My wife got me this camera and I hadn't done any looking into MiniDV or DVD. I liked the operation of the camera, but was confused when I completed the DVD-RAM (the one it came with) I couldn't do anything with it. My computer could see a big .VRO file, but my home DVD player (brand new) couldn't recognize the DVD. Reading some other threads it sounds as if I should use DVD+R's in the future.
If I format a DVD+R it'll give me an option of Video format or VR format, what is the difference?? what filetypes will the Video format on a DVD+R or DVD-RW create?
My computer is too old to do much editting and I need to replace. Will get a Vista based system sometime this year. Does vista have editting SW that will work, or should I look at Ulead (based on an earlier thread)?
Will Vista or Ulead know what do do with a VRO file, or whatever file is created on a DVD+R or DVD-RW? My computer now sees the file but doesn't know what to do with it.
Also, I got my hands on a copy of phtoshop elements, will it work with my set up??

Hi
Do you have Nero DVD burning software?
It includes Nerovision which can convert the VRO file to mpg.
VR format does the same like DVD-RAM, it creates VRO files onto your DVD-RW disks. If you like to play the disks directly on your home DVD player then use Video format.

__________________
Regards
Sektionschef

Panasonic SDR-S100
Sandisk Ultra II 2GB SD Card
Raynox QC-505 0.5 WA
IBS 5X Tele
Velbon Ultra Maxi F Tripod
Magix Video deluxe 2008plus

Hello,

This is what I know. Please correct if I am wrong.

# DVD-RAM will always in VR format.
Easily editing in device and rewritable up to 100,000 times.
Playable in only DVD-RAM supported player. In some DVD-ROM computer, need to install DVD-RAM software (this software comes with Panasonic mini-DVD camcorder)

# Video format or VR format.
Video format can be play directly in all / mostly DVD player, REMEMBER to finalize before play.
VR format only can be played back in supported VR DVD player.
Editing VR-format directly in device is possible.

In my opinion and way in editing, I prefer VR format. Because software comes with package, DVD-MovieAlbumSE and DVD-FunStudio fully support VR format.
I usually collect and merge up-to 4 miniDVD disc to one 4,7GB DVD.
Once when I tried to record DVD-Video format, I really had difficulty to edit in computer. We need to have other software like Ulead or Adobe.
So IMHO, only use Video-format if you want to play directly without editing.


Simple way to do editing:
1. Install all software comes with package:
DVD-RAM driver, DVD-MovieAlbumSE, DVD-FunStudio, Nero Burning Rom (optional)

2. Put disc in computer dvd drive.
REMEMBER: MUST FINALIZE DISC in device BEFORE put in any other device.

3. DVD-MovieAlbum CopyTool
3a. Transfer video to computer.
I experience that all these software need to be run as administrator.

4. DVD-MovieAlbumSE
4a. Edit chapter.
This editing is almost the same as editing in camcorder, but with more feature. Combine, divide, give information to chapter.
4b. Export all movie needed.

5. DVD-FunStudio
5a. Making DVD-Video.
Put all needed exported video to project. Edit menu, and so on.
5b. Burn to CD or Harddisk.
If to Harddisk, then burn result using Nero (choose DVD-Video).

6. Enjoy your movie!


Fyi, laptop with processor T5600 Core2 Duo, VGA intel GMA 950, memory 896MB, external harddisk 7200 rpm (usb)
- CopyTool (copy to harddisk) takes about 5 minutes
- MovieAlbumSE (export all title) takes about 5-11 minutes.
- DVD-FunStudio (burn project) takes about 10-15 minutes


regards,
twoace

__________________
God bless,
Martha
Dead Panasonic VDR D-300 DVD non-user
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]

Hello zmartha,

Yes, you are absolutely right!
Anyway, you don't have to use playlist. Your information about to use playlist reminds me the feature. I will try to use it next time!

In order to use all of these software properly, always remember to choose DVD-VR format on DVD+R/DVD-R/DVD-RW (DVD-RAM always in DVD-format).

I really would like to try Ulead software, but I don't have time to learn new things and face new problem.
DVD-FunStudio has very limited feature, it doesn't have feature to create effect.

best regards,
twoace

__________________
God bless,
Martha
Dead Panasonic VDR D-300 DVD non-user
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]

Well, you're welcome!

I just knew new feature from you that can use jpeg as background!. Thanks!
I often write timestamp date on the tile, but anyway it will be more fun to have timestamp on every frame of the movie.
I always want to see Sony timestamp result but I don't have a chance to see it by myself.

I hope that I would be able to try Ulead on my next video editing. More effect and more fun.

regards,
twoace

Hi Mate
any chance I could buy a copy of your Dvd-MovieAlbum ver 4 or over for Vista, because as you know, you cant buy it off Panasonic.
See my plea below, thanks mate, or anyone else prepared to help me.

Hi you guys
I think I'm up agains it with this one. Dvd-MovieAlbum 4.5
Its the software for editing their Dvd-Ram discs
I'm prepared to buy this version, but panasonic
don't sell the software, its only supplied with one
of their camcorders, now my version 3 wont work
in vista, so it means that to get the current software
I have to buy the latest camcorder, which proves once
again that although panasonic make the best, their
after support is crap, any help gratefully excepted.

I think mine is not working on Vista environment.
You could try to go to your nearest shop and copy cd.
Well, I don't mind to give you a copy, but how?

I purchased the Panasonic VDR D220 as a gift for my son, because of its easy format, I thought it would be the perfect solution to show on his wide screen TV (the 220 doesn't come with the editing software mentioned bundled with other models.) Of course, my son wanted to compile, add music, titles and make copies. Feeling responsible for giving an inferior product, I began reading forums. I tried Pinnacle (seems to capture straight from the camera, and didn't recognize mine) My cousin had me buy a firewire, which is also not compatible. Searching the internet I discoved a company that converts, remakes, and edits. Last night I made a finished DVD with titles, chapters and the contents of four mini DVDs both the DVD RAM that was included and DVD+rw disks. The software is also reasonably priced. and can convert VRO files to mpeg, AVI, and most popular formats including ipod. I am estatic about this solution and want to share with others experiencing the same frustrations. http://www.avs4you.com/