Converting HD8 to DVD
This is "related" because two really smart guys -- nobus and garycase -- posted solutions in the original.
I have a HD8 video camera, several years old. I need a list of items I'll need to buy and a recommendation for [hopefully free or inexpensive] software I can load onto my WinXP machine to pull the video from the camera and convert it to a file type that can be burned to a DVD. It won't hurt if editing is a feature, but I'm not that picky.
I have a HD8 video camera, several years old. I need a list of items I'll need to buy and a recommendation for [hopefully free or inexpensive] software I can load onto my WinXP machine to pull the video from the camera and convert it to a file type that can be burned to a DVD. It won't hurt if editing is a feature, but I'm not that picky.
SOLUTION
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SOLUTION
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ASKER
More information.
Camera is a Sony Handicam Vision, model CCD-PRV 68 NTSC. Analog. Has standard A/V output and an "S-video" output.
He also says (okay, so I fibbed -- it's not MY camera) that he thinks he has an S-Video input on his computer.
He's also cheap; is there any free software (or maybe a trial version?) that does what the Pinnacle app does?
ep
Camera is a Sony Handicam Vision, model CCD-PRV 68 NTSC. Analog. Has standard A/V output and an "S-video" output.
He also says (okay, so I fibbed -- it's not MY camera) that he thinks he has an S-Video input on his computer.
He's also cheap; is there any free software (or maybe a trial version?) that does what the Pinnacle app does?
ep
It's far more likely that he has an s-video OUTPUT on the PC than an input.
For a one-off project where the highest quality isn't important, the Dazzle capture devices work very well (they actually have reasonably good quality for the price). Here's a refurbished one at a very good price ... and it comes with capture/editing software:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3427259&Sku=P121-9008 Note that although it claims compatibility with both USB v1.1 and USB v2, the captures are much better if the system supports USB v2 (I've known a few folks who've used them over the years).
For a one-off project where the highest quality isn't important, the Dazzle capture devices work very well (they actually have reasonably good quality for the price). Here's a refurbished one at a very good price ... and it comes with capture/editing software:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3427259&Sku=P121-9008 Note that although it claims compatibility with both USB v1.1 and USB v2, the captures are much better if the system supports USB v2 (I've known a few folks who've used them over the years).
ASKER
Gary,
"...It's far more likely that he has an s-video OUTPUT..."
Right... I should have realized that when he said it. So from what you're telling me, unless he has some kind of A/V receiver built into his computer... he gets to buy a DVD recorder -- correct? And then he can use the Pinnacle software to copy it to his PC, manipulate it as necessary, and then use his computer to burn a "real" DVD?
ep
"...It's far more likely that he has an s-video OUTPUT..."
Right... I should have realized that when he said it. So from what you're telling me, unless he has some kind of A/V receiver built into his computer... he gets to buy a DVD recorder -- correct? And then he can use the Pinnacle software to copy it to his PC, manipulate it as necessary, and then use his computer to burn a "real" DVD?
ep
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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ASKER
Ahh... okay.
I've sent him the information, so he's now on his own (unless he wants to pay for a service call in Alaska).
Thanks, guys... great work, as always!
ep
I've sent him the information, so he's now on his own (unless he wants to pay for a service call in Alaska).
Thanks, guys... great work, as always!
ep
You're most welcome.
>not only do you get good, complete advice, but you get it verified
Well, in Gary's case (pun intended), usually no verification is necessary - he knows what he's talking about.
Well, in Gary's case (pun intended), usually no verification is necessary - he knows what he's talking about.
ASKER
"...=> Do you mean Hi-8 (rather than HD8?)..."
Probably. I'm asking for someone who I talk to regularly, but who is also in Alaska. Since the camera is older -- probably about eight years -- I would guess that you're probably right.
"...=> What output format does the camera support? Analog (a video output) or digital (firewire ... what Sony calls "i-link")??..."
I'm guessing analog. It's one of those cameras that you plug into your TV to watch. I was hoping there's a way to either a) go from the camera through the TV to the PC, or b) go from the camera to an input device on the camera (maybe a USB port or the microphone port?)
"...=> Does your computer have a firewire (IEEE-1394) port?..."
Not that I know of, but I can certainly find out. It will just involve talking to someone in Alaska who will have to follow instructions for a change. Still, he's motivated.
"...=> What quality level are you looking for?..."
Not terribly high. He wants to make a DVD of his exhibit that he can show on a small TV that sits in the window. It doesn't have to be broadcast in HD.
Callandor,
Thank you for the verification. That's what I love about this place... not only do you get good, complete advice, but you get it verified.
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