computer and editing movies

[happybaby]

Just had a new computer built for me. What I am trying to do is edit video that was taken of our d. wedding where some scenes came out too dark.

My new computer has write master DVD RW which state DVD R/RW, RW rewriteable and CD Rewriteable.

Apparently it will not recognize my mini DVD Ram which I use to video in my Panasonic DVD Camcorder. (This is the mini DVD not regular size) Do I need to download a driver so that it recognizes the mini dvd or just have my tech install another burner that will recognize my DVD. And where can I find that

Also he put in Nero Start Smart but I don't see any menu for editing , just burning or making copies. I need a video program to lighten some of my frames somewhat. Nothing expensive , just on occasion to lighten some scenes. Of course when I took the video, I was not familiar with the camcorder and did not have it set to low light which may have helped.

I am no computer expert, so I hope somebody understand what I'm trying to say.

Other then that, my computer will handle what I need done
For info CPU is Athlon 2800 =754
Memory 1GB DDR memory 256 MB SDRAM PC3200
Hard disk drive 160 GB ATA 133 7200 RPM

DVD/CD RW Write Master DVD RW
Video GFORCE 4 AGP
Sound 6 channel VI integrated

6 USB 2.0
IEEEE1394 Fire Wire

Please I am really dumb when it comes to the newer technology so .............
Respond as easily as you can so I understand

thanks

 

[fnewman]

It is a little hard to tell from a distance but it seems like you should have the makings of a pretty good system. Somewhere on your hard drive (or maybe on a CD that came with the system) there should be some basic editing software. Virtually every DVD burner comes with such software. Look for it under 'start' 'programs'. If you don't have it ask the person who sold you the system. Likely program names could be "Roxio" or 'My DVD' by "Sonic". As for purchased software, one of the best to use (but harder to learn) is Adobe Premiere Elements (about $55 from Amazon). Any of the three mentioned, as well as others, should recognize your camera with little trouble. Also remember that digital video consumes a lot of disk space (5 minutes of video = about 1GB!).

As for the problem with dark video, unfortunately, no software can really correct too well for that because if the data is not in the camera it really has nothing to work with. Yes, some programs will allow you to lighten the video, but the best you may be able to do is to make it 'less black' if that makes any sense.

 

[happybaby]

The problem with my dvd camcorder is it has NO usb or fire port, therefore cannot connect the camcorder to the PC. I have to edit from the DVD RAM and the burner he put in, recognizes all BUT DVD RAM so I have to have him installl the proper burner .

As far as editing, he put in Nero Start Smart but it is, from what I can tell to burn, or copy . I don't see anyplace for editing. I talked to a tech at Best Buy and said there are some cheap editing software programs I can buy to edit video.

I also have a digital which I just plug into the PC and edit from there as to contrast etc.

I don't want to spend alot on an editing program just on occasion where scenes may be too dark I can lighten them up somewhat.

My other option is to buy a light bar (about 30.00) to attach to the foot on my camcorder.

After waiting so long for him to build the computer, now he has to add the DVD RAM But for the price...... I think I got a good deal $500.00 with tax just computer, no new keyboard or monitor or printer. Hope that was a deal !!! Didn't price just computers at the stores

 

[timeos2]

Nero does not edit. You need ULead DVD Movie Factory or something similar. There is quite a learnng curve to get the output you desire but when you learn it the results can be very good.

 

[happybaby]

After further exploring my "new " computer, I found windows movie maker already installed which I was told comes with Windows XP. Now all I have to do is have the DVD RAM installed so it recognizes my video.

Tried editing my stills with movie maker and no problem, so I hope I can do 1 or 2 scenes from my video.

Learn more every day !!!!!!

 

[happybaby]

After further exploring my "new " computer, I found windows movie maker already installed which I was told comes with Windows XP. Now all I have to do is have the DVD RAM installed so it recognizes my video.

Tried editing my stills with movie maker and no problem, so I hope I can do 1 or 2 scenes from my video.

