DVD recorder question
 

I'm looking for a way to record from a component or Y/C SD video stream to DVD and then be able to play that DVD back from any set top or computer DVD player. Is that possible these days without authoring/encoding first and then burning? I don't need menus etc the DVD could just auto play. This will be in conjuction with a Mac, FCP, Matrox MXO video out. I'm wondering if it's possible to bypass DVDSP, iDVD and that whole process. I'm just not up to speed at all with the current crop of DVD recorders and what their capabilities are.

Most standalone DVD recorders have S-video input (and audio). Just pop in a blank DVD-R, connect your S-video source and press record.

Thanks John, will the resultant disc play back automatically on a regular set top player or computer DVD player?

The newer Panasonic DVD recoders have an auto play option you can select before you finalize the disc. The "pro" JVC SVHS/DVD dual deck has more control over compression rates (Panasonic offers 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour, 6 hour increments) but you are stuck with a crude menu.

I use DVD recorders all the time and as long as you use the S-Video inputs on the recorder, quality is excellent. Don''t use cheap DVD blanks, spend at least 35 cents per disc. Taiyo-Yuden is a very reliable brand, do a web search for them.

Most of the newer machines also have iLink input too even better if the source is DV. Panasonics also have flexible recording time which effectively allows one to set the bit rate. For good compatibility I set the flexible record time to 1 hour 20 mins even if the program is only 20mins. This sets the bit rate lower for better compatibility on older DVD players. I use Panasonic E15 either from camcorder, deck or the timeline from NLE on PC. I mostly record on DVD-RAM discs then author with DVDLab from the disc on the PC. For long programs I find the Panasonic better than the software encoders on the PC and a lot faster!!!!

Ron Evans

Sorry for the delay in replying.

You shouldn't have an issue playing them. As far as your computer and/or set top player are concerned, it's just a DVD.

You do need to be certain, though, that those players can play the format of recordable DVD. e.g., DVD-R, DVD+R etc.

Early, first generation DVD players probably won't.

John, I think you misunderstood Rich's question. I believe he's looking for a recorder that can make a disk which automatically goes into play mode when inserted in a DVD player, as opposed to showing a menu.

That would be a nice feature; my older Sony RDR-GX7 can't do this. It always displays the same ugly menu when you insert one of its disks in a player.

Yes the encoding on the DVD recorders are sometimes better then what the budget priced software encoders can do. I've occasionally recorded a finished project directly on DVD and then used Cinematize to demux it and work it in DVDSP. This method also saves time creating DVDs from a client's tapes that don't need any edit work.

When I use the 60 minute recording mode on my Sony DVD recorder the results are excellent. Most of the time it's very hard to tell the difference between the original DV and the DVD....