesn't bother me at all and when I wake up in the morning, everything is ready.

I'm not sure about transfering from VHS to DV Camcorder, then DV back to PC.

-- Simon (simon_n@cgocable.net), April 26, 2001.

I'm using the DV passthrough method: VHS through Sony Digital 8 camcorder into an ADS 1394 card. I use TMPGenc to compress to VCD- compliant MPEG-1. The quality is excellent. You'll need a ton of disk space and a good fast computer, but I highly recommend this method.

-- Red (red_1972m@hotmail.com), April 26, 2001.

I believe you will get marginally better results capturing through your digital camera because you can capture the video at a larger size (NTSC is 720 x 480) and then resize it later down to the VCD specs size (NTSC is 352 x 240). However, I think the biggest part of the equation is still the codec used to compress the avi on capture and the encoder (and settings used within the encoder) used to convert to MPEG. One thing is for sure,if you capture analog at say 320 x 240 you will notice much smaller file size and shorter conversion times when compared to capturing digitally. However, the trade off is quality. Play with it and make your own judgements.

-- Derek (dereksider@home.com), April 28, 2001.

The best way use the Hard ware real time converter. You get the best picture quality. Please visit www.sigma-labs.com Bundled with all the editing software for your VCD Creation

-- Chris Chua (chris009@singnet.com.sg), May 19, 2001.

All the above are fine, but try using the ne MPEG-4 codec by Divx. This has a much better compression rate than MPEG-1 and you should be able to fit a 110min movie on one vcd. Only downside is that most (if not all) DVD players don't have the MPEG-4 codec so you can't play the movie back on them, only on your PC.

-- The Best (thebest@ireland.com), June 22, 2001.

anyone know anything about the Dazzel digital video creator 80. they run about $70. i'm think of buying this product to convert my home video onto CDR. i really appreciate any help. thanks

-- john le (lejohn2002@yahoo.com), July 13, 2001.

Frankly, I've been happy enough using Dazzle DVC to capture from VHS and Adaptec Video Cd Creator 4 to burn files to CD-R...there may be a better way to go, but I don't know about that.

Richard.

-- Richard Landon (ramj@pacificcoast.net), July 13, 2001.

Another approach is to hire a reputable company to transfer your video for you. Check out vcdtransfer.com for reasonably priced transfers with features like menus, transitions, video corrections, custom label & jewel case artwork and more.

-- Ron Sutton (ronsutton195@yahoo.com), August 08, 2001.

I have transfered from VHS to DV into my Computer and the resolution is very good

-- chili (chiliconcarnival@aol.com), March 12, 2002.

I use a PowerMac G4 with a DataVideo DCA-2 converter and have good videos.

-- Jorge Diaz (soportecabina@yahoo.com), November 01, 2003.

I'm working on a website and need to transfer video and audio from VHS, DVD (video) and cassette tape (audio) to my computer, then extract a portion of the video and audio, convert the video to mpg (AND realplayer AND Quicktime files if possible, but THAT's not copletely vital) and the audio to .mp3 to load onto the website. Is there a package product out there that will do all this? The capture, conversion AND editing for VHS, DVD and Audio cassette tape, complete with adaptor cables?

Inexpensive and ease of use are most important to me - but ease supercedes price.

Any advice would be really helpful. Thanks.

-- Patricia Nelson (missmoxie@sbcglobal.net), November 05, 2003.