Capturing NTSC directly to DVD compliant MPEG2
 

I have a need to use a PC laptop computer for capturing standard definition NTSC (plain old 480i video with audio). For the purpose of this question the firewire port is not available (it's there but doing something else); besides, firewire port went into retirement anyway, at least on laptops.

Looking at options I see USB and HDMI analog to digital converters.

Is there one (either USB or HDMI) that comes with software capturing straight to DVD compliant MPEG2? The idea is that I need to hand over a DVD disc at the end of the session - so not having to spend time to convert the video would save a lot of time... just take the captured DVD compliant MPEG2 file and author the DVD using "smart render" capable software.

Thanks,

Re: Capturing NTSC directly to DVD compliant MPEG2
 

OK, I'm not 100% sure this is how such devices work, you may have to research a bit to find one that does exactly this: I think you could get away with composite RCA into a basic VHS-to-DVD recorder (one designed to convert VHS to DVD). Send the RCA into the device and set that as your recording source.

Alternately, look up any of the various solutions for VHS-to-DVD via computer, and just replace your camera's composite out with the VHS source. Here's a link to get you started:
VHS to DVD Converters Review 2012 | Convert VHS to DVD | Easy Transfer of VHS Tapes to DVD - TopTenREVIEWS

Re: Capturing NTSC directly to DVD compliant MPEG2
 

The simplest and least frustrating thing to do is buy a DVD recorder.

Re: Capturing NTSC directly to DVD compliant MPEG2
 

Yeah... should have mentioned this: lugging around a DVD recorder is exactly what I want to AVOID.

Re: Capturing NTSC directly to DVD compliant MPEG2
 

Right on the spot, Kevin - thanks! That's what I've been looking for... I like the Diamond VC500.

Although it's not specified anywhere, it does look like the compression takes place in the adapter, and at the end of the capture, all that is left is burn to disc.

Re: Capturing NTSC directly to DVD compliant MPEG2
 

Almost any USB capture device can be used to create DVD compliant video streams.

USB Video Capture Devices, USB Video Capture Cards, USB 2.0 Video Capture at TigerDirect.com

However, your smart render capable software may not recognize every DVD compliant video stream as DVD compliant. Since smart rendering is necessary only for editing the footage, it is likely that all you need is a compatible DVD authoring program. Are you planning to do all of this from battery power?

Re: Capturing NTSC directly to DVD compliant MPEG2
 

I've been using Pinnacle's Dazzle DVD recorder package for years. Basically, you can capture directly to DVD MPEG-2 without an intermediate step. Of course, you can use it with other software as well - sometimes I use Virtualdub with it. It's cheap, about $49, it's USB 2.0 and works great with a laptop.