To transfer Hi8 video to dvd, can i do this on my computer? Do i need sometype of program? How do i go from the 3 prong thing that goes from the camera to the vcr/tv to usb port?
I've been doing mine with a Pinnacle box from Best Buy for 50 bucks, using the software that came with it. Only problem I had was if you're low on memory it will drop video frames like crazy during the capture and your audio won't match up. Reboot between transfers cured it for me.
try this... http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?cat=1428&keywords=capture device&mnf= I would try to find one that captures in AVI format since the quality will be very close to original. You will need to check your memory since avi files are large. Next best is the mpeg2 or mpeg4 files. I personally think the video gets pixelated when going to mpeg but I haven't transferred with a mpeg4 codec. AVI is still my favorite. It looks great on the television. Frame drops are an issue with Pinnacle products so make sure to shut down all extra processes before capturing. I have used the ADS device and it does a pretty good job. Basically you will get what you pay for so don't go too "cheapy". I guess it depends on your taste. I tend to be a little picky. :-D
Well, Tiger Direct is one thing but if you want a better variety for capture devices they are the place to go local. Best buy usually carries about 2 products/brands if that. You could always look online. I have never had problems with Tiger Direct. Check your return policy on it though.
Yes but it isn't that straight forward. There is still a degradation in the quality. There is no doubt about it, it's there. Capturing in avi gives you the "raw" file. When "capturing" in mpeg the quality lessens...I find anyway. I always capture and edit in avi. It hogs memory but I have to have sharp quality. When I provide previews online I use mpg files but final TV/computer output is always created with an avi file and then put to disk. It looks so much better. Mind you this is also talking about the USB capture devices and not a "recorder" that outputs straight to disk. I am talking about the cord hookups with the software editor. I capture on a DVD recorder for straight transfers since it duplicates flawlessly but if I have to edit on the computer I go avi first. MPEG can be created in different resolutions such as 480x480 for SVCD or 720x480 for DVD.
It does depend on the encoder. I never activated my mpeg4 encoder for example. I am a "stick with what you know" gal...lol. I had a horrible experience upgrading my editor and had to uninstall everything and start from scratch so I keep with the avi files (mainly for custom movies). I rarely capture straight transfers from the computer anymore. Out of 2 editors I have used in the past I have found choosing the avi file output the best in quality. I have yet to see an mpeg2 file look better than the avi file. I will have to experiment and see when I have the office back up and running. It is spread out in a few boxes from the move. Have you compared an avi file with mpeg2? There is no close call for me. I will capture/edit with avi. I will play and see but I am not ready to reinstall everything again. lol
I will NEVER go to TigerDirect again (used to be my favorite store). I am on my 3rd motherboard in 3 days. The last one, once I opened the "sealed" package it had the little case tabs broken off and stuck in the board (USED product). Really stinks cause I loved that place
Bummer. I am no where near a Tiger Direct anymore as far as I know. I haven't been to one in quite a few months. I just knew they had more variety with the capture devices.
