Basic transfer info please...

[oceaneer]

Just getting started with this: I have several short MiniDV clips that I want to transfer onto other media for easier viewing. My question is about resolutions really.

When I play a VHS-C tape through a VCR onto a TV I am only getting about 300 lines of resolution, correct?

If I play the MiniDV direct from the camera to TV using composite I am getting about 480 - is this right?

Will it improve if I use a use the S-video connections? My current TV does not support S-video and I am considering purchasing a newer TV.

Finally, If I burn to a DVD will I get higher resolution playing on a computer or back on the regular TV?

To make a long post short (too late, I know...), what is the best way to optimize my playback of MiniDV tapes?

Thanks for any advice

[Dr Mordrid]

Resolution: Yes, DV uses a 480 line display but so can VHS-C given the proper capture device. That said DV will look sharper even if both are 480 because it has a proportionally higher luma content (caused by dropping half the color samples vs. analog (VHS-C, Hi8 etc.).

This makes DV look pleasing to the eye but causes a few problems when adding special effects (bluescreening and other keys mainly) because of the reduced color data. Most people don't have to worry about this until they are doing keys regularly though.

S-Video improvement: if you have it, use it. If you don't have it look for it as a very desirable feature in a new TV. Because of the onslaught of DVD players with S-Video output most new mid to large sized TV's do have it. I'd pass on those that don't.

DVD resolution: You'll get a more correct color display on the TV since computers use a different color scale (gamut). Resolution wise the computer probably wins but only if the DVD footage is non interlaced.

Optimize: nothings better than playing them straight from the cam or a DV deck, but that's generally like watching paint dry and expensive from the cam wear & tear or expense (for decks) point of view. From the practical point of view edit then burn to high quality DVD compliant MPEG-2 & play them in a decent deck.

Dr. Mordrid

[oceaneer]

Thanks..Just what I needed to know.