DVD copying and VHS to DVD

[paigeoliver]

Can anybody point me in the direction of any GOOD DVD copying software (via PM is fine), the free-er the better. I see all sorts of software advertised for this that costs money, but there has to be a free program, there is always a free program.

In the past I have simply unencrypted the vobs and burned those onto discs, this works on my computer fine, but in my player I get no audio past the first 15 minutes in about 90 percent of the movies I have done this with.

I have some DiVX making software, but it screws up half the time and takes forever.

Also, I would like to copy my videotape collection to DiVX or avi, or DVD format or something, so what is the best/easiest software that can do it in realtime from a TV-in card.

[JoyMonkey]

The best free DVD to DVD copying software is DVDShrink. It's really easy to use.

If you just want to rip the DVD to DivX, try Auto Gordian Knot.

I'm not sure about the videotapes. I've done this using Vegas and a Hauppauge PVR-150 card, which is some pretty expensive video editing software. If your TV-card can record to avi or mpeg, try and find a tutorial on converting that to DVD at videohelp.com

[paigeoliver]

My tv card is from like 1998, it can do AVI by itself, but at a low res, and it takes up like 10MB per second. Basically that completly uncompressed type of avi that essentially consists of a bitmap for each frame.

[JoyMonkey]

My tv card is from like 1998, it can do AVI by itself, but at a low res, and it takes up like 10MB per second. Basically that completly uncompressed type of avi that essentially consists of a bitmap for each frame.

Have you tried to use any software other than what came with your card? Try Stoik Capturer (it's free) and see if you get any better results.

[paigeoliver]

I haven't even used the card in like 4 years. I just want my Star Trek tapes in a more portable format.

[JLR2000]

Had great results using DVD Decrypter and/or DVDShrink.  I recommend burning to ISO and then mounting to a virtual DVD drive using DAEMON tools (free) to check that the DVD came out good.

Other good tools (not free tho):

Womble MPEG-VCR (very easy to use editor, good for removing commericals, etc.)
TMPGEnc DVD author (good for adding chapters and making menus)

[Kev-in DFW]

You got PM Paige...

[daywane]

DVD copy I use DVD shrink and DVD decryptor. ( by far the best out there)

VCR to DVD I use

[paigeoliver]

DVD copy I use DVD shrink and DVD decryptor. ( by far the best out there)

VCR to DVD I use  a usb box called ADS Instant DVD 2.0 a program that comes with it is called capture wizard. works fine.
mine cost $150.00

My father inlaw has the USB DVD express, his cost something like $50.00
they work the same and his is smaller. Given the option to do it all over I would buy the express.

Or just mail me the tapes and I will convert them for you 

There are about 200 of them!

[daywane]

media mail.
take about 6 months to do

[ErikRuud]

Paige,

I bought one of these http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=448345&CatId=1425  to move all my home video from 8mm video tape to DVD.

The capture software does a nice job, and can capture to mpeg to save space.  I have not used the DVD software, because I have been using the Roxio software that came with my DVD burner.

[shmokes]

Has the content been released on DVD.  If Netflix has it you should just get an account and rip some high quality content from the DVDs.  Only cost you 30 bucks or so if you can get all the discs in a couple months.  Then you won't have crappy VCR quality transfer burned to your discs.

[ChadTower]

Hell if it's Star Trek, and it's DVD, I'm sure he could just download ready to burn ISOs.