Editing mpeg in VMS 4.0

abowe wrote on 4/26/2007, 10:57 AM
I've been editing using minidv for some time now but may buy a new camcorder with a harddrive instead of tape. I'm on the fence as far as going to HD. I've already searched the forum but still I'm unclear as to the best way to handle mpeg files. Is it best to convert them to avi and then edit in VMS or should I upgrade my software and edit in mpeg. My final product will be on DVD and I always try to maintain the best quality. Sorry for the lengthy post. I'm an old video guy and trying to improve the workflow is over my head.

Thanks for any and all replies. Al

Comments

owlsroost wrote on 4/27/2007, 6:21 AM
Have a look at http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?MessageID=521765 with reference to HD editing/HDV camcorders.

VMS will accept (standard def) MPEG files on the timeline - VMS Platinum version will accept HDV mpeg as well, but it's slower to move around the timeline/preview compared to working with DV. Note there is no 'smart rendering' with MPEG (as there is with DV in VMS) - it always completely re-encodes the video/audio when producing the output file. WIth HDV there is the option in VMS Platinum to convert footage to the CineForm intermediate codec for a more responsive editing process.

I went through the SD/HD tape/hard-drive decision recently, and ended up with a Sony HC3 (HDV tape based), mostly because it was more flexible and seemed better value for money - although it was a difficult decision.

I was replacing a DV comcorder which had been stolen (snatched) in the street while on vacation, which made me think hard about the wisdom of having all of the 'trip-of-lifetime' footage in a single (hard drive) basket, rather than spread across several tapes.....

Tony
abowe wrote on 4/27/2007, 10:56 AM
Tony,

Thanks for the help. I'm now thinking of getting a Sony with HDV and harddrive to speed the workflow. I'll edit downconverter dv and save a copy of the HDV for later use. Someday when HD DVD and flat panels are common I can edit from the original material in HD. I would go with the tape version but still worry about the mechanics of the drive needing repair. With a harddrive I would hope it could be easily swapped. Al
owlsroost wrote on 4/27/2007, 3:01 PM
I didn't think Sony did camcorders that recorded HDV onto hard drives - the hard drive/dvd based camcorders all use the AVCHD codec (not HDV) as far as I know.

The HDV tape based models have downconversion to DV via the iLink/Firewire output - not sure if the AVCHD ones can do this....so you may have to do HD -> SD conversion in software (VMS 8 - out in July - will have AVCHD support).

Tony
abowe wrote on 4/30/2007, 7:16 AM
After a little more research I believe you are right. For quality I think it best at this time to stick with a tape base camcorder which also retains the original footage in the highest quality for archival. Thanks for the help.

Al