How to copy a home movie to CD. video art

BOOKS AND ARTICLES
Free library / Directory / video art

How to transfer a home movie to CD

video art

Recently, more and more people have been asking the question of the possibility of creating a digital copy of a video film on a CD, shot with one's own hand on vacation and, upon returning, edited on a home computer. It is understandable: to store it in this form is both more reliable and cheaper. Most often this question comes from the lips of happy owners of Digital8 and mini-DV cameras, who rightly believe that the transfer of digital recordings from videotape to disk should be easy and natural, and most importantly - without loss of quality. At least compared to analog cameras, it doesn't (shouldn't?) require additional A/D conversion. However, this theoretically correct statement encounters difficulties in its practical implementation.

1. Obviously, the first step is to create a digital video file corresponding to your video material on the computer's hard drive, i.e. AVI file. For analog cameras, this implies the installation of a video digitizing board in the computer, which allows capturing the required 25 frames per second without skipping at a full resolution of 768x576 (with a square pixel) or 720x576 (with a rectangular pixel). The received data stream 720x576x25x2 in more than 20 MBps (MegaByte per second) cannot be transferred over the bus and written to the disk of a modern computer. Its effective reduction to the level of 3-6 MBps is required, which is usually achieved by M-JPEG compression of a sequence of original digitized frames. The resulting AVI file is appropriately "encoded" so that you need an MJPEG decoder to work with it. Corresponding video input boards that perform real-time MJPEG encoding and decoding are quite affordable today at a price of about $300. As an example, AVer MV-300 and miroVideo Studio 10 plus can be mentioned.

2. The task of transferring video to a computer from a digital camera seems to be more simple. At first glance, it is enough that the camera is equipped with a digital output (in the IEEE1394 standard), and the computer with the corresponding input. Unfortunately, many old Panasonic and JVC mini-DV cameras, as well as some of today's cheap JVC models, are limited to analog Composite/S-video outputs only. And from the point of view of communication with the computer, work with them is carried out according to the scenario according to paragraph 1), i.e. through dual digital-to-analogue and analog-to-digital redigitization. But even if the camera has a DV output, but does not support DV input (typical for many models designed for Europe), then the transfer of digital data from the camera to a computer via the IEEE1394 interface also turns out to be impossible. The fact is that the programs that manage such a transfer process require two-way data exchange. Those. The camera must fundamentally "respond" to the control signals sent by the computer adapter. When the input is disabled, there is no required response, and the operating system does not recognize the DV device connected to the computer.

3. Even if your camera has DV input/output, and your computer is equipped with a 1394 controller (it can be built into the motherboard or additionally installed), this is not enough. You need an appropriate program that allows you to both manage the transfer process and decrypt the received data and create an appropriate AVI file from them. At the same time, it is highly desirable to have the possibility of simple video editing, as well as subsequent inverse conversion and output in DV format. All these functions are performed by Ulead VideoStudio DV, supplied with most 1394 controllers. More advanced (in terms of tape content analysis, editing capabilities, intuitive interface) is the Pinnacle Studio program included with Pinnacle Studio DV. Also, it should be noted that the Pinnacle Studio program records DV as a type-2 AVI file, understandable by most MPEG-2 encoders, such as PixelTools MPEG-2 Expert Encoder v.1.3. If the capture program writes a DV type-1 file (Ulead VideoStudio DV), then it must first be converted to type-2. In fairness, it must be emphasized that Ulead MediaStudio v.6 "understands" both types, if necessary, recodes type-1 into type-2, and also allows MPEG-2 compression itself.

4. Absolutely high quality recording in the DV standard requires 3,6 MBps (MegaByte per second). Thus, a standard 650 MB CD "fits" about 3 minutes of source material, which is unacceptably small. Therefore, we will consider it proven that the use of MPEG compression is necessary for video archiving. Compared to DV and MJPEG, it allows, while maintaining the required level of quality, to achieve a significantly higher degree of video compression. But at the same time, the possibility of its subsequent editing is lost.

