What Is Needed to Capture Audio/Video?

highkick · Apr 29, 2005, 09:33 AM

I have a 3.0 Ghz Pentium 4, 1-Gb Ram, 74-Gb Raptor Drive (10000 rpm), a Firewire port and 4 USB-2.0 ports, but only onboard sound (havent ponied up the money for a sound card). I also have a 7200 rpm 250 Gb external hard drive.

I want to capture both digital (camcorder)and analog (Hi-8) to my desktop and convert it to DVD. Some of the Hi-8 video quality has degraded (overall picture has changed color). Perhaps I can restore the picture quality somewhat.

What hardware do I still need to buy? I have a Radeon 9600 Pro installed and want to know if it would be better to buy an All-in-One video card with video in capabilities, buy a break out box for my video and sound inputs, or whether I can just use the Firewire port to transfer video/audio (perhaps a sound card would then be needed).

As you can see, it's very confusing for me. Any help would be appreciated.

Lastly, I dont have any video editing software, and would like a software program that actually is stable when capturing and converting video/burning video to DVD. I would like it to be helpful in breaking up video into scenes for me, and intuitive enough to combine scenes and add/ remove sound. Descent Features, stability, ease of use (some automation), and high quality video/sound reproduction. I dont have $1000 to spend on it. I understand some folks like free video editing software, but I would prefer to spend $100-250 on a product that is more polished, that will make my first video editing experience easier, yet provide a professional result (some bells and wistles) that I will be happy with 20 years from now....

To summarize, I need recommendations for:
(1) Hardware
(2) Software

pr0digal jenius · Apr 29, 2005, 03:04 PM

if you are willing to fork out some rather serious cash, Adobe premiere is the best way to do this, as it will capture straight from a firewire connection off the camcorder, or an A/V input from the tapes(if your PC has A/V in

)

If you don't have an A/V in..you may also want too look into a capture card, or an ATi HDTV Wonder, as it comes with all that, and lets you watch tv

**dj_stick** · May 1, 2005, 01:37 AM

often capture cards or webcams come with bundled video editing software, most of it is crap, but it's still passable for the basic stuff

highkick · May 1, 2005, 10:46 AM

I would like a lot better than the crap that comes with the camcorder...I have a JVC and Sony camcorder and now my computer is full of confusing programs..

If I had the money, i would buy Premiere, although the learning curve is probably steep.

But I dont have that kind of dough...

How about something for a couple hundred dollars that is almost as good?

Thanks for the help, guys!!!!!

Serendipity · May 3, 2005, 02:07 PM

If your digital camcorder supports analogue in connections you can use that as a bridge to capture all your Hi-8 stock without buying extra capture cards.

I used a Sony DCR-TRV33E to digitise a bunch of old VHSC tapes after the original camera died: VHSC tape into converter then into VCR. The VCR connects to analogue port on the digicam via scart, then firewire to the PC.

I did this a while ago using Ulead VideoStudio, which I would still happily recommend to novices. However I have since used Adobe Premiere Pro for work and can’t recommend it strongly enough.

If you prefer to keep costs down then Adobe Premiere Elements is well worth a look. It retains a surprisingly large amount of the advanced functions from the Pro version plus built in software for mpeg2 encoding and DVD authoring.

I haven’t had a chance to play with the DVD authoring in Premiere Elements, but if it’s anything like VideoStudio you may find it a bit limiting. My current favourite app for authoring only (encoding needs to be done first) is DVDLab.

pr0digal jenius · May 4, 2005, 05:03 PM

Yea, Premiere Elements is my vote, if you're on a budget. ($100 is a bargain)

And for DVD Authoring, TMPGEnc is an excellent program for about $30, although it isn't as easy to use as those "one click" programs, it isn't HARD, and it does an excellent job.

highkick · May 6, 2005, 01:40 AM

Truly amazing responses, guys......Thanks alot !!!!!

Yes, Mpeg 2 encoding is a must, since I want to be able to play back the DVD's on DVD players.....

As for DVD aurthoring, I was unaware that I needed a seperate progam for that. I thought I could just use Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator-6.

Will Roxio's program work or do I need a seperate program ???????

Also, am I to understand that Firewire will transfer BOTH video and sound off a digital camcorder and transfer it to my computer to be used by a program such as Adobe Premiere Elements ??? (by the way, I now have an Audigy 2ZS installed without the extra breakout boxes).

Again, thanks

pr0digal jenius · May 6, 2005, 02:04 AM

in adobe premiere, it'll stream it off the camera in real time with the fire wire, and you can take that and compress it directly into an AVI.

