Archiving to DVD then using in FCE

I have about 40 2-hour 8mm video tapes, some 20 years old. I would like to save them in digital form but do not have a DV camera and do not want to invest into it plus at least 80 DV tapes. I can save them on DVD using a DVD recorder that produces a regular DVD (at least so I think since those DVDs have VIDEO_RM and VIDEO_TS directories and .VOB video files). From there, how can I import the footage into FCE to edit it? Or is there a better way of saving those memories in such a way I can edit them again later?
Thanks,
Paul

Hi Paul.
It depends how much editing you intend to do. If it is just topping and tailing and cutting out the bad bits, you could simply hook up your camera to the DVD recorder and do basic editing like that.
A couple of days ago I bought a DAC100 Analogue-Digital Converter for £160. It has received good reviews and has been around for a while.
With it I can copy analogue tapes, DVDs and TV programmes into DV format in my computer - all in real time and immediately ready for use in iMovie or FCE.
The quality seems OK.
See this link for details and a review:-
http://sol4.net/multimedia/dac100.shtml
This place in the US is selling them for $180 - which seems a lot cheaper than in the UK.
http://videoguys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&ProductCode=DAC100&CategoryCode=Gadgets
If you do a Google search for DAC100 you will get more info and details of stockists and prices.
Ian.
PS. I have got about 25 Video8 tapes. Unfortunately, my Video8 camera is not working so I will have to beg, borrow or steal one!

Similar Messages

I had old 8mm converted to dvd then used "Rip It" then imported to iMovie. My problem: in the event library a complete person is shown, in the project the top of their head is missing. How can I fix?

I had old 8mm movies converted to dvd. I then used "rip it" and imported to imovie. In the event library a complete person is shown on a clip. However, when I move that clip to the project the tops of peoples heads are missing in the playback. I have used standard (4:3) because the cut is lower in widescreen. How do I fix this problem?

Yes, the Old Master file has a folder for each year where I find all photos from that specific year. I am attaching a screen shot of the file.
In the meantime i have managed to download all photos (it did not download any video files though in mpg, avi, 3gp, m4v,mp4 and mov format) to a new iphoto library. Unfortunately the photos are quite mixed and often doubled up. I ma considering to purchase iphoto library which checks all duplicates in iphoto. this will save me a lot of time. What do you think?

Ripping a dvd to use in FCE

I have made a movie in FCE then burned it to DVD (using iDVD) now I need to burn more copies of this DVD. Does anyone know a way that I can do this? I have tried using Mpeg Stream to convert it to Quicktime, so that I could bring it back into FCE then re export it from there, but Mpeg keeps giving me a message saying something about "read error". Does anyone know how I can make more copies?
thanks
ruez

Hmm...At what point in the process did you get the error message?
FWIW, here's my step-by-step procedure:
Mount the DVD on the desktop. (Quit DVD Player application if it launches.)
Launch Disk Utility.
Select the DVD in the left column of the Disk Utility window, then click the New Image icon in the Disk Utility menu bar.
Select a location to save the resulting dmg file.
When Disk Utility has created the dmg file, it should appear in the bottom section of the left hand column of the app window.
To create a new DVD, select that dmg file and click the Burn button in the Disk Utility menu bar.

Importing AVCHD video archived onto DVDs using Roxio Toast ?

Can Final Cut Express import AVCHD video that has been archived onto DVDs using Roxio Toast 10 Titanium? The video is originally shot on an AVCHD camcorder (Canon HF-10), then burned into DVDs preserving the AVCHD files using Roxio Toast Titanium. I'm just wondering if you can simply insert the DVDs and import the AVCHD files into FCE. Has anyone tried it? Does it work?

The only thing that matters is that the entire folder structure is preserved from the chip. If the software is picking out the video files then it will not work. The whole folder structure which is a data wrapper for the media is needed by FCE. It doesn't matter if you use Toast or Disk Utility to make the data disc.

