Re: Converting DVD video to AVI files


Yvan wrote:
I have a prospective client who's mailing me a home-burned DVD of some
of his old home movies, and I need to convert all the footage (approx.
2 hrs worth) to AVI clips that I can easily import into a NLE program,
re-edit, and then re-export.

I'm already well aware of the noticeable loss of visual quality I can
expect from transcoding to and from the lossy MPEG2 format, .. but the
client is aware of this likely consequence as well, yet still wants me
to explore this avenue, in the interest of saving time and money.

First off, .. what kind of lossless VFW video compression codecs are
recommended nowadays? Last I recall, HuffYUV was the preferred
choice, but this might have changed in the last couple of years. I'm
leaning more towards using a software-based DV codec, like the one
offered by MainConcept, since DV format is so easily editable, ...
the filesizes are comparatively much smaller, ... and becuase I'd be
able to easily preview the footage on an NTSC display while editing.
Suggestions / other considerations, anyone?

Secondly, .. what software / program (free or otherwise) is best
recomended for transcoding NTSC format DVD video to AVI files these
days? I used to use a program calleed DVD2AVI, .. but it's bug ridden
and my attempts to use it always leads to frustration.

That's it. Thanks!

- Yvan


I'll only answer question #2 as I do all my capturing via firewire.
Take a look at Vegas Movie Studio+DVD as an NLE package. It'll do
everything you want - and more. A trial download (no saving in DVD format
(i.e. MPEG-2) is the only restriction) and more info are at
http://tinyurl.com/anh9v

Mike

.

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