Converting avi file to dv-avi

Question

Hello
I am a recent convert from Pinnacle Sudio to Premiere Elements 7. I have avi files made in Pinnacle that I would like to bring into Premiere. From what I am reading, I need to first convert them to dv-avi files. Can anyone tell me how to do this? I made the files on a Windows XP computer using Pinnacle), my Premiere is on Vista Home Premium--if this helps :)
Thanks much, Cheryl B.

Answer 1

Kodebuster,
I've had many DV-AVI Type I's that did not exhibit a problem. However, enough have (and not just for me), that I now do it out of habit - it's become part of my workflow. Also, PE seems to do a much better job, than PrPro. That is the main reason, that I have PE, because it is more lenient, than its "big brother." Most of the issues that I have encountered have been with PrPro's handling of these. I do not know what is different "under the hood," but PE merrily Imports stuff that chokes PrPro.
I've seen no problems, artifacts, degredation in quality, etc., with DMC, to date. I do try and keep conversions to a minimum, and have established workflows to maximize the final quality. Some sources require more work, than others, but if one has collected the "tools" and plans for the source files, one can do a lot with sub-optimal Assets.
In most workflows, it's about the "tools," the Assets, and how one likes to work. Many use other conversion programs, with no problems and great results. They have standardized on their particular workflow, as I have mine.
As for the DV-AVI, there IS compression, albeit much, much less than MPEG-2, but the quality, judged on good playback equipment, is beyond my ability to detect it. It can be measured, but if I can't see it in the final, that is good enough for me.
There are also other NLE's, that use "smart rendering" for existing MPEG-2 Assets. I have not explored any, so cannot comment on how well, or poorly, they perform. There are many recs. for these around the fora, so one might prove to be better, than PE for that task.
As most of my Assets are Captured in PrPro from tape, it works beautifully for me. Still, clients will come up with the darnedest CODEC's and expect miracles. With the popularity of HDD cameras, I would almost expect to see PE incorporate a "smart rendering" workflow via a preset. Because of its great interface (which I am still learning, coming from PrPro), I think that would separate it from many of the competition. It'll all be based on market share.
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