Wait for dual layer DVD, or go with DVD-R single layer? + Some Video editing Q's

[implexant]

All,

I'm trying to research buying a DVD Burner to transfer hundreds of hours of VHS family films and recordings to DVD. With some editing and so forth. I was going to purchase a Pioneer DVR-106BK and use Ritek 4x DVD-R disks.

However.

I know about all this DVD Dual Layer junk coming out in April and was wondering if it'll be worth the wait, and the extra $$. All my family members have now upgraded to new Toshiba or JVC DVD players that play VCD and DVD-R/+R/-RW/+RW. So we're ready to plan the DVD-Rs.

My editing/video equipment includes:

Win XP Pro, Pinnacle Studio 8, XP 1700+, 512MB RAM, 40GB WD + 120GB Maxtor, Gainward GF3 Ti200 Power Pack (w/ TV out), IEEE1394, Sony DCR-TRV950 MiniDV, and a RCA VCR.

What I'm thinking of purchasing:

DVD Burner (either dual or single format)
Dazzle Dazzle Multimedia DM-2200 (for converting old VHS to the computer via IEEE1394)
USB2 PCI Internal Card

So basically, four questions:

1) Should I get the single layer now, or wait until April for the dual layer? Will it play in current consumer DVD players?

2) What do you think of the way I'm converting the VHS to digital, and then transfering to DVD?

3) Will the Dazzel deal allow me to export to the VCR to put edited video back onto VHS and DVD? I want a copy on both. That way I have both VHS and DVD copies. I really need to know about this.

4) Could I possibly do without the Dazzel and not waste time? Is it worth the $200

Comments are welcome, thanks!

-Chris

[EDIT] changed from the Dazzle 150 to the Dazzle Multimedia DM-2200.

[c44151]

I am kinda in the same situation I want to back up my dvd's to 1 dvd instead of 2 dvd's.

[implexant]

ya, well apparently, from what I've heard, it's not worth waiting for dual layer. They won't support consumer DVD players at large is what everyone is saying. While I find that hard to believe, I'm just going to go ahead and grab the single layer.

And to my knowledge, there are programs that will compress a DVD to fit onto one DVD, with very very little quality loss.

-Chris

[c44151]

even if they dont do you think eventualy they will. I know about the programs I would like to keep the movie and stuff like it is an actual dvd. Also like everything the tecnology improves and becomes cheaper over time.

[implexant]

Unfortunately, I can't wait another year for dual layer to come out, and mature. And it'll probably take longer than that anyway. It looks like I'll be getting the following:

Pioneer DVR-106BK
Ritek 4x DVD-R 50pk
Dazzle Digital Video Creator 150

If Nero 6 Ultra Edition and Pinnacle Studio 8 doesn't burn to a DVD like I'd like, I'll probably be purchasing something like DVD X Maker to make menus and burn the video to a DVD.

Comments still welcome!

Thanks,

-Chris

[butch81385]

where you getting the 50 pack from and for how much?

[implexant]

Newegg, $55 shipped free.

-Chris

[phenious]

Well I have a ATI TV Wonder Pro and capture old VHS with it and convert it and do some editing on my computer before burning to DVDs. I only paid about $80 so I dont see any good reason to spend $200. I just use my TV out on my vid card and audio out to put stuff back on VHS if needed.

As for the dual layer stuff. I would love to have the extra space dual layer DVDs will give but as for compatability I dont know. I figure no one will until the spec is locked down and published and some testing can be done. I would imagine they will do their best to make it work with as much as possible so they can sell it faster. If a reliable source says it will work with most hardware that is out now I would think it would be worth waiting for. If you have any questions about DVD media check out my 3rd DVD article


http://www.techimo.com/articles/index.pl?photo=139

-: phenious :-

[implexant]

Ya I've considered the internal PCI All-in-Wonder cards, but only problem is, I want to be able to put video back onto the VHS (through the VCR). The All-in-Wonder cards don't have "out" capabilities, only in. This has both, for SVID and RCA. And I think I'll be able to get one on eBay for ~ $120 shipped. And using TV out from a vid card is kinda hokey. I'd rather just get the Dazzle and do it easy and right the first time. And I've decided to go with the 150 model for $149.99 retail. So it's a little less expensive.

BTW, I might make a copy or two of movies I have around the house. What do you think about using Clone DVD for that? (http://www.elby.ch/en/products/clone_dvd/) I like the one click solution. Very nice for n00bs such as myself Little bro likes to scratch em ya know

-Chris