Real-Time Tape to DVD Recording via PC at DVinfo.net

James Kanka · March 17th, 2008, 01:58 PM

What I would like to do is transfer my MiniDV tapes to DVD, without having to capture then encode to mpeg, for sharing the raw footage. I am aware that there are standalone DVD recorders available, but is there software available that can run on a PC enabling real-time transfers from DV, via Firewire, to DVD or even real-time capture to DVD format? What software is there? And what do you recommend?

Is it even possible?

Chris Davis · March 17th, 2008, 02:22 PM

Some freebie software that came with one of my workstations had that option (Roxio?) I think the function was called Plug & Burn.

Tripp Woelfel · March 29th, 2008, 08:45 AM

If you cannot figure out a way to do this on a PC, there's an alternative. Panasonic make a few models of standalone DVD recorders with FireWire (1394) connections designed to take the data stream directly from your camcorder and burn it to disk. You can set the DVD quality based upon recording time and they support both single and dual-layer disks.

With a built-in tuner and 1080i upconversion, these are very functional replacements for the old VHS VCR. I have two of them that I got for about $150 each a year ago. It seems that the prices are up at the big box stores with equivalent models now around $200.

I bought my first one to burn quick disks directly from tape with basic menus which is a time saver, eliminating the PC transcoding. The ability to record TV programs is another plus.

March 17th, 2008, 01:58 PM	#1
James Kanka Tourist Join Date: May 2007 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 3	Real-Time Tape to DVD Recording via PC What I would like to do is transfer my MiniDV tapes to DVD, without having to capture then encode to mpeg, for sharing the raw footage. I am aware that there are standalone DVD recorders available, but is there software available that can run on a PC enabling real-time transfers from DV, via Firewire, to DVD or even real-time capture to DVD format? What software is there? And what do you recommend? Is it even possible?

March 17th, 2008, 02:22 PM	#2
Chris Davis Trustee Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Willmar, MN Posts: 1,400	Some freebie software that came with one of my workstations had that option (Roxio?) I think the function was called Plug & Burn.

March 29th, 2008, 08:45 AM	#3
Tripp Woelfel Trustee Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: North Conway, NH Posts: 1,745	If you cannot figure out a way to do this on a PC, there's an alternative. Panasonic make a few models of standalone DVD recorders with FireWire (1394) connections designed to take the data stream directly from your camcorder and burn it to disk. You can set the DVD quality based upon recording time and they support both single and dual-layer disks. With a built-in tuner and 1080i upconversion, these are very functional replacements for the old VHS VCR. I have two of them that I got for about $150 each a year ago. It seems that the prices are up at the big box stores with equivalent models now around $200. I bought my first one to burn quick disks directly from tape with basic menus which is a time saver, eliminating the PC transcoding. The ability to record TV programs is another plus.