Learn more every day !!!!!!

:annoyed:

I now have the proper dvd/cd burner that recognizes my DVD Ram I can watch the video on the computer running Nero ShowTime, but when I go to Windows Movie Maker and import video from my Rom drive it says it is not a supported file and cannot be imported to movie maker I did not assign the extensions .dat .ifo .vro .000

Now what? I am really dumb and lost
Would maybe another video editing software recognize these extensions. I don't want to spend alot of money on software cause I won't be editing much just on occasion if need be

All I did was take some video on the dvd camcorder to practice with now and inserted it into the dvd drive to see how to edit.

The video files that movie maker recognizes are .mpg .mpeg .avi and a few others.


After talking to Panasonic now I find out that the DVD RAM disc is read only and I can't do any editing with the video on the computer. I have to copy my mini DVD RAM to a regular DVD to be able to edit.
I am so confused!!!
Yet I can erase the video and re record

 

[pwrshift]

I have a mini DV tape camcorder and make movies on my pc by 'capturing' what I want to edit on my computer via USB 2.0 into expensive software from Adobe - their Video Collection. The programs I use are Premiere Pro 1.5 to capture and edit and Encore DVD to author the movies onto a DVD. In the beginning I got hopelessly confused trying the very limited software that came with my pc or ones I downloaded. With Adobe you can buy great books that take you step-by-step through the process - but you pay the price for that.

A friend of mine bought a DVD camcorder from Sony and wanted me to help her make a movie - what a mess. It also had no physical way to connect the camcorder to my pc via USB or firewire so I was lost. We finally ended up 'finalizing' her disk and putting it on a DVD player and via the 3 RCA wires copied it to my mini DV camcorder - then used my camcorder to connect to the pc and all went well.

Once you get into it, it's a great hobby - especially if you have kids or grandchildren or take a lot of holidays. Adding transitions between scenes, music, and still shots to your movies makes for a fun way to pass several hours. But count on it taking many hours just to figure it all out.

Brian

 

[happybaby]

I have a mini DV tape camcorder and make movies on my pc by 'capturing' what I want to edit on my computer via USB 2.0 into expensive software from Adobe - their Video Collection. The programs I use are Premiere Pro 1.5 to capture and edit and Encore DVD to author the movies onto a DVD. In the beginning I got hopelessly confused trying the very limited software that came with my pc or ones I downloaded. With Adobe you can buy great books that take you step-by-step through the process - but you pay the price for that.

A friend of mine bought a DVD camcorder from Sony and wanted me to help her make a movie - what a mess. It also had no physical way to connect the camcorder to my pc via USB or firewire so I was lost. We finally ended up 'finalizing' her disk and putting it on a DVD player and via the 3 RCA wires copied it to my mini DV camcorder - then used my camcorder to connect to the pc and all went well.

Once you get into it, it's a great hobby - especially if you have kids or grandchildren or take a lot of holidays. Adding transitions between scenes, music, and still shots to your movies makes for a fun way to pass several hours. But count on it taking many hours just to figure it all out.

Brian

Brian
I'm using a DVD-RAM to video with my camcorder. It's re-writable so I don't have to do any "finalizing". On the camcorder I do have the capability of making it write proof I think, but besides the point.
I went to Staples and the guy explained too me that camcorders save in a file different from others. It saves as .vro. He told me to download a converter changing from .vro to .mpeg or .avi, something that is recognizable for editing.

ok On the DVD I have about 12 scenes (record , stop 1 scene) record, stop 2nd scene etc. I downloaded avs video converter 4.4. and converted my dvd from vro to mpeg. It then was saved on my pc under my videos. BTW it took about an hr or more to transfer (only had 30 min recording time)

Then went to windows movie maker and imported that video. It came up as 1 frame not like I see all different frames when I use disc navigator on the camcorder (being able to playback certain scenes) When I was editing, it only went as far as 3 scenes and goes no further. Yet if I play it on the computer with Nero the whole video is still there.

