I need advice as I face DVD burning for the first time on a new custom-built computer with 3.2 GHz P4 with Pioneer combo CD-DVD burner. I have a bunch of family digital photos and VHS tapes I want to put on DVD, but the question is: By which format that will be around for awhile? For transferring the VHS tapes, I see Wal-Mart has a Cyberhome 1500 DVD recorder for $248; I assume I could feed the VHS tapes into that from our VHS VCR. The photos I can transfer from the comptuer. I assume I should use DVD+RW disks, especially for the photos, as I may want to replace or add photos later. In fact, why does anybody use DVD+R (or even CD+R) disks at all, as the write is permanent? In short, I am trying to determine the equipment and procedure that will be as universal and long-lasting as possible--and not obsolete in a year or two.
Both formats, + and -, will be around for quite awhile. They are both good formats and very well established so you can pick either one without fears of limiting yourself. All DVD-ROMs and most standalone DVD players will read either format without a problem. The RW format is good for adding and editing content as you mentioned but the discs tend to be a bit more expensive compared to the write once formats. I mainly use my burner to back up my DVD collection which is why I use write once discs almost exclusively. I don't have much experience with converting VHS to DVD so regretfully I'm not able to help much in that respect although others here with more experience with that should be able to help. This should be in "DVD-R for Newbies" so maybe a moderator can move this so you can get more help. _X_X_X_X_X_[small]Gigabyte 8INXP, Intel P4HT 3.06 Mushkin 1024 MB PC2100 Sapphire 9800 Pro Plextor PX-708A/Plextor Premium/LTD-166S M-Audio Revolution 7.1 Browning Hi-Power[/small]
Many thanks for your thoughts. Very helpful. For permanent backups (like home movies--and I;ve got to find some shop or service that can put old 8mm films on DVD), I can see the wisdom of DVD R's. For stuff that will always be changing, like digital photos, I might want to go with DVD RW's.
Ive transfered my old super 8mm movies and treasured photo's to dvd's I use a pinnacle anolog capture card,pinnacle studio 8 to capture and edit. I make mpeg's from each individual film clip and then combine them and burn using Sonics My video program. they come out great and you can edit out all the bad video with studio 8.I haven't tried the standalone cyber dvd recorder but I think u get everything on it...all the boo boo's you make on film.
neophyte2, What rsilky1 is saying is that you require a "Capture Card" - that would be Hardware, installed in your computer PLUS, you'll need a good software program. I use Instant DVD. Check around our forum, ask friends and then choose which program you wish to go with - Pete
