Optimizing stand alone DVD recorders

[Alessandro Machi]

I had two DVD copies made directly from a betacam sp master. According to the client, one copy had picture skips and jumps in it, the other one was pretty good except the sound dropped out in one spot.

What does the forum recommend for straight across DVD recording from existing edit master tapes?

[Rob Lohman]

I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. And by the lack of
responses I've got the feeling more people don't understand.

Are you wanting to transfer the footage to MPEG2 (DVD) *BEFORE*
editing it? If so, don't! MPEG2 is a terrible format to capture in.
It's far better suited as an output medium.

Usually such tapes are converted to something your computer
can easily edit like DV or MJPEG. Then you can edit around the
problem areas if such exist.

Then the final edit can be outputted to DVD for airing or buying
by the public etc. Some stations can also air MiniDV tape or
transfer it to betacam.

[Alessandro Machi]

I still keep quite busy with tape to tape editing.
Live event, 2 camera projects edit quite nicely via tape to tape. No load in time, just set up and go.

When I finish, I have a BetaCam SP edit master. I'd like to be able to make dubs directly to DVD from the BetaCam SP edit master.

I'm interested in knowing how to ensure that the DVD copy from the Betacam SP edit master would be an actual clone with no drop-outs.

Are the standalone DVD recorders that take an analogue signal as reliable as when one burns a DVD from a digital source?

[Rob Lohman]

To the best of my knowledge they are. I'm not sure how compatible
the recording are when playing back on a normal DVD player
though. Any computer DVD player should be able to read the
files I think.

I'm sorry. I don't have much experience with direct to DVD
recording so can't offer much more then what I've already told.

Let's hope some people with some more experience will drop in.

[Jeff Donald]

My experience is that standalone DVD recorders are more suited for amateur and consumer users. I've not used a standalone recorder, so I can't comment on how adjustable they are. However, all the standalone copies I've seen usually have errors similar to the ones you encountered. these could be the result of user errors or equipment limitations.

[Alessandro Machi]

I was afraid of that.

I guess "real" DVD copies require much more operator involvement.

So what actually replaces VHS when one wants to make a copy of an existing master?

[Jeff Donald]

DVD's are replacing VHS tapes in many (most) applications. However, they are both consumer formats have have limitations based on the needs of consumers. I can't speak as an expert on the subject of standalone DVd recorders. You will need to do some research on the existing models to see if any meet your needs for creating DVD from Beta SP format masters. The analog medium will force limitations that may not be solved by consumer based equipment.

It may be time for you to investigate the various DVD authoring programs that exist. If your clients require pristine DVD quality, standalone recorders will not deliver it, based on my limited experience.

[Alessandro Machi]

<<<-- You will need to do some research on the existing models to see if any meet your needs for creating DVD from Beta SP format masters. The analog medium will force limitations that may not be solved by consumer based equipment.
-->>>

That is a confusing statement. There is nothing limiting about a BetaCam SP format that I can find. However, the DVD stand alone decks are not as reliable as a standard VHS deck.

Put it another way, If I want to record off of television, will a DVD recorder record the image as reliabley as a vhs recorder will?

Maybe it's time for specificity when it comes to DVD creation. DVD-A means it was authored by someone, DVD-C means the DVD was just copied from an existing master directly to a DVD.

[Jeff Donald]

In my experience, no, DVD recorders show artifacts that most viewers find disconcerting. While VHS tapes show lower resolution and dropouts, viewers are willing to accept those limitations.

[Dan Euritt]

imho, a *good* dvd recorder will be far superior to any vhs recorder.

not only will you get multiple filtering options on the input signal, you'll have all the access control that comes with dvd: ff, slo mo, etc.

i have made some dvd-r's with that sony deck that were compatible with everything i put 'em in, including the old 1999 apex... and the two-hour mode with high-motion dv source material gave really good quality... but i don't have a clue how the latest cheapie decks work.

[Alessandro Machi]

VHS does offer ff and slo mo options also. Frankly I find my panasonic DVD remote control quite unwieldly and in many instances slower to get nearby points then VHS.

Any more opinions on DVD stand alone recorders? Do you find the quality and reliability to be better than VHS?

[Arnaldo Paixao]

"I had two DVD copies made directly from a betacam sp master"

With what? Standalone DVD recorder? Computer? What type (-R, +R, -RW, +RW, Authoring, General)? What brand of blank DVDs

If you made two tape to DVD transfers, using the same master tape and the same equipment, probably your problems have to do with the type/brand of media that was used.

Best regards
Arnaldo

[Alessandro Machi]

<<<-- Originally posted by Alessandro Machi : I had two DVD copies made directly from a betacam sp master. According to the client, one copy had picture skips and jumps in it, the other one was pretty good except the sound dropped out in one spot.

What does the forum recommend for straight across DVD recording from existing edit master tapes? -->>>

Are you sure that is not clear?

If it isn't, then I'll rephrase it. I have a finished edit master on BetaCam SP, I would like to make some DVD copies from the BetaCam SP.

What standalone DVD recorder is reliable enough to do the job?

[Arnaldo Paixao]

Alessandro.


"With what? Standalone DVD recorder? Computer? --> We are clear with this one. A standalone DVD recorder.


"What type (-R, +R, -RW, +RW)? What brand (Verbatim, Maxell, Princo, no name?) of blank DVDs" --> This is a very important part of the problem and you haven't told us what blank DVDs were used.

What settings were used on the recorder, standard quality, best quality? The audio? PCM, AC3(Dolby Digital)?

Unfortunately, recording DVDs that will be playable in all standalone players is not easy. You have to be patient.

So, back to your problem: "What standalone DVD recorder is reliable enough to do the job?" Any that will record DVDs that are playable in your client's DVD players.


Some advice:
Use a known brand recorder (Sony, Philips, Pioneer, to name a few)
Use known brand media (Verbatim, Sony, TDK, again to name a few)
Use -R or +R, do not use -RW or +RW (they are the least compatible)
Try your DVDs in diferent players. If they play ok in other players, it means that you client's is one of those that doesn't like recordable DVDs. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with the DVD, the player simply does not have the ability to read it properly.

I hope this will help you. If you need more help please tell us.

Best regards,
Arnaldo

[Alessandro Machi]

I have a follow up question.

Can a DVD Standalone recorder detect a difference between recording a TV show as it is being broadcast versus recording from a BetaCam SP master that is compliant with technical requirements for picture and sound?