Copying Mini DV Tapes to DVD

[Justin]

Looking for advice on copying dv tapes to dvd. I know I can import into PC and burn to dvd etc. but want to keep top quality and make this as quick and painless as possible.

I've been reading on the net and often as not folk are suggesting getting a mini mac, import into the movie thingy and then save as a dvd...no quality loss supposedly.

I know you can still get dv/vhs combination recorders but wonder if dv/dvd is an option.

So, options I can see:

Upgrade PC (yummy) and try and do it that way
Buy a Mini Mac (uhm)
Pay someone £5 per tape to do it for me!

Also looking at putting vhs to dvd so this is a consideration when working something out!

Interested to hear from anyone who does this already or offers the service. Would prefer to do it for myself but all options are possible

[fredster]

easy way is to use a set top dvd recorder ... couple up either vhs or the digital tale camcorder and add direct to dvd. i did some a couple of yrs back when i changed from the dv tapes to dvd disc camcorder..easy as pie and a lot less hassle than transfering to pc first

[Justin]

I do have a dvd/hard drive recorder...not sure if it has dv input but will check

[fredster]

if it hasnt i'm sure youll be able to get leads to suffice

[Justin]

This is the back of the dvd recorder http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMRE85H.pdf (Page 8)

I have a DV connector on my mini dv camera and also a small usb as well I think.

I searched and found a cable to link the dv to audio/visual...might even have one somewhere....

[Philipjbaker]

Justin, does your PC have a FireWire port?, if so then this will be lossless. Or if the USB port can be used (depends on your camera) this is also lossless as they're both digital. The DV connector on the cam is a firewire connector. Your DVD recorder would probably be the easiest method as mentioned above but as it's input methods are analog only (S-Video and composite) you will lose some quality, more so with the composite.

You don't need a Mac to do this, any PC with suitable ports will suffice. If your PC doesn't have FireWire you can buy a new addin card for less than £10, much cheaper than a mac mini.

Phil

[Justin]

I do have a firewire card, might have to look at getting that back in then. I had hoped to record straight into the recorder but from what you say this might not be best option.

I'll check out software again, don't need anything flash but this is where I had problems last time....and I get carried away and start editing and making titles....and then decide I need a better PC.....you can see where this leads!

[Philipjbaker]

I'll check out software again, don't need anything flash but this is where I had problems last time....

Depending on your O/S you might already have Windows Movie Maker installed, if not then you can download Windows Live Movie Maker, both are free and will easily do the job you need. Even if your PC isn't great you can just capture the footage in it's entirety. As you say it's the editing that normally needs more muscle.

I get carried away and start editing and making titles....and then decide I need a better PC.....you can see where this leads!

I see your dilemma, LOL.

[GoldRapt]

So justin, why don't you just hook up your camera to your current puter?, nero vision will import the tape and burn it to disc. and as said above windows movie maker will do the same.