I've been using Vegas for several years, and one feature I've not used is print to tape.

What exactly does this feature do? I'm guessing it renders out a project into an .avi file onto the tape. Is that correct?

It renders it into the same format it comes off in...

So mpeg2 HDV 1440 x 1080 is what will go on the tape if that's what you edit in the project as and send it back as...

I'd just experiment with it though... I haven't used it in a while.. and dont remember if it renders an uncompressed .avi first or what..

Thanks Joe. Not sure how or if I'll use it, but I'm looking for ways to archive. Most of my projects are over an hour, so it's not feasible for me most times anyway, but it's nice to have options.

I use this every week for our church service. We're still capturing DV-AVI for the church service. When starting with DV and printing out to DV, it will ONLY render the parts that have been changed (i.e. crossfades, where titles were added, etc...) so it doesn't have to render 98% of the project. Once done with any rendering that's needed, it simply sends the DV stream (with audio - unlike previewing over firewire) back out over firewire to the receiving device. I use the "manual" option for starting the receiving device so it pops up a count-down screen waiting for me to be ready to start it.

Thanks Edward, it is a nice feature.

Hallo, 4 example i have on the TL my project with my settings dvavi...Wich are your recomendations about having the best printed to tape AVI PAL?
thx

Just do a Print To Tape with the default settings. If you're starting with DV-AVI, I'd stick with DV-AVI.

I send commercials to the local cable station on tape via print to tape.

Printing back to tape on your HDV camera is a great way to see your Vegas edited project in HD. Connect your camera to your HD TV and press play. This works great if you do not have a BluRay burner or set-top box.