Firstly, let me say a big thank-you to all of you that have e-mailed me in thanks and questions, and am only glad to help.
It has taken me many countless hours in front of my computer (when I should have been doing other things) and trailing different programs and methods to get a winning formula that is not only easy, but free.
Finally, I have confirmed and cracked this case, and am now giving all that I know to you. Properly may want to print this off.
So . . .
As we know, the Panasonic NV-GS27 does not come with any software, cd, support etc. This does make you need to buy a few extra items if you do not have them already (yes, I did mention free, but meant in program), for successful data transfer.
There are several methods, but will concentrate on the main one of ‘saving to DVD with date/time stamp’
Firstly, the other methods are using the cables and recording directly through a VCR onto VHS tape. I have not tested if you can record straight onto a DVD via a DVD-recorded (as I do not have one), so this may work, as I know it does transfer the date/time stamp to VHS. This will pose the question however of ‘how can I edit it’. This method is quick, but very limited.
The other method would be via USB connection to the computer. No mater what you do, in this connection, you will never get the time/date stamp.
Therefore . . .
Q: What do I need to transfer data from my Digital Video Camera (DVC) to my PC and keep date/time stamp?
A: A computer with Windows XP SP2 loaded – the processing time is totally dependant on how powerful your PC is. I have an Intel Celeron 850 MHz, 383Mb ram, 19 GB HDD, Windows XP with SP2. I know it’s no powerhouse, but you set it and let it go.
An IEEE 1394 interface card and cable for connection on the PC – you need this connection to record in correct format for the time/date stamp to be retrievable. I bought mine for around A$50.00 from an Australian company called EYO.
A large HDD – 90mins of miniDV tape will take about 18 GB of space (no typo, 18 GB). This is why I copy in 15 minute chunks and convert before starting again. 15 minutes is about 3.5 GB.
The program DV-Date 6.2 – this is the best and easiest program for time/date recording.
The program DivxtoDVD – which looks like it is not available any more and replaced by the next version ConvertXToDVD 2 (let me know if you want the free version, and I will e-mail it to you). This program will convert files to proper .vob DVD file format.
A DVD burner with PowerDVD 5 and Nero burning software 6.x– I only use DVD-R discs and always burns on the lowest speed.
The program DVD Shrink – used to ‘shrink’ your files down to fit more on a single DVD.
Q: How do I transfer?
A: It is very important that you have your PC on first, then connect the DVC to the PC and then turn the DVC on. Make sure you disconnect the DVC after tuning it off from the PC before you shut down, as having the DVC connected while turning the PC on/off can cause the DVC to malfunction and destroy it-self.
After connection has been made you will see the DVC icon in ‘My Computer’. If not, go to ‘Device Manager’ and ‘search for new hardware’
Open ‘Windows Movie Maker’ which is part of the Windows XP program. From there you select ‘capture from video device’ and follow the on screen questions. It is very simple. Remember, you MUST select DV-AVI (which saves as DV type 2 native). Finish the other selections and press the ‘capture button’ (because of the IEEE 1394 connection, you can drive the DVC from your PC)
When the recording has finished either by your pre-determined time or when you pressed stop, click the ‘finish’ button and ‘Windows Movie Maker’ will start to process and save the video captured with file names being that of time and date. When this is done, it will show in the window. It is already saved on your HDD, so just close ‘Windows Movie Maker’. Also at this stage, turn off and disconnect you DVC if you have finished using it for now.
Q: How do I get the time/date stamp on my recorded video?
A: Open up DV-Date 6.2 and ‘open’ you’re saved video file from your DVC you have just recorded. When it loads the video, there will be lots of data and information listed. Please check to see that if there is a time and date showing, as if there is it has been recorded correctly. If not, something is wrong and you have to record it again.
Press ‘F12’ and the date/time display will appear on the view screen.
Press ‘Alt and I’ together, and the program will commence to put the date/time into the file. A progress bar will appear just above the still video. When at 100%, you will have 2 saved video files – one with and one without the stamp. Please note that they will be the same size for make sure you have enough HDD space. This program offers very good support and a lot of onboard information.
Q: What do I do now?
A: You have two main options.
1. You can open ‘Windows Movie Maker’, import the video and edit to your hearts content. No matter what you do now, the time/date stamp will always be there. Saving in different sizes alters how much space you need, but it is all relative (if you cut a file into 10 smaller files, then save all in the same format, the size will be the same as the complete file.). Save your files is any format that the program gives you. From there you can burn to DVD, CD, whatever. What you have to remember though is that not all DVD players play the same formats, so it is up to you what you use, which comes to the other option.
2. As long as you save files in a Divx format, like .avi, DivxtoDVD will process it. When you open and load the file into this program, and press ‘convert’, if all works well and recognizes the file, you will see the video playing in silent and all these frames etc at the bottom being converted and a progress chart. If it is not the right format, it will run though it all very quickly and see now preview. This program saves in .vob files, which is read by all DVD players and is what bought DVD’s are in.
So . . .
After you have saved in .vob files, you can open DVD Shrink, selected ‘re-author’, load what you want and burn. Note that this does not give ‘menus’ as you would expect in a bought DVD, but does still give you chapter skip and search. I have tried and it is just too hard to put menus in and still keep the size (as Nero and PowerProducer make all the files too big again). If there is program out there that does do it correct, please let me know)
That’s it – done
The above is what I do and now have no problem.
As always, I can be contact at
daniel.angus@linclonelectric.com.au
Happy Copying!!!
Panasonic NV-GS27 Data transfer
Linear Mode
