Now when I do print to HDV tape an M2T file is created that is then used to record back to miniDV in HD format. All fades, title, etc are there. So why could I not use this new M2T file and rename to mpg for the DVD or am I missing something on this?

Why not? You got me!! As long as there is indeed a m2t created to a specific location on a hard drive, where it can be 'retrieved'... you should be able to change the file extension to *.mpg and load that into your DVD Authoring app to cut DVDs from.

I had assumed the m2t would have been 'temporary' and would be deleted automatically at the end of the "write to tape" process... Good to hear that it isn't a temp m2t!!

Vegas includes everything needed to edit HDV. A version of the Cineform codec is also included. The full purchase version adds more features but is not required for editing HDV.

I played with Vegas more. Yes everything is in V6. Its a different process that editing DV. This is what I did:
-Captured HDV footage onto Vegas 6 and placed it on the timeline (m2t)
-Rendred to the supplied cineform codec.
-Then did a simple fade in and out to the cineform codec. It runs smoothly
like editing DV.
-Next I replaced the cineform codec back to the original m2t file.

I guess this is how its gonna be played guys. You can spend $$ to get the full blown Cineform where you can get the scene detection which V6 don't have for HDV (arrrggghh!!!). Otherwise V6 alone to do HDV is do able. Now for the Vegas Gurus. With this done, since there isn't Blu Ray yet..I want to print to tape. Will Vegas re-render the whole final edited m2t again then print?

Thanks guys for all the comments on these boards. For someone who has no computer or video background I am able to do this hobbie that I love.

I played with Vegas more. Yes everything is in V6. Its a different process that editing DV. This is what I did:
-Captured HDV footage onto Vegas 6 and placed it on the timeline (m2t)
-Rendred to the supplied cineform codec.
-Then did a simple fade in and out to the cineform codec. It runs smoothly
like editing DV.
-Next I replaced the cineform codec back to the original m2t file.
Will Vegas re-render the whole final edited m2t again then print?


Fred - I do the same EXCEPT you don't have to replace the cineform avi back to M2T - check the manual - if you use Cineform this step is unnecessary and works just fine without the replace. When you go to TOOLS..Print to HDV Tape... yes another render takes place add fades, etc. which results in a new M2T file with all of your edit.

Be sure to uncheck the DELETE box otherwise this temp file will be deleted. This file is then used to play directly back to miniDV on your camera. Now you have an archive copy on disk and tape. Woohoo!! phil

Phil,
If you edit the DI and are printing back to tape, you should do the PTT from the TIMELINE, not any other render. Then you're not rendering twice. There is no visual loss that occurs in doing this, but there are some minor advantages if you're going to DVD, if you stick with the m2t for rendering. Otherwise, stick with the CineForm file all the way thru til you render for tape archive.

thanks FRED!

that was very helpful. i'm able to take the HDV clips from DVI.net and edit them easily with my current system in vegas6 =). thx.

DSE, what are those minor advantages of m2t for rendering vs. cf?

Fred - I do the same EXCEPT you don't have to replace the cineform avi back to M2T - check the manual - if you use Cineform this step is unnecessary and works just fine without the replace. When you go to TOOLS..Print to HDV Tape... yes another render takes place add fades, etc. which results in a new M2T file with all of your edit.
phil

Cool, how does the final edited HDV looked on tape?? Is there any loss in picture quality??

Thanks

Cool, how does the final edited HDV looked on tape?? Is there any loss in picture quality??

Thanks

I cannot tell the difference at all when viewing the original tape and then looking at the edited version put back to tape. Both look great to me. Give it a try - add a few transitions, titles, etc. to a 20 second clip and check it out.

One thing is for sure HD has spoiled me. Even though the HD on the timeline is rendered to SD for DVD and looks really good - you compare it back to HD and you feel disappointed. I have a Sony HDR-HCI and am very pleased with it and the SD DV pictures it produces are absolutely great - but - disappointing compared to HDV. ph

I cannot tell the difference at all when viewing the original tape and then looking at the edited version put back to tape. Both look great to me. Give it a try - add a few transitions, titles, etc. to a 20 second clip and check it out.

One thing is for sure HD has spoiled me. Even though the HD on the timeline is rendered to SD for DVD and looks really good - you compare it back to HD and you feel disappointed. I have a Sony HDR-HCI and am very pleased with it and the SD DV pictures it produces are absolutely great - but - disappointing compared to HDV. ph

Thats great to hear. I myself had seen a pd170 scene and a fx/z1 side by side comparision played on SD dvd. There was a BIG difference. (both scene shot the same way lighting etc...) It was like comparing vhs to dvd!!!

I would like to know if their is any quality difference between editing HDV straight onto Vegas using the supplied codec...versus editing HDV using an "outsider" Cineform HD. That will help me decide if I should get the full blown Cineform.

I have Vegas 6 and I use the Print to HDV Tape... selection under the tools menu. This works fine but my oh my does it take time! Any suggestions on improving speed to create the M2T file that gets printed back to tape?

Please tell me what settings you are using because i cant get mine to work