5. The MPEG standard is very versatile and allows for a wide variation of basic parameters, in particular, it offers 4 levels of frame resolution and 6 coding profiles for luminance and chrominance signals. The choice of different options ultimately affects the resulting quality of the output video and the efficiency of its compression.

6. It is believed that MPEG8 (MP@LL - resolution 1x352, 288 IBP 420/15) with a stream of 3-2 Mbps (Megabit per second) is sufficient to maintain the quality level of VHS/Video3 recordings, while SVHS/Hi8 and DV require MPEG2 (MP@ML - frame resolution 720x576, 420 IBP 15/3) with a stream of 4-6 Mbps. As a result, a CD can fit 30-40 minutes of MPEG video at the VHS level and 15-20 minutes at the DV level.

7. Software and hardware implementations of MPEG compression are possible, while in both versions specific algorithms can differ significantly in the implemented compression functions, adjustable parameters and the resulting quality. Hardware encoders provide real-time MPEG movies: an analog video signal is fed to their input, and the finished MPEG file is written to the hard drive. MPEG-1 compression devices are relatively affordable today, with a decent Pinnacle Systems Studio MP10 device costing around $350. At the same time, the cost of MPEG-2 compression boards is much higher - from 2 thousand dollars (in the simplest version).

8. Software MPEG-1 codecs on modern computers with Pentium processors can also work in real time. They allow on the fly to compress the input video digitized by the simplest TV-input cards (for example, FlyVideo EZ). The payoff for such speed is a simplified algorithm, which leads to a rather mediocre resulting quality (the "picture" of the received MPEG video is characteristically noisy - as if it is observed through a hazy glass). Obtaining a noticeably cleaner picture (while maintaining a given stream) requires a more complex algorithm and, accordingly, time to calculate. The latter essentially depends not only on the power of the processor, the specific program chosen and the parameters set in it, but also on the type of the source AVI file with digital video. The most famous programs that implement MPEG-1 compression are XingMPEG Encoder and Ulead VideoStudio 4.0 (or Media Studio Pro 6.0), while those that perform MPEG-2 compression are PixelTools MPEG-2 Expert Encoder v.1.3 and again VideoStudio 4 (or Media Studio Pro 0). The latter on the Pentium II-6.0 processor spends up to 350 seconds of counting time for receiving MPEG-7 and up to 1 seconds for MPEG-10 for every second of the original DV video "downloaded" from a digital camera. At the same time, PixelTools, while providing higher quality MPEG video, is significantly slower - up to 2 seconds per second DV.

9. As regards the playback of received MPEG-2 files, modern processors, if a computer has a fast VGA adapter, can quite cope with this task in real time. And, for example, the standard program Windows Media Player, included in Windows 98, allows you to play the resulting movie in a window on the screen of your computer monitor. If you need TV playback, then it is recommended to install a Sigma Designs REALmagic Hollywood board in your computer, which provides not only MPEG-2, but also DVD-Video decoding.

10. In conclusion, we note that the question of the order of fields when recording AVI files is very important. Unfortunately, many boards and programs (as well as other video devices) interpret it differently. We are of the opinion that it is "correct" for the field to appear first with odd rows. In some cases, it is possible to adjust it, for example, in the video capture program from the MV-300 kit. However, if during MPEG compression the order of the fields is set to be different from the one actually present in the original AVI file, then the resulting MPEG video will show a characteristic twitching of moving objects (by the presence or absence of this effect, you can experimentally determine the required correspondence). Therefore, if the video card writes an AVI file with the wrong order of fields, then in the Ulead Media Studio Pro 6.0 program, if the fields are in the wrong order, you need to select Field A in the project settings, and Field B in the converter settings. And in the Expert Encoder program, if the order is correct, it should be marked Top Field First. For example, below are the correct settings for a PAL system signal in the Expert Encoder program (in other programs, the settings should be selected by analogy).

Author: Andrey Ryakhin, based on digitalvideo.ru

We recommend interesting articles Section video art:

▪ Details about all video camera formats

▪ MPEG-2 and home video

▪ Photo and video shooting on a hike

See other articles Section video art.

Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

The existence of an entropy rule for quantum entanglement has been proven 09.05.2024

Quantum mechanics continues to amaze us with its mysterious phenomena and unexpected discoveries. Recently, Bartosz Regula from the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing and Ludovico Lamy from the University of Amsterdam presented a new discovery that concerns quantum entanglement and its relation to entropy. Quantum entanglement plays an important role in modern quantum information science and technology. However, the complexity of its structure makes understanding and managing it challenging. Regulus and Lamy's discovery shows that quantum entanglement follows an entropy rule similar to that for classical systems. This discovery opens new perspectives in the field of quantum information science and technology, deepening our understanding of quantum entanglement and its connection to thermodynamics. The results of the study indicate the possibility of reversibility of entanglement transformations, which could greatly simplify their use in various quantum technologies. Opening a new rule ... >>

Mini air conditioner Sony Reon Pocket 5 09.05.2024

Summer is a time for relaxation and travel, but often the heat can turn this time into an unbearable torment. Meet a new product from Sony - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-air conditioner, which promises to make summer more comfortable for its users. Sony has introduced a unique device - the Reon Pocket 5 mini-conditioner, which provides body cooling on hot days. With it, users can enjoy coolness anytime, anywhere by simply wearing it around their neck. This mini air conditioner is equipped with automatic adjustment of operating modes, as well as temperature and humidity sensors. Thanks to innovative technologies, Reon Pocket 5 adjusts its operation depending on the user's activity and environmental conditions. Users can easily adjust the temperature using a dedicated mobile app connected via Bluetooth. Additionally, specially designed T-shirts and shorts are available for convenience, to which a mini air conditioner can be attached. The device can oh ... >>

Energy from space for Starship 08.05.2024

Producing solar energy in space is becoming more feasible with the advent of new technologies and the development of space programs. The head of the startup Virtus Solis shared his vision of using SpaceX's Starship to create orbital power plants capable of powering the Earth. Startup Virtus Solis has unveiled an ambitious project to create orbital power plants using SpaceX's Starship. This idea could significantly change the field of solar energy production, making it more accessible and cheaper. The core of the startup's plan is to reduce the cost of launching satellites into space using Starship. This technological breakthrough is expected to make solar energy production in space more competitive with traditional energy sources. Virtual Solis plans to build large photovoltaic panels in orbit, using Starship to deliver the necessary equipment. However, one of the key challenges ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Telomere lengthening for life extension 07.02.2015

Scientists from Stanford University have developed a method for stimulating the ends of chromosomes that are responsible for human aging.

Telomeres are the ends of chromosomes that perform a protective function. There is a so-called Hayflick limit associated with shortening of telomeres - the number of somatic cell divisions is approximately 50, after which the cells begin to show signs of aging. Studies have shown that the enzyme telomerase is capable of restoring DNA, which acts on telomeres, restoring their original length.

The new technology uses modified RNA carrying the reverse telomerase transcriptase (TERT) gene. The introduction of ribonucleic acid greatly increases the activity of telomerase for 1-2 days, during which it actively lengthens telomeres, and the programmed RNA breaks down. The resulting cells behave similarly to "young" ones and divide many times more intensively than the cells of the control group.

Thus, it was possible to lengthen telomeres by more than 1000 nucleotides, which is equivalent to several years of human life. What is important, the process is completely safe for health and does not lead to uncontrolled cell division: the immune system simply does not have time to respond to the RNA introduced into the body, which decays without a trace. The discovery will help increase the number of cells for drug research and disease modeling, and in the long term for life extension.

Other interesting news:

▪ Rocket flying on plastic waste

▪ HP Z VR Backpack

▪ Toshiba 15nm Flash SSDs

▪ Simulating a volcanic eruption

▪ Non-contact lie detector

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ site section Indicators, sensors, detectors. Article selection

▪ article Zeus the Thunderer. Popular expression

▪ article What Do Dolphins Drink? Detailed answer

▪ article Occupational safety of communications workers

▪ article Tube amplifier on EL-34. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

▪ article Application of manipulations at card tricks. Focus Secret

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews