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Question

Same question,but still not clear- MiniDV to Digital storage

Aug 15, 2012 9:33PM PDT

Hi,

I have seen a similar question on multiple forums but I am still not clear of the options available to me.

The requirement.

How to transfer my data from miniDV tapes to digital storage in a format which allows me to use /edit the digital files for editing.
So, I would copy the data from Tape 1 to my NAS or a DVD for example, and then the file would become my digital master file Dig_from_Tape1, to be accessed using editing software to create home movies or similar, which I would the save in a format of choice based on need.

The history

I have tapes going back some 15 odd years, and am on my second camcorder. Many years ago I purchased Pinnacle, installed it on my XP based PC, but established (so it appeared) that the processes of transferring was indelibly linked to editing, so I could only save the final end product of the edit.
Subsequently I have a newer PC, and my version of Pinnacle (I assume, I have not tested) will not run on Windows 7. I am concerned about my tapes degrading, so all I really want to do now is transfer all the data from my tapes to a digital l format which can be accessed ad hoc for editing, at the best possible quality.

My current hardware is the camcorder and my PC , which I expect to connect with firewire. I am not expecting to purchase any other hardware, but if needs must, I will be guided by the feedback. Software, outdated Pinnacle, and whatever comes standard with Windows 7.

Please could you advise which options are available to me, ideally, the most cost effective options too. Happy

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Re: Pinnacle
Aug 15, 2012 9:39PM PDT

1. Did you actually try if your version of Pinnacle works in Windows 7?
2. Would it be a serious objection to buy a new version to save your precious movies?
3. If you upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate (can be done with the socalled 'anytime upgrade' feature) you can install a virtual version of XP that would allow you to install and run the old Pinnacle.

Kees

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Reply to Kees_B
Aug 16, 2012 12:37AM PDT

Hi Kees_B

Thank you for responding.

Answers:
1: Not yet. What is the value, as I do not have the functionality I have requested regardless?
2:It would be a consideration, but does it offer what I am after, as I had posted?
3. Great workaround on the XP issue, but Pinnacle did not appear to meet my requirement.

Thanks

The Wogster

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Re: Pinnacle
Aug 16, 2012 1:05AM PDT

If you don't edit the movie once Pinnacle has it, but just save it to your hard disk, wouldn't it be safely there (far away from the degrading tape), ready for editing with any program (including Pinnacle) that you want to use (including programs to convert it to other formats, so you can edit it with other programs).

Kees

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Give it a swing
Aug 16, 2012 1:45AM PDT

Kess_B,

I was not aware that Pinnacle would save it to disk on a format that would be accesible to Pinnacle again for editing (or any other video editing software). I will have a look at the viability of running existing pinnacle on Windows 7 and try and ascertain if I can copy to disk for later editing.

Thanks.

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Answer
I can predict
Aug 16, 2012 12:46AM PDT

You won't be doing this for long. Why? NAS speeds are pretty bad. I tried something like this years ago but abandoned it for another process. I'll give you the highlights.

1. Capture. I used WinDV and that created the "file".
2. Post processing. I used Virtual Dub to snip off the ends and such.
3. More post processing. Today I might use Handbrake to compress the file.
4. Last step, name the file and copy it to the NAS.

Bob

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Which process is in use now?
Aug 16, 2012 1:48AM PDT

Thanks Bob,

What is the process you eventually chose (I assume the steps above are the abandoned process)?

Regards

Warren

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For miniDV and firewire
Aug 16, 2012 1:53AM PDT

I still use that set of software. Handbrake came along later as I like it's relative speed and the output files play on many devices.

The new things create files on memory cards and such so it removes the firewire WinDV step.
Bob