And DVD creator should work, although I personally have never used it. (I use Nerovision Xpress though, and it works great)

Serendipity · May 6, 2005, 11:26 AM

Most of these programs like Premiere Elements, VideoStudio, etc. combine the Mpeg2 encoding and the DVD authoring into one, seamless output stage. And, on the whole they do it very well.

However programs dedicated to each stage in isolation, like TMPGenc for the encoding to Mpeg2 and DVDlab for the design of the menus and packaging into .VOB and .IFO files can give you more flexibility and noticeably more professional results.

You’re best off seeing what you can create with an all in one program then download trial versions of the more advanced applications to see if they suit your needs.

Yes, your version of Roxio includes DVD Builder which can do the job. However Premiere Elements (and others like it) include burning software in addition to the editing, encoding and authoring. Best practice though is to choose to create an image of your new DVD on the hard drive so that you can check it all works ok, then just burn the image to DVD with any old software. Saves on coasters.

Firewire does indeed carry both video and audio and because it’s a digital stream there’s no loss of quality. And the only Firewire port on my PC is on my Augidy 2 card which has successfully transferred hundreds of hours of video without a single dropped frame.

A great resource for all things DVD and encoding related is www.doom9.org

highkick · May 7, 2005, 05:56 AM

Thanks for a very thorough and informative discussion...

I will use my firewire port and not purchase an additional breakout box. I will try using the Digital recorder as a pass through for my Hi-8 camcorder (my assumption is that I dont have to actually record the Hi-8 video to a digital tape before transfering the digital data to the computer via firewire------CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG--------)

I will probably purchase Adobe Elements for now, with an eye out for something more functional, if Elements appears too limiting...

I like the idea of burning to a virtual drive first, then to a DVD after I've verified the integrity of the video.

Again, I've asked these questions in months past, but your responses are the first, really helpful ones I've gotten.......THANK YOU

**dj_stick** · May 7, 2005, 06:04 AM

as for your assumption i think you are right there

Serendipity · May 7, 2005, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highkick

my assumption is that I dont have to actually record the Hi-8 video to a digital tape before transfering the digital data to the computer via firewire

Spot on. It should do it all on the fly. The only requirement is that the digital camera accepts analogue connections inbound. A lot of camcorders sold in the UK had this function disabled for years because of a ridiculous tax issue, but fortunately most now come with both analogue and firewire in and out.

Looks like you have a really nice system that'll zoom through the slower stages of the process, especially with that Raptor. Have fun.

Apr 29, 2005, 09:33 AM	#1
highkick DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 74 Rep Power: 0	What Is Needed to Capture Audio/Video? I have a 3.0 Ghz Pentium 4, 1-Gb Ram, 74-Gb Raptor Drive (10000 rpm), a Firewire port and 4 USB-2.0 ports, but only onboard sound (havent ponied up the money for a sound card). I also have a 7200 rpm 250 Gb external hard drive. I want to capture both digital (camcorder)and analog (Hi-8) to my desktop and convert it to DVD. Some of the Hi-8 video quality has degraded (overall picture has changed color). Perhaps I can restore the picture quality somewhat. What hardware do I still need to buy? I have a Radeon 9600 Pro installed and want to know if it would be better to buy an All-in-One video card with video in capabilities, buy a break out box for my video and sound inputs, or whether I can just use the Firewire port to transfer video/audio (perhaps a sound card would then be needed). As you can see, it's very confusing for me. Any help would be appreciated. Lastly, I dont have any video editing software, and would like a software program that actually is stable when capturing and converting video/burning video to DVD. I would like it to be helpful in breaking up video into scenes for me, and intuitive enough to combine scenes and add/ remove sound. Descent Features, stability, ease of use (some automation), and high quality video/sound reproduction. I dont have $1000 to spend on it. I understand some folks like free video editing software, but I would prefer to spend $100-250 on a product that is more polished, that will make my first video editing experience easier, yet provide a professional result (some bells and wistles) that I will be happy with 20 years from now.... To summarize, I need recommendations for: (1) Hardware (2) Software __________________ ATI 9600 Pro (Retail BBA)

May 1, 2005, 10:46 AM	Thread Starter #4
highkick DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 74 Rep Power: 0	I would like a lot better than the crap that comes with the camcorder...I have a JVC and Sony camcorder and now my computer is full of confusing programs.. If I had the money, i would buy Premiere, although the learning curve is probably steep. But I dont have that kind of dough... How about something for a couple hundred dollars that is almost as good? Thanks for the help, guys!!!!! __________________ ATI 9600 Pro (Retail BBA)

