how to convert a miniDV video to DVD?

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Jack Bauer

I am having problems converting miniDV home videos to DVD. I am connecting my handycam (sony dcr-ha21) using a firewire connection onto my laptop. The problem is that none of the video capture software I use (like Ulead/nero) are detecting my camera. I tried all the suggestions on various forums. Can anyone suggest any working setup they have with a sony miniDV handycam.

Answer
What you're goin thru is creating a new Muvee! (video/Audio editing..)

1st Part: transfer video files from vcam to computer
i.e., using a program to receive the video stream from vcam into the PC and saving it as a video file.
- connect vcam to computer via firewire cable (4 or 6 pin) for good transfer (USB may drop frames)
- open (free w/XP) Windows Movie Maker in computer (for starters). **see/click WMMaker help ...it is very detailed.

a. Set the camera mode to play recorded video.
b. In the Movie Maker Tasks pane/Capture Video, click Capture from video device.
c. the video files from vcam will then be put into WMM collection (usually there are several video files from vcam although you will not notice on vcam playback.
d. drag & drop video files one by one from collection to video storyboard below noting proper number sequence (Note: if no editing is to be done, drag all collection files to one video chart)
e. save the video files (WMAv) one by one
(Note: if no editing is to be done, save WMAv file as one)
...Transfer of the video files is now complete

2nd part: video editing
for starters, XP/Windows Movie Maker would provide the easy way to learn the process. SpiceFx by Pixelan would provide enhanced effects. You may venture to other video editting softwares - Ulead, Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle, etc. with Hollywood effects after learning the editing tricks thru WMMaker.

a. Open WMMaker (steps similar to 1st)
b. In the task pane, import your previously saved video files into another WMM collection sub-folder
Also import your desired audio/music files in another WMM collection sub-folder
c. Edit 1 your video - ' Make your muvee' thru mouse drag & drop technique.. video file to to the video chart below (video/audio)- take note of proper video sequence. Also drag & drop audio/music files to aud/music chart below. The audio from video file and from music files can be adjusted the way you like (mute if you want to) thru setting audio levels icon between video & music.
d. Edit 2 - Can also enhance the muvee thru video effects (zoom/pan - for greater degree, buy Hollywood/Spice FX), transitions, tiltles, credits like a muvee.

3rd part: finish the Movie (thru WMMaker)
Usually save files to computer first for review of the project. You can always go back to edit the project if you want to add or change anything. The saved MMK file is in WMAv.

Finally â¦Burning to DVD
First off, you'll need an authoring program like Windows DVD, Nero vision or Encore DVD. Import the video, Once you click burn, it will automatically convert your .AVI files into mpeg-2 .vobs.

Hope I've been of assistance.

What is the best movie making/recording program to use for game play?

haphazard_

I have Windows XP (SP3).

My WMM isn't that good, it's pretty old too.

Something that can make them into HQ.

Lists, Links, anything are welcome. Thank you!
For systems too, not just PC games.

Answer
Sony Vegas Pro 9.0 is what I, personally use. It's very nice.
If you're just wanting to make gameplay commentaries, then you probably don't even need Pro. You could probably just use Sony Vegas Platinum, which is quite cheaper.
However, if you're wanting to make Montages, I'd highly recommend getting Pro.

Platinum: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope
Pro: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro

If you'd like something else, you can try Adobe Premiere. It's a tad more complex than Vegas, but is also a little better than Vegas. I wouldn't really recommend using it until getting to know Vegas a bit, but it's up to you.
http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/

There's also Adobe After Effects which is good for making flashy opening titles. It's very daunting to learn, but can prove worthwhile if you end up mastering it. It's quite mediocre for normal video editing, but is among the best for huge flashy effects.
http://www.adobe.com/products/aftereffects/?promoid=BPDDW



Now, as for your recording situation, it depends on what you're playing your game on.

If you're on the PC, you can choose from Fraps or WeGame. Fraps is the best, IMO, but will cost you $37 USD. You can try the free trial on their site.
http://fraps.com/

WeGame is completely free, though I find it buggy and at times laggy. You have nothing to lose with it being free, so you can give it a shot.
http://www.wegame.com/

Now, if you're on a console, you'll need to look into Capture Cards.
Since you said you're looking for HD, you'll need an HD capture card, of course.
I, personally, recommend and use the Hauppauge HD PVR. It's an external capture card, so it's ideal if you have a laptop, since you can just move your laptop and capture card close to your console.
http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html

If your console is close (or can be moved) to your computer and it's a desktop, you can look into internal capture cards (however externals will still work).
Internal capture cards have to be on a desktop, since they're directly installed to your computer's outer part.
If that's your case, you should look into the BlackMagic Intensity Pro.
http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/intensity/


One thing to keep in mind is that you will need a fairly high-end PC to run HD.

I hope this is of help to you.
If you have any further questions, you can refer them to a forum that I visit regularly and I know can be helpful.
http://www.machinima.com/forums/search.php?search_id=newposts

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