[Ham-Computers] Re DVD Recording Time

Dan Violette danki6x at earthlink.net
Sat Dec 31 02:32:26 EST 2005 

--Message sent directly to Duane in case others interested.  I got it both
ways separately (direct and then through list.--

I am learning too with my unit only a month old.  Here is what I know:

1.  The recording modes from my Sony manual:

HQ 1 hour
HSP 1.5 hour
SP 2 hour
LSP 2.5 hour
LP 3 hour
EP 4 hour
SLP 6 hour
SEP 8 hour

I would not go less (slower) than EP, 4 hour.  The 8 hour is terribly
pixilated and tough to watch.  If you really can live with poor quality
maybe the 6 hour mode.  I have noted the following on my cheat sheet, 8 hour
bad, 4 hour fair, 2 hour good.  This is for single layer which holds these
time at these speeds.  My machine will do one double layer type (+R) but too
expensive blanks but doubles the times listed.

2.  My unit has a tuner like a VCR and is hooked like a high quality VCR.  I
have cable going into the unit's tuner, also have cable DVR going into
another video input to record recorded shows off the DVR.  I guess if you
need to use the TV tuner or want to record exactly what you are watching you
could send an output of the TV to the DVD input.  I would split the cable or
antenna lead and put one into each so you can record without the TV on.  You
can also schedule recordings like a VCR.  Most should have 3 RCA cables or
an S-video for the video signal.  Two RCA still needed for audio.  I use
component video output for better quality of the player on the TV.  But yes,
he would need to select the input the video is coming in say channel 7 or
video 1.  Mine I have buttons on the remote for input select and recording
speed which are set before starting to record.

3.  I have not found an issue with any DVD types.  Records at 1X (live) so
speed not an issue.  I would do single layer only because double layer are
5-10 times more in cost.  I would get a 25 or 50 pack for no more than 30
cents each.  I would go with brand name and maybe -R if all things the same
but have some comments coming up on that.  I have tried GQ DVD+R which are
cheepies from Frys Electronics and DVD-R from Verbatim I got at Sam's Club
both at very good prices.  The -R used to be more compatible on regular DVD
players, but last 2-3 years that has gone away.  Actually one of the DVD-R I
wrote would not play on my DVD reader on the PC, but the DVD writer on the
PC would read it.  I have tried both types in an old DVD player and they
worked fine.  The rewritable DVDs I have not tried.  They can be erased and
used again.  The DVD+RW can actually be edited by scene in special VR
recording mode.  But again have not tried because no time to play around
with editing and the disks are a dollar a piece or more.  I saw one note
about someone recording football games to DVD RW and then loading into PC
removing commercials and writing to DVD R for archive.

4.  On your record to computer DVD from VHS.  I have not done it, but I know
you need an analog to digital converter which is usually a 50-100 dollar
board or external box.  Then you load the video into the PC as an AVI (which
I think the box + software does).  Then you edit it the way you want it or
leave it alone and render it into the special MPEG mode for DVD.  You also
add the separate scene marks, chapters, etc.  A friend with a fast PC and
some experience in this does it with home videos and it takes 6-8 hours to
render.  Then you write the whole thing at once to DVD.  Again too much time
and I don't have all the equipment.

Good luck.  Excuse any rambling.  It is late and wanted to get this to you.

Dan KI6X

-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Duane Fischer
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 7:02 PM
To: Dan Violette; 'Computers (or other) used for amateur radio,
communications, or experimenting'
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Re DVD Recording Time

Dan,

Ok, what would be the typical 'nomenclature' for the six hour mode?

Am I correct that he must have the TV connected to L1 (or whatever) for TV
and the input selector on the front on the same setting, right?

Hence, his TV would have to have output jacks for video and audio. Would
they typically be RCA jacks or the small 1/8 inch ones?

Based on your experience Dan, what speeds have your used with acceptable
resolution when recording a TV program?

Is there any particular type of DVD he needs to purchase? Is 8X, SL, -R
acceptable? If not, what should he use?

Thank you very much.

Duane W8DBF

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Violette" <danki6x at earthlink.net>
To: "'Computers (or other) used for amateur radio, communications, or
experimenting'" <ham-computers at mailman.qth.net>
Cc: "'Duane Fischer'" <dfischer at usol.com>
Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 8:50 PM
Subject: RE: [Ham-Computers] Re DVD Recording Time


>I am sure that is the inputs (Line 1, line 2, line 3).  There are at 
>least  eight speeds in my Sony combination unit.  They should be 
>labeled HQ, SP,  EP, and others in between and at lower resolution and
longer time speeds.
> In fact an internet search shows L1, L2, L3 being the labels for the  
>inputs  to a Panasonic.  Dan KI6X
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Duane 
> Fischer
> Sent: Friday, December 30, 2005 5:27 PM
> To: ham-computers at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Ham-Computers] Re DVD Recording Time
>
>
>
> Hello All,
>
> Question:
> A friend has a deck that is both VHS and DVD read/write. He wants to 
> record a TV program. It has three speeds, he thinks, (he is 80), L1, 
> L2 and L3.
> Are
> these speeds such as L1=SP etc.? If so, how long is L3 using a normal 
> SL 8X -R DVD?
>
> Thank you on behalf of N8XOQ.
>
> Duane W8DBF
>
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