I'm wondering since this is only a 30 day free trial if that is the problem or I was tired and frustrated. Will maybe try later on today.
Another alternative is play the video on the TV and record to a DVD player (one that recognizes DVD, CD and RAM) using possibly a re-writeable DVD orCD and use that disc for pc editing.

Some OP also recommended Roxio which I saw at Staples for about $50.00. Only thing if it doesn't work, it's not returnable.

This copying, etc just defeats the purpose That's why I purchased a DVD camcorder and not one with tapes or mini dv. Of course, if I knew then what I know now, I wouldve purchased a DVD camcorder with USB and Fire port and software. Circuit City has been giving me a run around do this, so that, and now can't return it or exchange it for a different model

Any hope for me?

 

[pwrshift]

I don't know enough about the newer RAM camcorders to help you but I think the problem reading a RAM disk in a dvd player is that it probably can't 'read' RAM and needs a 'finalized' disk to read it. And copying your RAM to a DVD Recorder will result in VOB files which becomes another pain for you. MPEG files are also a problem as they are 'compressed' files, not 'original' as AVI files. Compressed files (like JPEG, think MPEG for movies) don't have all the data and if used and compressed again while making a DVD the end result might lose quality. Confusing eh?

I suggest you go to the following board and ask questions. They were of great help to me when starting out with my mini DV camcorder. Also there's a moderator "PapaJohn" who deals with MS Movie Maker and has written some books on it, available at Amazon. Have fun.

http://forum.simplydv.co.uk/

Brian

 

[fnewman]

What is the exact model number of your camcorder? It does seem very strange that any camcorder sold today would leave you with such poor editing capabilities. With the exact number we can do some research as to your options.

 

[happybaby]

What is the exact model number of your camcorder? It does seem very strange that any camcorder sold today would leave you with such poor editing capabilities. With the exact number we can do some research as to your options.

I have a panosonic dvd camcorder Model VCRM53PP The other models 55, 75 and 95 came with software and the USB and firewire ports. But not knowing much and the price was right.............

I downloaded AVS video converter 4.4 (free for 30 days) after that it is 29.95.I did some editing on the wedding video and it is "ok". Color and quality not real good dull and grainy, but at least we can see it. Still have to practice. May get some re-writable DVD's until I get better, then transfer to a DVD R , cause now I'm having trouble doing side b of the video . Lightened too much so I see a whiite screen on playback.

Is anybody familiar with Roxio software. It runs about $50.00. Will it work also for editing and is it fairly easy to use. Will I still have to convert to a mpeg file, avi or other file and is this done using Roxio?

 

[pwrshift]

What do you mean you're having trouble with the 'b' side of the video ... a dual DVD format?

Brian

 

[Icarus]

I'm familiar with Roxio and I hate it. In fact, I just dumped it (a paid version) last night for Nero 7 (again) after not being able to burn an iso image with roxio. (An iso image is an image file of the contents of a cd-rom, you just burn the image and then the disc contents are whatever was contained within that image file.) Roxio got several errors, including a buffer underrun, which should never happen because the drive has buffer underrun protection. After making five coasters (trying different options, not interrupting the process with other apps, etc) I gave up and downloaded Nero 7.

Nero 7 (using the easy to use nero express interface) worked fine of course. On the other hand, there are lots of people that are quite happy with roxio stuff. Roxio is now owned by sonic which makes a bunch of the video software you need, so they might have bundled some of it in the latest roxio packages. If you can find a trial edition of it, I would try it, but for basic cd and dvd burning, I've always had problems with roxio stuff over the years while Nero has never let me down. So. I'd be leary of spending $50 on it if you can't try it first. Also, roxio software is pretty "in your face". When I initially installed it, I ended up with a bunch of new startups and services and system tray programs, and I had to get rid of several of them manually. You don't need that stuff if you're smart enough to start the program manually when you need it. Nero is much less intrusive. There's one system tray-like program you can get rid of with it's preferences.

Take a look at Nero 7. You can download a trial version of Nero 7 UE that will work for 30 days, and it's the full product and I don't think it's crippled in its trial version. If it works and you decide to buy it you only need to buy a serial number after that, you don't have to download it again. I read the other posts, and I'm not really convinced that the newest Nero doesn't do what you need, but it's hard to say. Anyway, that's what trial versions are for.

But I could easily be wrong. Sounds like the camcorder uses an unusual file format. DVD-RAM is unusual enough on its own, as you found out. Maybe that's why it was such a "good deal". If you're able to return it, I would get one that has a 1394 and/or usb2.0 interface on it so you can download directly from the camera using standard file formats.

What software does Panny bundle with those other models?

-David

 

[happybaby]

What do you mean you're having trouble with the 'b' side of the video ... a dual DVD format?

Brian

I video with my camcorder using a DVD-RAM doubled sided 29 minutes recording on each side. I edited the A side, coverted to the proper format, burned on a DVD and all went fine, and then went to the B side and was having trouble.

I think I was just tired, hurried, forgot how I did the A side (still learning) but I finally did it.


BTW when I played the DVD (2nd one) after doing some lightening for half the video and the 2nd half was ok (needed no brightness added) watched the video during the conversion, burned to DVD and when played back the second 1/2 color was distorted. (yellow grass but during conversion it looked fine)

I burnt this thing 3 times and all came the same
I was running the DVD with windows media player so for the heck of it I tried to run it with NERO SHOWTIME and it is perfect.

Figure that one out. Same DVD running on different programs:confused

 

[pwrshift]

David...this past Christmas I purchased Panasonic DVD Recorders for my employees and it came with DVD RAM format (as well as all other formats)...and they love the RAM function.

Apparently with DVD RAM you can erase anything you want, but not necessarily all of the disk. As I understand it, a DVD RW disk will allow you to erase any file but the space is not available for additional data until you erase and format the whole RW disk. Is that correct? If so, I can see the RAM disk as a good thing for a camcorder so you can erase video goofs and make space for more camera work. Of course, you need the 1394 and/or USB 2.0 to connect to the computer as well.

My camcorder is a Sony miniDV tape format .. I find it great for what I need and the tapes are cheap enough you can make archive AVI (not MPEG compressed) tapes of up to an hour of final edited video. Only problem like all tapes is the time it takes to shuffle back and forth to find the parts you want to make movies with. I suspect the miniDV is going the way of 8-track however as the new camcorders seem to be disk types.

Brian

... DVD-RAM is unusual enough on its own, as you found out. Maybe that's why it was such a "good deal". If you're able to return it, I would get one that has a 1394 and/or usb2.0 interface on it so you can download directly from the camera using standard file formats.

-David

 

[Icarus]

I didn't say DVD-RAM was bad, it's just not very popular. That usually means the blank discs are more expensive, etc.

Media popularity usually depends on two things:

- The cost of the blank media

- The ability of the media to work in other existing equipment (eg, your existing dvd player. It's nice if you can burn a disk on your computer and just pop it into any old dvd player and play it.) Without looking it up, I don't know what the compatibility features of DVD-RAM are. I seem to recall that it isn't very compatible, but I could easily be wrong here.

Recording directly to discs is fine, provided you can make it compatible with anything else you need. I don't know about the OPs equipment, but apparently he's having a problem making a recording that's compatible with his software. In that case, you have to get something to convert it from one format to another, and when you transcode from one format to another, unless the original format is high quality uncompressed, you will loose quality and introduce artifacts. So relying on transcoding to do what you want to do is just not a very good idea.

There must be some software bundle out there that can deal with the Panny's disc format natively. That's why I asked about the software package that Panny bundles with the other similar models.

-David

 

[Icarus]

I burnt this thing 3 times and all came the same
I was running the DVD with windows media player so for the heck of it I tried to run it with NERO SHOWTIME and it is perfect.

Figure that one out. Same DVD running on different programs:confused

Go figure. My guess is that Nero showtime uses its own codec with its own settings. You should be able to adjust codec settings somewhere in windows.

