recordable DVDs

[RAMPAGE]

Is there such a thing already and if so, are they expensive? Per disc and per DVD machine?

 

[ZorBrak]

yeah, Phlips has released a player but it's in the 900s right now I think and the DVD discs are like 14 bucks a pop, I say wait another yea ror two, here;s hoping my shows I want to get are still airing then!

 

[Koggit]

Some DVD-Rs are as much as $2,000 while some are as low as $400.

 

[RAMPAGE]

How many hours can a recordable DVD hold?

 

[Koggit]

Depends on the quality of the video. Most of the time you're burning as .dat or MPEG. The .dat file converters in programs like VCDGear are encrypted as VCD's, so DVD players see them as VCD's and allow them to play. With those you'll have the same kb/s limit as SVCD's, which I think is 1500 kb/s.

Burning as raw MPEG you can burn at any quality, and file rate, but it won't play on most DVD players. Even the ones that say they play Mp3's.

These sites have more information on it if you're intrested.

http://www.doom9.net/

http://www.vcdhelp.com/

 

[Joe Wagner]

Another option is a stand alone VCD recorder - altho each disk is only likely to get 1/2 an hour to an hour max of DVD quality video (depending on the size of your disk).

Another option is to get a DVD-R drive and purchase a capture card - capturing video directly from your TV. From there you can edit the video (cutting out commercials and other stuff) and make your own DVD's. I'm hoping prices drop tremendously over the course of this year as I would love to get one around the start of the winter season (let's face it, how many of us have free time in the summer )

-Joe!

 

[DR.MID-NITE]

Rampage,
I have the stand alone Panasonic dmr-e20. It is not retailing for under $799. It records in dvd-ram or dvd-r. Ram allows editing and can be rerecorded. While dvd-r is burn once. Be aware about the different dvd formats right now (ie-dvd-rw, dvd-ram, dvd+rw,etc) I mainly use the dvd-r format. I tape a lot of shows and with dvd-r, once it is finalized, you can play it on most dvd players. The problem with the other formats is that they will only play on players that specifically allow that format. For example only specific new Panasonic dvd players will play dvd-ram. While I have played dvd-r's on various brand players.
You can record at 4 modes. XP-1 hr, SP-2 hrs, LP- 4hrs, & EP-6hrs(not recommeded). I mainly use the SP mode. It makes amazing copies from my other vhs tapes and directly from the tv. I have used the 4hr mode to make a dvd of my daughters favorite show and it still plays great. And I have a 52" tv that if the picture was bad, I would know. I was going to make copies of Batman:animated. But, I am hoping that Warner will release them. But, I have made copies of the Flash tv episodes.
You can do some things with the dvd-r. For example on my Flash dvd. I can title the disc itself and each episode. So when I load it shows a menu that has "Flash vol.I" and below it has 2 menu options with each episode title. The only chapter stops are automatically put in every five minutes. But, dvd-ram allows editing.
One more things dvd blanks are still expensive. Dvd-r's can range from $2.40 to $12.00 a disc. And dvd-ram from $7-$20. But, they are going down. And be aware just because it says it's a dvd-r disc. Does not mean it will work with the E20.
I know I have spewed out a lot of info. But, if you want more info go to www.avsforum.com Hope this helps.

 

[ZorBrak]

Where can I find some info on TV capture cards?