May 6, 2005, 01:40 AM	Thread Starter #7
highkick DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 74 Rep Power: 0	Truly amazing responses, guys......Thanks alot !!!!! Yes, Mpeg 2 encoding is a must, since I want to be able to play back the DVD's on DVD players..... As for DVD aurthoring, I was unaware that I needed a seperate progam for that. I thought I could just use Roxio Easy CD and DVD Creator-6. Will Roxio's program work or do I need a seperate program ??????? Also, am I to understand that Firewire will transfer BOTH video and sound off a digital camcorder and transfer it to my computer to be used by a program such as Adobe Premiere Elements ??? (by the way, I now have an Audigy 2ZS installed without the extra breakout boxes). Again, thanks __________________ ATI 9600 Pro (Retail BBA)

May 7, 2005, 05:56 AM	Thread Starter #10
highkick DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 74 Rep Power: 0	Thanks for a very thorough and informative discussion... I will use my firewire port and not purchase an additional breakout box. I will try using the Digital recorder as a pass through for my Hi-8 camcorder (my assumption is that I dont have to actually record the Hi-8 video to a digital tape before transfering the digital data to the computer via firewire------CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG--------) I will probably purchase Adobe Elements for now, with an eye out for something more functional, if Elements appears too limiting... I like the idea of burning to a virtual drive first, then to a DVD after I've verified the integrity of the video. Again, I've asked these questions in months past, but your responses are the first, really helpful ones I've gotten.......THANK YOU __________________ ATI 9600 Pro (Retail BBA)

Apr 29, 2005, 03:04 PM	#2
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	if you are willing to fork out some rather serious cash, Adobe premiere is the best way to do this, as it will capture straight from a firewire connection off the camcorder, or an A/V input from the tapes(if your PC has A/V in ) If you don't have an A/V in..you may also want too look into a capture card, or an ATi HDTV Wonder, as it comes with all that, and lets you watch tv

May 3, 2005, 02:07 PM	#5
Serendipity DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 24 Rep Power: 0	If your digital camcorder supports analogue in connections you can use that as a bridge to capture all your Hi-8 stock without buying extra capture cards. I used a Sony DCR-TRV33E to digitise a bunch of old VHSC tapes after the original camera died: VHSC tape into converter then into VCR. The VCR connects to analogue port on the digicam via scart, then firewire to the PC. I did this a while ago using Ulead VideoStudio, which I would still happily recommend to novices. However I have since used Adobe Premiere Pro for work and can’t recommend it strongly enough. If you prefer to keep costs down then Adobe Premiere Elements is well worth a look. It retains a surprisingly large amount of the advanced functions from the Pro version plus built in software for mpeg2 encoding and DVD authoring. I haven’t had a chance to play with the DVD authoring in Premiere Elements, but if it’s anything like VideoStudio you may find it a bit limiting. My current favourite app for authoring only (encoding needs to be done first) is DVDLab.

May 4, 2005, 05:03 PM	#6
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	Yea, Premiere Elements is my vote, if you're on a budget. ($100 is a bargain) And for DVD Authoring, TMPGEnc is an excellent program for about $30, although it isn't as easy to use as those "one click" programs, it isn't HARD, and it does an excellent job.

May 6, 2005, 02:04 AM	#8
pr0digal jenius Delete Me Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 14,648 Rep Power: 0	in adobe premiere, it'll stream it off the camera in real time with the fire wire, and you can take that and compress it directly into an AVI. And DVD creator should work, although I personally have never used it. (I use Nerovision Xpress though, and it works great)

May 6, 2005, 11:26 AM	#9
Serendipity DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: London, UK Posts: 24 Rep Power: 0	Most of these programs like Premiere Elements, VideoStudio, etc. combine the Mpeg2 encoding and the DVD authoring into one, seamless output stage. And, on the whole they do it very well. However programs dedicated to each stage in isolation, like TMPGenc for the encoding to Mpeg2 and DVDlab for the design of the menus and packaging into .VOB and .IFO files can give you more flexibility and noticeably more professional results. You’re best off seeing what you can create with an all in one program then download trial versions of the more advanced applications to see if they suit your needs. Yes, your version of Roxio includes DVD Builder which can do the job. However Premiere Elements (and others like it) include burning software in addition to the editing, encoding and authoring. Best practice though is to choose to create an image of your new DVD on the hard drive so that you can check it all works ok, then just burn the image to DVD with any old software. Saves on coasters. Firewire does indeed carry both video and audio and because it’s a digital stream there’s no loss of quality. And the only Firewire port on my PC is on my Augidy 2 card which has successfully transferred hundreds of hours of video without a single dropped frame. A great resource for all things DVD and encoding related is www.doom9.org