SIMPLE and FREE way to transfer video from DV to PC

Hi, I am looking for a __SIMPLE__ and free (freeware, windows builtin, etc.) way to transfer DV from a camcorder (panasonic) to my PC (running XP). I have used some freeware that came with the PC, like SONIC, Windows, etc., but the quality is low. I have successfully used a DVD-recorder (set top box) with excellent results, but I'd like to use my PC if at all possible. I have read the faq, and understand the steps, but it's just too many steps, too many pieces of software, and too complicated right now. If there is a simple solution, and it can be had for $30-40, I'd be willing to spend that much. Oh yeah, and I'm not interested in editing. Just getting it from DV to PC, and then to DVD. I really don't see why I'm having such a hard time. And I know I'm not the only one. I have 2 friends looking for a similar solution. THANKS! Sam

To transfer DV without quality loss, you need to have a FireWire (IEEE-1394) interface (these are very cheap). Assuming you do, then you can simply use Windows Movie Maker to do the transfer (it should already be installed on your XP system). Or, you can use WinDV (very simple) or our Enosoft DV Processor (also very easy to use). The quality using any of the three options above will be the same. Since you say you don't want to do any editing, you could by-pass the PC and use a stand-alone DVD recorder. Some even have FireWire input for direct digital transfer. Without it, you can connect the analog outputs from the camcorder to the analog inputs.

I use a fire wire connection to the PC and the DVD standalone. The quality of xfer to the DVD standalone is excellent. It looks like I'm watching it by playing it from the camcorder. When I do the xfer with the firewire to the PC using Widows Movie Maker, after I burn the DVD and watch it on my stand alone DVD player, it looks like grainy VHS. What could I be doing wrong? It's just not crisp. Thanks, Sam

After you have used Movie Maker to transfer the video to the PC, what do you do? e.g., how do you convert it to MPEG2 for DVD?

Here's where ya got me. Without being in front of my PC at home I can't tell you. I know I've used SONIC with dissapointing results. I know I've used Nero (30 day portion of that piece is now expired) with average results. I've used some widows component, I think. I'm assuming this is where I the loss in quality comes from. Is there a program that can 1) get DV onto computer and then 2) transcode it so it can be burned with just a couple of clicks? I can burn it with nero just fine.

iam doing it like this sometimes: --- 1. windv (allready mentioned) > gives you files on your pc (dv.avi) 2. avisynth, simply: Code:

Well, maybe my best option then is to just use a standalone DVD recorder right now. I just find it hard to believe there are no programs or suites that can do it all (or most - save burning.) I'll check out some of those programs you mentioned. Thanks again, Sam

FYI, Vista comes with Windows Movie Maker and Windows DVD Maker - so you can "do it all" (if you ever switch to Vista). But - the standalone DVD recorder option makes most sense.

I just stumbled across this one, maybe it's what you are looking for: bb

I saw in many forums too many questions regarding DV to DVD. We have a lot of free tools for this but nobody make a simple program to use them for making the DVD. Some free and very good tools are: - WinDV, Enosoft or Exate for transferring - mp2enc or toolame or aften for audio conversion - avisynth - HC encoder - DVD Author - ImgBurn enjoy, Mtz