-David

 

[bigrick]

Nero does not edit. You need ULead DVD Movie Factory or something similar. There is quite a learnng curve to get the output you desire but when you learn it the results can be very good.

Maybe the world changed while you were on your last trip.

I have Nero 7 Ultra. One of the application options in the box on the left side of the StartSmart screen is "Nero Vision" (for Video Editing/Authoring). Click for the Nero Vision 4 help page. I have not used it yet but hope to next week.

I do use the guides at Doom9 to help reduce my learning curve. That and learn via TUG!

 

[fnewman]

I don't have the just-released version of Roxio, having converted to Adobe Priemiere Elements. However, apprarently, Roxio will import the following file formats: .avi, .mpg, .dat, .mpeg, .m2p, .svd, .vod, .wmx, .divx, .mov, .mp4, .jpg, .bmp, .wav, .mp3, .mp2, .mpa, .aif, .wma.

I'll look more at your specific model number when I have a few minutes.

 

[fnewman]

I have a panosonic dvd camcorder Model VCRM53PP The other models 55, 75 and 95 came with software and the USB and firewire ports. But not knowing much and the price was right.............

I downloaded AVS video converter 4.4 (free for 30 days) after that it is 29.95.I did some editing on the wedding video and it is "ok". Color and quality not real good dull and grainy, but at least we can see it. Still have to practice. May get some re-writable DVD's until I get better, then transfer to a DVD R , cause now I'm having trouble doing side b of the video . Lightened too much so I see a whiite screen on playback.

Is anybody familiar with Roxio software. It runs about $50.00. Will it work also for editing and is it fairly easy to use. Will I still have to convert to a mpeg file, avi or other file and is this done using Roxio?

Ok - here's what I see .... I think your model number is really "VDRM53PP" which is the only owners manual I find on the Panasonic site - it can be found at :
http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/VDRM53PP.PDF

Unfortunately, your camera has only very limited function - intended primarily for those who want to treat videoing much like a VHS VCR - just shoot it and take what you get without any real editing ability. Also, it appears that the image quality will not be much better than VCR tape (that is likely why they don't include editing capability) .

I think the bottom line is that if you really want to do something else, you may have to consider another model

 

[happybaby]

Ok - here's what I see .... I think your model number is really "VDRM53PP" which is the only owners manual I find on the Panasonic site - it can be found at :
http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/VDRM53PP.PDF

Unfortunately, your camera has only very limited function - intended primarily for those who want to treat videoing much like a VHS VCR - just shoot it and take what you get without any real editing ability. Also, it appears that the image quality will not be much better than VCR tape (that is likely why they don't include editing capability) .

I think the bottom line is that if you really want to do something else, you may have to consider another model

I did get the camcorder discs edited somewhat using AVS video converter saved on PC and burnt to a DVD_R disc. I then went to the hard drive and burnt a 2nd copy but on play back it skipped the entire bridal party dance yet when I play it thru the editing software it is there?

I tried again from the DVD camcorder disc and when I put it back into the camcorder to view it, it's gone!!!! Tried some practice video , burnt to DVD, did more practice and tried to burn to DVD and it says the DVD is full, not writeable etc.(It only has 2 minutes on it) Put that disc into the camcorder and its corrupt. I give up

Going to Circuit City and see what I can do. I know they won't take it back since I bought it at Christmas.
Don't know if I should purchase a different DVD camcorder that plugs into the computer or get a Mini DV (the camcorder with the small tapes) that has PC editing or just run it on the TV and copy to VHS tapes (so I have something as a backup) and then try to copy to DVD on VCR recorder.

