Which Dazzle DVD recorder is better?

How do i get better video quality using a dazzle dvd recorder?

• When i record something with my film camcorder, i transfer it to my computer by playing it back and recording it onto my computer using the dazzle dvd recorder. When i do this however, the video quality drops significantly, but the audio is fine. how do i get better video quality with my dazzle, even though my camcorder doesnt have an s-video output?

• Answer:

  You did not tell us which camcorder. If it is an analog camcorder, you are reducing the quality when you transfer to the VOB DVD standard definition format. Each time you compress, you reduce quality. When you compress the video, dideo data is discarded. When you "decompress" the video, the decompression is providing only "best guess" when rebuilding the video. If you want "best video quality", then don't re-use the tapes - transfer directly from the camcorder to the computer and skip the offload to the DVD recorder. I don't think you are using a "film" camcorder. Film cameras would require you to send the exposed film out for developing and return to you with the developed film. Analog and digital video tape are more likely what you are using. If you are using analog tape (VHS, VHS-C, Hi8), then get an analog/digital converter (USB for Pinnacle Dazzle; firewire for Canopus ADVC55 or ADVC110). If you are using digital tape (Digital8 or miniDV), then install a firewire port on your computer and transfer the digital video directly. Firewire, IEEE1394 and i.LINK are all the same thing. If your computer has no firewire port and no expansion slot to add one, then your only option is the USB-connectinganalog/digital converter described above. USB-to-Firewire adapter/hub/converter/cable things do not work. In either case, bypassing the DVD step you currently do and saving that for the LAST step of the process will greatly improve your video quality.