Transfer home movies to DVD

I have finally gotten my act together and have begun the long process of transferring home movies from my Sony Digital8 handycam to my PC for DVDs with menus, editing, etc.

I when I capture the movies from my camera in .avi format, I am dropping frames causing major audio problems (using NeroVision Express 3). I tried capturing as MPEG-2 and everything transfers great. Is MPEG-2 lesser quality than avi and does it matter?

Also, if anyone can guide me to a free editing software (special effects, etc.) or any reliable inexpensive one, any info you have is appreciated.

 

Well i can guide u too some programs that can help but none that i am goin to list are free but they work like a charm

1)TEMPengce (U can edit ur files with this program and doo so many weird and wonderful things with this also can b downloaded @aD)

http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/video_tools/tmpgenc.cfm

2)Unlead DVD Movie Factory 1,2,3
http://www.ulead.com/dmf/trial.htm

3)Magix Music Maker
http://www.magix.com/select.html

Help that helps...

 

a good authoring tool is DVDLab Pro, which has a free 30 day trial

 

I experienced this exact problem. There were two things wrong; first, the capturing device driver was corrupted and needed to be reloaded but by first completely removing the driver. Second, I was trying to use Ulead DVD Studio 6 and the frames kept dropping out. I then used Pinnacle Studio 9 Plus (www.pinnaclesys.com) and have been having no problems. I am also converting my VHS tapes to DVD...slowly one at a time! LOL

 

MJS41, was your Ulead DVD Studio 6 dropping frames when capturing in avi format or MPEG-2?

Due to work, I haven't been able to download any of the trial versions of the programs everyone has mentioned and try them out.

 

There is a diffrence between Unlead DVD Studio & Unlead DVD Movie Factory so dont think that will get the same error of if there the same program...

 

First at first: what was your video transfer method? Usb stream, RCA, firewire. Also my choise is mpeg2 because its fast and not bad at all. Avi takes too much storage, time and and will be mpeg2 at the end. Only if you have too much or the movie is something very special. Otherwise stick with mpeg2.