Received adobe photoshop elements 12/adobe premiere elements 12 when I purchased a MacBook Pro. The macBook Pro does not have a DVD player it is sold separately. To install the program can I download a free trial version and then use the serial numb

Received adobe photoshop elements 12/adobe premiere elements 12 when I purchased a MacBook Pro. The macBook Pro does not have a DVD player it is sold separately. To install the program can I download a free trial version and then use the serial numbers from the set I received?

yes, that's exactly what you should do,
Downloads available:
Suites and Programs: CC | CS6 | CS5.5 | CS5 | CS4 | CS3
Acrobat: XI, X | 9,8 | 9 standard
Premiere Elements: 12 | 11, 10 | 9, 8, 7
Photoshop Elements: 12 | 11, 10 | 9,8,7
Lightroom: 5 | 4 | 3
Captivate: 7 | 6 | 5
Contribute: CS5 | CS4, CS3
Download and installation help for Adobe links
Download and installation help for Prodesigntools links are listed on most linked pages. They are critical; especially steps 1, 2 and 3. If you click a link that does not have those steps listed, open a second window using the Lightroom 3 link to see those 'Important Instructions'.

I have used still photos to make a Quick Time movie using FCE. The DVD made using i-DVD looks somewhat grainy and the motion isn't smooth when played on my TV. Other DVD's I have made play much better and I am wondering if the problem is my Quick Time m

I have used still photos to make a Quick Time movie using FCE. The DVD made using i-DVD looks somewhat grainy and the motion isn’t smooth when played on my TV. Other DVD’s I have made play much better and I am wondering if the problem is my Quick Time movie settings. The Dimensions and size of the problem movie are 1920X1080 and 584 MB respectively, while the movies that play better have Dimensions of 853X480 and are about 1.3 GB in size. Is this the source of my problem and how do I change things for the better.

Are you exporting to QuickTime Movie, or to QuickTime Conversion? For iDVD, you need to export to QuickTime Movie. Exporting to QT Conversion will kill the quality if you are moving the video from FCE to iDVD.
The file size per se makes no difference.
What size (pixel dimensions) are the photos that you put into your 1920x1080 sequence? Also, exactly what are the sequence properties ... is it 1920x1080i60 ... or i50? In North America it should be i60.
853X480 is an odd frame size. Where are you seeing this number? It would appear to be DV-NTSC, which has a frame size of 720x480. Your 1920x1080 frame size would not be DV-NTSC, it would be Apple Intermediate Codec. DV and AIC will look different, for sure.
Also, your quality setting in iDVD can affect the final video. You may want to check that also (in iDVD Preferences > Projects). Set it to Professional Quality if at all possible.

Whats the best settings to rip DVD to Mpeg Streamclip for use in FCE??

Hi there.
Ok, I using MPEG Streamclip to rip a DVD for editing on FCE.
Whats the best settings to get it to my hard drive?
MPEG4?? Compression rate??
Chris

Assuming your DVD plays widescreen, the better settings in MPEG Streamclip would be:
Export to QuickTime
Compression = Apple Intermediate Codec
Frame size = 1920x1080
Pretty much everything else should remain at default settings.
Keep in mind that if you have an NTSC DVD, the resulting QT/AIC video will be 60i.
In FCE, select the AVCHD 1920x1080i60 easy setup, create a new sequence, import the converted file and edit away. The quality should be very nice.

Exporting MiniDV (SD) Projects to hard drive from iMOVIE & then use them to burn DVDs

I am trying to export all my MiniDv files I have already uploaded to iMovie creating multiple projects. I wanted to export the best quality movie possible that is also great for burning DVDs. I have been using h.264, but haven't much success. Should I be using mpeg4 (h.264) or Quicktime (h.264)? Also, the bite rates have been throwing me off as well. I have tried 5000 kbits/sec and that was so so. I went down from there to 3000 to 2000 and it got worse. I am currently trying out 20,000 kbits/sec as we speak. I also selected CD/DVD-RAM in the export settings over Download & Stream. Not sure if that makes much of a difference?
Most of the MiniDV tapes are standard SD (4:3), but a few are SD wide screen.
I would love to get a master setting to use, so I am not worrying if the quility of the export will come out ok!
I have 50, so time is an essence. This can take me a long time to get through all the tapes.
**** I am NOT using these export files to edit. Just to view
Thanks,
Jason

Just to be clear on this.(Yes I know that AppleMan has already asked this question above)
Are you just wanting to transfer what is on your Tape onto DVD without adding any Titles, transitions etc etc?
In other words when you watch the DVD you want it to be identical to watching the MiniDV tape with nothing added or removed or adjusted ?
If this IS the case then try this.
Via Finder navigate to the required iMovie Event Folder.
In this folder you should see either --- " iMovie Movie Cache" OR " iMovie Cache" OR both.
Now in these folders you should see " Cache - 25 .mov " or " Cache.mov " respectively.
Open iDVD and drag either one of these in.
If you want to put more than one Event on the DVD then drag the other Cache-25.mov or Cache.mov from the other Events in.
Select in iDVD Preferences > Projects > Encoding = Professional Quality for up to 2 hours video including menu on single sided .
This will be much better than exporting to h.264 and quicker.
Also I don't think that the Single Field Processing "debate " comes into this workflow, could be wrong????

