Recording to DVD

[Guest]

Ok...Finally! I have made a one hour movie and a two and half hour movie
from my master dv tapes using Windows Movie Maker. I saved both movies to
the hard drive of my computer as DV-AVI files.

Using Nero, I plan on making a DVD that gives people the option of watching
either the long or the short version from the menu. However, Nero tells me
that the one hour version is over 4 gigs in the "best" quality mode. The
only way to record the whole video on a 4 gig dvd is to use the option
"automatic". Isn't this giving me a much less quality video? Can I put both
the long and the short versions onto a double layer 8.5 gig dvd without
losing quality? Is there maybe some compression software to use that
wouldn't give up resolution or quality? It seems like I should be able to
put 3.5 hours of video onto a double layer disc but I don't know how.

Thanks

 

[John Kelly]

Hello,

I never use the Automatic options. I prefer Custom and then move the bitrate
down slowly until the project just fits. Therefore I do not worry about that
setting until I have made my menu system.

As you lower the bitrate you will see a visual indication as to how well you
are doing...its at the very bottom of most of the screens. I use Dual Layer for
High Quality 2 hour videos (actually its videos projects greater than 1 hour 20
to 30 minutes when I decide to switch to Dual Layer).

I have one of those stand alone DVD recorders with built-in tuner etc I use it
to record HQ quality programs. I use Nero to delete adverts etc and as a result
a program in a one hour TV slot often drops to the 40 - 45 minute range. With
the series Stargate SG1 I get two episodes on a 1hour 3 to 5 minute single
layer disc with animated menus including chapter points every 15 minutes
(arbitrary decision) This does involve some compression, but not much and if I
were able to play one for you I doubt that you would realise you were not
watching a commercial disk

With regard to compression software that will not loose quality, yes there are
but as far as I am aware they would not comply with the MPeg standard and
therefore not be useable on a DVD disc

Hope that helps a little

--
Best Wishes.....John Kelly
www.the-kellys.org
www.the-kellys.co.uk
Check out free video hosting at www.the-kellys.org
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