How to create your own DVD video

How to create your own DVD video

Gatot Susetyo Contributor Jakarta

Most DVD players recreate excellent video performances, far exceeding the capabilities of TV or cable TV for that matter. In the past, recording a picture with the same quality as a DVD video was almost impossible. That all changed with the introduction of a media software called DVD-R (DVD recordable) and DVD-RW (DVD rewriteable).

So if you have DVD-R or DVD-RW -- in the form of a 12-inch disc, a DVD recorder, and other audio-video sources, such as TV and a handycam, you can record your own DVD video performance.

The DVD video recorder is a recorder which is used to record or copy DVD content -- the data, music or film -- onto DVD-R/W media. Some manufacturers, such as Philips, Pioneer and Panasonic, have released their DVD video recorders, which are able to record video performances onto DVD-R discs.

The DVD video recorder can record data on the available space throughout the rest of the disc for about two hours. With some recorders, the length of the recording can be as long as six hours. So, it is possible for us to use the disc's recording capacity efficiently and record with optimum picture quality.

The results are unimaginable thanks to the use of the advanced MPEG2 encoding technology. This technology can accurately reproduce the images and sound from its original source.

What are some sources for filling DVD-R/W discs? You can record your favorite TV shows and other programs, movies -- even sports programs for your own play-by-play enjoyment.

Some recorders are equipped with an Index Picture Screen -- a DVD menu that provides instant access to your recordings, and enables you to view the entire contents of the discs on the TV screen.

But one of the most interesting features is the ability to connect your video cassette recorder (VCR) or camcorder to the DVD recorder and your video will be preserved in digital format forever. You can even edit recordings easily, with no need for extra software or hardware. That's right, this recorder can replace the VCRs' better digital recording technology, while allowing you to record or transfer videos from your handycam or VCR to DVD discs. The DVDs you record on it will play on nearly all DVD players using the DVD-R or DVD-RW disc. All you have to do is connect your analog or digital handycam to a DVD recorder and your video will be preserved in digital format. Recordings can also be played back on a PC if it is equipped with a DVD-rom drive.

The ability to write CD-R and CD-RW discs with a DVD-video format is an important feature, but be aware, however, that not all DVD players will read DVD-video formatted CD-R or CD-RW discs. A CD-R/W label will have to be displayed in front of the players front panel if the player is capable to play a CD-R/W formatted disc. Bear in mind that all commercial movie discs are copyright protected, with the primary method used by DVD video discs to prevent unauthorized digital copying being the Content Scrambling System (CSS).