I have a sony dcr-hc24 camcorder, I also have a firewire card in the Pc.
What is the best process to follow to get from minidv to a dvd format.
I have tried capturing to avi, then converting it to vob files using Nero.
Is this the best way?
Need some advice.

Help!
Jock

[redsox_mark]

Yes - that is how you do it. You capture the native DV as a .avi via firewire, and edit that. Then use your favourite DVD authoring software (Nero in your case) do create a DVD-video (with .VOB files).

Or, if you have a DVD recorder with DV-in, you can use that as an alternative (easier, but less control over edits and DVD menus).

[senu]

You could also use Ulead Movie Factory™ which can help you go from Video on tape: captured via firewire to pc ( as AVI) : minimal editing : finally turned into DVD video.
As a very affordable "all in one" it is hard to beat: You can trial it for free
It is obviously very interesting to know the steps but when you simply wish to go from mini DV tape to DVD video on a PC without getting involved in the nitty gritty ( and not use a Settop recorder,) it is valuable software.

The ( ? boring) nitty gritty
miniDV tape: firewire to PC: DVavi captured: ??? video editing ( if desired) edited file rendered: final rendered ( edited) avi turned into mpeg2/vob : DVD image made on PC : image burnt to disc : final DVD video playable universally

[telford_mike]

I use Pinnacle Studio. The software controls the camcorder (forward, play etc) and captures the video. One click then creates a DVD. I've no idea what happens in the background but it's so easy to use even my kids can do it.

[senu]

Originally Posted by telford_mike

I use Pinnacle Studio. The software controls the camcorder (forward, play etc) and captures the video. One click then creates a DVD. I've no idea what happens in the background but it's so easy to use even my kids can do it.

Mike .. you are spot on there: ( when it works , Pinnacle Studio is fantastic, Easy to use, good finish)
I currently have ver 9.4 and 10.5: and find them great but because a significant minority of users find it unstable ( at best) unusable ( at worst) I often dont find myself endorsing it
It is however an editing solution as well. For simple capture : to DVD, ( and stability, the ulead movie factory is cheaper and simple to use)

[Roy999]

Pinnacle Studio is the best way, Nero is really a start package but doen't sort the interlacing that you get with mini dv to avi conversion.

I think you are best getting a company to transfer your mini-dv to DVD then using your PC in built functions to copy that DVD onto your PC or get some free DVD ripper software - try these Superior Video to DVD Transfer this page in particular for AVI Mini DV to DVD or AVI

I'm no expert - just an old boy trying to help.

[senu]

Originally Posted by Roy999

Pinnacle Studio is the best way, Nero is really a start package but doen't sort the interlacing that you get with mini dv to avi conversion.

Pinnacle Studio doesn't t always work though
I have used all the versions in existence ( Ive yet to install ver12) but Sadly Stability can be hit or miss.

Nero Vison is more basic in interface but not in the background encoding options.
Also there is no conversion from MinDV to AVI. MiniDV is the tape and AVI is the format. The video on a MiniDV tape is already AVI
Interlacing/deinterlacing is a playback issue if it didn't occur during the recording as progressive . It is best avoided during encoding. Saying that you can output your vide as interlaced or progressive even in Nero Vision 5

I think you are best getting a company to transfer your mini-dv to DVD then using your PC in built functions to copy that DVD onto your PC

NO !
Firewire and easily available software is far more satisfying, way cheaper too £15 a tape.. Unless you dont have a camcoder to play it no way would I use the linked company.. Anyone with a PC and a firewire cable should not need them .
Or
Buy a setttop DVD recorder
There is often never any need to rip. Almost all current editing software can " rip"

I'm no expert - just an old boy trying to help.

Thanks , but this thread is old and using a company to get to DVD from analogue 9 Hi 8 , ect) may be an option if one is not keen on using other methods but for MinDV A simple Firewire connection is all that is needed
Im worried about the companies linked. Im sure they deserve to be in Business but linking them like that is almost like giving them free advertisement which has not been requested.
MiniDV/DV cam was invented to allow easy transfer to digital. Unless there is a specific quality issue or the recording equipment is unavailable for play . there is no reason for a home user to spend £15 just to transfer 1 tape
VHS quality can be enhanced but it is creating quality whic may not have been there in the first place
However only the owner can determine how precious that is to them to justify spending a lot to get them converted to DVD
Your link for the Cine to DVD ( same company I think) is quite relevant, and much harder to do at home

[chrishull3]

pinnacle does not do working menus with picture thumbnails which limits its dvd /avchd/ bd creativity plus its annoying at times.

[senu]

Which is why Ulead Movie Factory remains a favourite for DVD authoring..
The other advantage is that you can use edits done at different time from different sources

It was the earlier Pinnacles tendency to crash at the "make movie " stage that made me limit its use to editing as it kept being frustration to spend all that time editing then have to go back to squire one