DVD Recorders (VHS to DVD Recorder then record raw footage and finalize) 10 points?

Question

I am using a DVD Recorder that I have "transfered/copied" the contents of the vhs tape from a VHS Player to the Recorder to put onto a dvd-rw.

We then plugged into the dvd recorder a camcorder and recorded at the end of the "unfinalized" dvd-rw a segment of us talking. Everything works fine and dandy. We then finalized the disc and put into our dvd players and they all work ... still fine and dandy.

However, I am trying to figure out a few things to make this quicker and more efficient. Right now the recorder is recommended to go to 4x but we are using a 2x disc. Will getting a 4x dvd-rw make the time go half as quick. Secondly, when adding a new input and "stopping" after the vhs tape transfer all new recordings are automatically put onto a seperate chapter, we want it to be merged into one chapter (i found only dvd-ram) can do this now is that still true. Also do you recommend any industrial DVD Recorders as i have looked up and down and im going in circles to what might be best.

Answer 1

Whether it's a 2x or a 4x disc, you'll still be recording in real time from a VCR or Camcorder so the recording time will remain the same, though you can fit more hours on a disc but quality will suffer. On my Phillips recorder it allows me to go into the menu and add or erase chapter markers. I believe this is the case for all DVD+/- recorders, so yes you should be able to. On mine when you're on the main screen where it shows your recorded material press the up (^) button and it brings you to the disc edit features. Erase, protect, add or subtract chapter markers, split title and such.

You didn't mention what model DVD recorder you're using. If it's a first generation recorder (DVD-R) only then I don't think they allow you to edit disc's as much as the newer +/- machines.

Answer 2

When dubbing DVDs from VHS they are recorded at 1x (or real-time) - so the speed of the disc you purchase is fairly irrelevant.  The only time the speed of the disc is relevant is if you happen to have a hard drive/DVD recorder that allows hi-speed dubbing.

To answer your other question about merging chapters - yes on stand-alone units only DVD-RAM.  If you wanted to do this on another disc type that would require additional software for authoring on another storage medium before burning to the disc.

Answer 3

Wouldn't going to 4X decrease the quality of video?  Thats the way it works with the standard set top DVD Recorders that I use to record tv programs with.