For now, I think I'm taking my mom's camcorder on our vacation to WDW with the mini dv tapes

Now another problem. I have all my pics stored on a cartridge. I went to my "e" drive" opened a set of pics and went to copy on DVD and the PC says insert disc and when I do it keeps saying "d" drive is not accessible. I don't get it!!!! I insert the wedding DVD disc and it plays fine, reads the D drive
I tried to import to Windows movie maker and when I say save to CD NO. Does movie maker only recognize CD and not DVD?
Didn't try to burn the pics using NERO
Talked to my d. and I have to burn thru NERO to the DVD. Also. she told me once I burn to a DVD_R it's done. I thought you could add more to it just as I add to a floppy etc until it is full. So to add I will have to get the DVD RW or burn all at once.

I'm dumb, confused and plain give up!!!

What recommendations do you have if I purchase another camcorder. DVD RAM or stay with the mini dv tape?


CC will not take it back or let me exchange for another model. So $450.00 gone. Further more they don't even sell that model anymore!!! Did they rip me or what when they sold it to me?

 

[happybaby]

I don't have the just-released version of Roxio, having converted to Adobe Priemiere Elements. However, apprarently, Roxio will import the following file formats: .avi, .mpg, .dat, .mpeg, .m2p, .svd, .vod, .wmx, .divx, .mov, .mp4, .jpg, .bmp, .wav, .mp3, .mp2, .mpa, .aif, .wma.

I'll look more at your specific model number when I have a few minutes.

Doesn't seem like Roxio will work. My DVD-RAM records and saves as .ifo and.vro. Have to be converted to .avi

 

[Icarus]

I don't know if DVD-R is like CD-R. You can actually write more stuff to a CD-R provided you don't "finalize" the disc. Once you finalize the disc, you can't write anything else to it. (It doesn't overwrite, it adds to the contents, since -R is write once media.) At least with CD's the CD-R's are the cheapest media, and also are the most compatible media to use for other existing equipment. Existing equipment and sometimes even other burners won't be able to read the media until you finalize it. Nero's tools should be able to tell you if the disc is finalized or not. Again, not sure if this applies to DVD-R and DVD+R or not. In my cd burner, I only use CD-R's, since they are really cheap and you can afford to create coasters in order to get it right.


Nero normally finalizes discs. Roxio, on the other hand, doesn't until you do it manually. (Depending on how you set it up. You can change the behaviour of either one.)

From the 2nd page of http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7613_7-5135505-1.html?tag=tnav

DVD-R and DVD+R may be written to only once, but they offer high compatibility with drives and set-top DVD players. DVD+RW and DVD-RW can be written and erased approximately 1,000 times, but they have some compatibility problems with older players, some older drives, and even some current DVD recorders.

Another thing to keep in mind. Media quality matters with this stuff. Make sure the blank media you buy works with your burner. (Check the burner manufacturers web site to see if the media is listed on their compatibility lists.)

-David

 

[fnewman]

At this point I would recommend a mini DVD camera that has a firewire port (Your computer should have come with one, but check). Virtually all software packages mentioned above will work ok with it. With that you can load video into the pc for editing, or can connect it to your VHS recorder, if you want to make a tape. Personally I usually wait until after I have edited and burned a DVD to copy to tape if needed so that the edited version will be on tape. Just connect your regular DVD player to the VHS recorder inputs.

As for problems when burning DVDs, it is very common to end up with DVD that has mssing pieces or that will stop playing in the middle due to the burning process having been momentarily interrupted by some other program that is running on your system. Personally, I always use msconfig to do a clean start-up on my system so that only the very essential programs and services are running. Don't even let virus scan run at all and unplug your internet connection. The process is preftty fragile unfortunately.

 

[daventrina]

Nero does not edit. You need ULead DVD Movie Factory or something similar. There is quite a learnng curve to get the output you desire but when you learn it the results can be very good.

Nero does edit, but not usually the SE version the is distributed free with burner packages. From Smart Start select "Photo and Video" then "Make Your Own DVD-Video"

We use Nero for all of mastering and burning of DVDs (and CDs). However, while Nero does have some editing apabilities, they are not sufficient for us to create all of the effects that we want, so we use Ulead Video Studio to do all of our editing before mastering the DVDs with Nero.