Burning A Disk Image into hard drive then using Disk Utilities to make DVD

I am having problems burning a 5GB project onto a DVD+R DL 8GB, so I decided to create a disk image onto my desktop and then use Disk Utility to burn the DVD. Any feedback on this workaround? Thank you very much. Maria

The disc image will not preserve your layer break point, so if you've set that at a specific place, it'll get changed. When burning from a disc image, the first layer will get filled up, then the second layer will begin to be used. Other than that issue, burning from a disc image will work. You'll also be able to set the burn speed with Disk Utility.
Also, burn with Verbatim DVD+R DL discs for best results.

Cameras to use with FCE

I'm interested in upgrading from Imovie seeing as I know it like the back of my hand and feel limited by it at this point. I'm looking to get a new camera in the spring of this year, and I'm wondering what kind to get if I want a good one for a good price that would be great with FCE 4.
Does everybody use Mini Dv cameras with this software? I don't see these in stores, and it this point to me it seems like they are old, clunky, and outdated. I'm no expert, but that's just the impression I get from them, so why are those the primary cameras used with FCE?
So if anybody can answer these questions, and provide me a list of a few good cameras (Mini Dv or not) that would work with the program and not cost a fortune, I would be much obliged!

FCE can work with DV, HDV and AVCHD camcorders.
Most consumer/prosumer camcorders on the market today are AVCHD camcorders or a variation of AVCHD. Be aware - if the camcorder doesn't have the *AVCHD logo* or doesn't *specifically state in the specs* that it's AVCHD, then it's probably not AVCHD. Even if it says it's H.264 or MPEG4/AVC that does not automatically make it AVCHD - a lot of people have been burned not watching out for this.
DV is, as you said, on the way out. 4:3 aspect ratio & standard def; however, decent DV camcorders can do anamorphic 16:9 and it turns out quite nice. So, you can do widescreen with many DV camcorders. HDV is still around and has a loyal following. There are some very nice HDV camcorders - Canon HV20/30/40 for example - and they're not too expensive.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even though you shoot high def with HDV or AVCHD, when it comes time to burn a DVD of your video it will be standard def - because DVDs are by definition standard def. To burn hi-def optical disks, you have to get a BluRay burner, BluRay authoring software (DVD Studio Pro, Toast) and of course BD media. It's not cheap.

Overriding files on DVD-RW using Apple Superdrive Disc Burner

I'd like to use a DVD+RW disk to back up a set of files that I update
continuously, and burn the same disk repeatedly and override files
that have been updated.
I was able to burn the first set of files to the DVD+RW disk
successfully with the Superdrive. Then I updated those files and went
to record over them on the same DVD+RW, but when I plugged in the
superdrive, highlighted the file, and chose "Burn to disk," it keeps
asking for an empty disk--I can't seem to do anything with the DVD+RW
disk with the old files that is in the drive.
I though you could record over files on DVD+RW disks.
What am I doing wrong? Please help.

There are lots of good reasons not to use DVD media for backup purposes except archival quality DVD media (which is expensive and write once, not rewriteable).
DVD media doesn't last long - as little as 3 years and that isn't necessarily 3 years of use. The clock starts ticking as soon as the disk is manufactured because the technology uses organic dyes. They break down over time. I've seen DVDs become unreadable in as little as 18 months. (And admittedly I have some media that is still readable after 5 years but with backups I focus on the deaths.)
DVDs are slow to write to and the key to successful backups is making it painless for the user. The more the user has to interact with the process the less likely it will get done.
My choice for backups is a reliable external hard drive - actually, several reliable hard drives. I make more than one backup. Having said that, I also back up my digital photos to archival quality DVD media twice a year.

