Mike O'Sullivan wrote:
> A friend has got himself a DVD burner for Christmas, and now needs
> help in converting to DVD via computer. Not something I've needed to
> do, as I normally use my Panasonic HD recorder.
>
> Can I have some pointers please? What kind of interface should he
> use?
You really should have your friend browse the net for info. Starting
here:
http://www.videohelp.com/, though it may be a tad overwhelming
for a first visit from someone having no prior experience and will
require some time and patience to absorb anything from it.
Before deciding on stand-alone capture or PC capture, he/she should be
aware that there are differences, for example: bit rates (possibly
better quality at the higher rates available in PC capture devices),
the need for editing, and personalization of menus. These issues
suggest that the video may be processed on a PC eventually - so why
not start there? On another hand, if all that your friend desires is
to convert the a/v streams and play as captured, then stand-alone is
ideal. Since you've already addressed these issues and are using a
stand-alone, you could address these issues from your own perspective
with your friend. There really is no right answer, just whatever
works for you or your friend.
If your friend has aspirations of copying DVD's from his/her library
shelf, then the PC does what the stand alone is prohibited from doing.
Also, though it has nothing to do with which capture technique to use,
your friend's expectations may not be in line with reality - as often
happens in the DVD arena. The DVD players presently in your friend's
home may not play back from non-studio-stamped-out media. And if you
friend wants to send copies of homemade DVDs to others, that problem
could become exponential.
Never-the-less, the DVD burner is a handy backup device offering 7x
the capacity of a CD, eh?
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