"Best Practice" steps for creating & preseving video quality

Question

I would like help in understanding the "rules of the trade" when it comes to video quality.
I have been converting old VHS video tapes using my Sony DV camera...importing them into iMovie 6HD (mainly because I read that the quality is better in imovie 6hd vs. iMovie09)...so far I have imported around 7 hours of video...into one project...which is 250gb in size....I want to burn the videos to a DVD....due to the size of the project..I'm creating new projects and coping over clips....soon I will have 3 projects that take up 500gbs.
Is this typical? I understand that it is good to save the video in the original quality for safe keeping...but I have 100s of video tapes that I would like to convert, edit, burn to DVD, and save.....using my current process for importing, and editing....I would crash the servers used by Google.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

Answer 1

Welcome to Apple discussions!!
I have been converting old VHS video tapes using my Sony DV camera
Using the Sony DV camera is an "OK" way to import VHS. Look at the Canopus ADVC300. Audio and Video go in, FireWire comes out.
The program that comes with the ADVC300 has some nice filters that can improve video and audio of the source material. The ADVC300 will take Audio and Video from ANY source and convert it to FireWire (iMovie 06 will treat it like a camera).
http://www.grassvalley.com/products/advc300
.importing them into iMovie 6HD (mainly because I read that the quality is better in imovie 6hd vs. iMovie09
Good move. (use iMovie 06 with iDVD 09 set to Professional Quality.)
so far I have imported around 7 hours of video...into one project
I would limit each project to 110 - 120 mins, and make DVDs as you complete each project.
using my current process for importing, and editing....I would crash the servers used by Google.
A 2TB drive should hold about 140 hours of video. I ALWAYS build my own external hard drive. More storage and less money.
If you are going to do video, get the biggest drive you can. You can assemble the below items in about three minutes.

http://www.cooldrives.com/ox93saiihadr.html


http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Intellipower-Desktop-WD20EADS/dp/B001RB1TI S/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258862242&sr=8-1
Use the FireWire port, the Firewire protocol allows more direct address to memory (including mass storage) with minimal intervention of the CPU, nothing will interfere with it, No collisions, No glitches. Firewire is rock-solid.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep your original iMovie 06 file, however;
After I transfer a video to iMovie 06 I make a DVD image file (always make a DVD image file first, then burn a DVD) with iDVD 09, then a DVD from the image file. I then test the DVD and keep only the image file (small) created by iDVD. I do not keep the original iMovie 06 file anyway (large).
Regarding DVDs
Do NOT use adhesive labels!!!!!!!!!
Never, Ever, use labels!!! Buy printable DVD,s.
Try this program.
http://smileonmymac.com/DiscLabel/
Printable DVD+R discs. Something like,
http://www.supermediastore.com/product/u/taiyo-yuden-8x-dvd-plus-r-media-white-i nkjet-hub-printable-100-pack
I have found DVD+R to be more reliable than DVD-R. The only disadvantage to DVD+R is that DVD players manufacture before 2003 may not play them.
DVD+R disks are better than DVD-R disks because of the increased error correction technique used for the +R type.
Once you have made a few DVDs you will establish a good workflow, making your project more fun.