Archival Grade DVDs (that actually last)

Concern has been expressed in these forums about the longevity of DVD storage. Many of us have spent considerable time converting our old VHS and 8mm family tapes to DVD for posterity (= so our grandchildren can see how we were. This is supposed to be a good thing).
I am attracted to a recent offering from Verbatim: Archival Grade DVD. Whilst they don't say so on their website:
http://www.verbatim.com/optical/archival/
the outlets that sell them market them as 'able to last 100 years'. None of us will be able to put that to the test, but clearly these DVDs are intended for long term secure storage. Note that they are for max 8x burn speed.
Here in the UK, where they have only recently appeared, they cost about 3-4 times as much as the standard Verbatim DVD-R, but if their claims are true, well worth it, at around £1 ($2) a disk.
I have nothing to do with Verbatim, will not receive any reward for bringing this to your attention, and no animals were hurt in the making of this post.
But I just thought you would like to know!

When I started to make DVDs about 5 years ago, I made
a few using a cheap brand DVD. Recently, I found
that my Apple or home DVD players would no longer
play the cheap brand DVD. BUT, I was able to make a
copy of it and burn it to a name brand DVD from which
I can now watch the movie.
So, if you continue to copy your DVD to brand name
DVDs every couple of years, you'll always have a good
copy. Plus, as technology advances, you can upgrade
your digital copy to the newest standard.
I still have documents I created in 1986 with my
Atari 1040 computer because I kept importing the
documents to the current technology.
Just some food for thought.
Is it not better to save to a harddisc as a -img? the new tec of new hardiscs is a constant as a archival medium and then burn with whatever media avilbel in 100 years! Imagine the tehc, Redpanda OSX vers 50.5.0 holodeck Cristmas eve 2007! guests>yourself hosts <your great grandkids Things can only get cooler...The one who lives will see!
For now go with tiger soon leopard!
Ivar....

How can I import a non-BC site into BC, using Dreamweaver CC, and then use it as one of my free sites?

I am trying to import one of my non-BC sites into BC, using Dreamweaver CC, and then use it as one of my free WebBasics sites.
When I try to create a new BC site in Dreamweaver CC, it creates a BC template site, and I have unsuccessfully tried to update the files on BC - it won't let me connect.
If I import the site from my portal, I don't get the option of a free site - when I try to upgrade, I get the credit card form asking for payment.
I feel like I'm running around in circles with one foot nailed to the floor.
Any tips?

Thank you for your quick reply and for clearing up my confusion. I'm exporting the first section now. I choose the smallest size, 3x4 but I'd prefer to go higher as this DVD was originally a VHS home movie. I'm wondering if after three conversions (VHS,->DVD->MPEG) the resolution will be so poor as to not support a larger size frame? If it can, what size should I select when I export?

Encoding error when burning mp4 videos to dvd-rw using idvd

hi all, i'm trying to burn mp4 videos on a blank dvd. i used the magicdvd option in idvd 08 but the error message of "encoding error" had appeared before it burned the videos to the dvd. could you please let me know if mp4 is not supported by idvd? i heard i must convert mp4 to mpeg-2 in order to watch it with regular dvd player, can i do that with mpeg streamclip? is mpeg-2 supported by idvd? thanks!

Hello Alarkin,
is there a free alternative to toast?
Yes, it's Disk Utility - just follow this procedure:
1. create the disk image in iDVD
2. double-click the resulting .img file to "mount" it. Next launch DVD Player to view your DVD .... if everything is fine, close DVD Player and eject the virtual disk.
3. Open Disk Utility and drag the disk image into the left hand pane, then hit burn.
Note: Set the burn speed to 2x or even 1x. Most burn errors are the result of high burn speeds. Also use only high quality DVD-R media (e.g. Verbatim)
hope this helps
mish

Can't copy files to archival gold DVD-Rs

I could use a little help. For some reason I am unable to copy files from my computer to Delkin archival gold DVD-Rs. My computer has 2 Optiarc DVD RW-AD 7170As. I have no trouble copyfing files using other CDs or DVDs. The archival DVDs can be used without problems on my MacBook. Would appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thanks.

Well, I could probably locate another manufacturer's archival DVDs...but it just seems odd that the ones I have work just fine in my laptop but not on desk top.

Archiving to DVD then using in FCE

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for