Which Software?

fatkid_lovescake

Hello

When transferring using firewire from my Sony Camcorder to laptop I inevitably lose some quality using Windows Movie Maker, how can I alleviate this if possible?

Also, when transferring from cam to laptop do I change the file type to something else such as AVI or PAL? I need to transfer onto DVD, I do have Nero Starsmart so if I use this will it default the file as compatible to be used on DVD without loss of quality or do I need other software?

Thanks in advance

Red_Rose_Exile

Try WinDV 38kb, freeware

penrhyn

Its not moviemaker that's losing your quality its the way you are using it.
Your are on the right track though regarding.avi
When you import files into Moviemaker always do this in AVI.
The files are huge but you won't lose quality.
When you render the movie again keep it in .avi, you can then use this file as the source for the DVD burner.

Good book on moviemaker:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/202-0039283-9545426?ie=UTF8&tag=firefox-uk-21&index=blended&link%5Fcode=qs&field-keywords=Microsoft%C2%AE%20Windows%C2%AE%20Movie%20Maker%202%3A%20Do%20Amazing%20Things&sourceid=Mozilla-search

fatkid_lovescake

Thanks guys, so just to clarify I can transfer the file as a AVI type and when burning it onto DVD I may need more DVD's (which isn't a problem) but will retain the quality?

Cheers

penrhyn

Yes that is correct you won't lose quality.
However if you wish to create a DVD that can be played on a normal DVD player you will need another programme such as MyDVD
Moviemaker does not have its own DVD burner in XP. The Vista version uses the built in Windows DVD maker.

Red_Rose_Exile

Once you convert your original video to any lossy format, the resulting video file has lost some amount of data/details compared to the original video and that data can't be reversed by decoding it, and unfortunately avi is a lossy format. ...but if the program that you use is relatively good and you manage to adjust the settings properly then you just maybe able to reduce the amount of loss to and absolute minimum so that at least it won't be visible.

fatkid_lovescake

Hi again,

Unfortunately I'm getting the following error message when tansferring the file as an AVI type:

'Capturing has stopped because the captured video file has reached the 4gigabyte file size limit supported by the current file system FAT32'

How can I change this 'file system'?

Also how can I obtain for free, the programs mentioned below such as MyDVD or a program that can directly send the file via firewire onto DVD/My Hard-drive without loss of quality?

Thanks again, it's much appreciated.

Red_Rose_Exile

Which program were you using?

fatkid_lovescake

I was using Windows Movie Maker but I do have Nero StartSmart also but I cannot seem to workout how to capture on there as I get to the stage where it asks me to do so but doesn't actually have a 'start' button or alike so reverted back to WMM although it does allow me to add files already trasnferred onto my laptop but they're poor quality due to the reasons above
Thanks

bookduck

fatkid_lovescake wrote: »

Hi again,

... the current file system FAT32'

How can I change this 'file system'? ....

This is a one way process and there is no going back, unless you reformat the disk. All you have to do on XP is from a dos box (Start button Run and type CMD) type CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS (it is your C: drive????), now wait till it is finished!

Personally, I believe that if it is working, then don't fix it. I would add on an external usb disk and convert that to ntfs, if I was unsure what I was doing. On the other hand all my drives for the past many years have been NTFS, but they started life that way.

fatkid_lovescake

Hello again,

Thanks for the suggestions so far and I shall stick to the premise that 'if its not broke dont fix it' and avoid the dos route as it's a one-way process.

I was wondering if there is an alternative method as I have been advised using Nero doesn't result in loss of quality but having used that facility on Nero Smart start when I get to the 'capturing' mode there isn't actually a button that you can click to actually start capturing the file from camcorder unlike movie maker unless I am missing something blatantly obvious of which I should be embarassed?!

Transferring the files as AVI is causing all sorts of problems in terms of the sheer size of them.

Any help would be much appreciated as it is my sisters wedding we've recorded and the family's on my case to see it on dvd and distribute it.

Thanks again in advance