We can convert analogue and digital video tapes into either ordinary DVDs or into computer files. Standard DVDs can be played on both domestic DVD players and on computers, but they can’t be edited. In comparison computer files can be edited on your computer, but not always played on a DVD player. Once you’ve edited your movie you can then burn a DVD to be played in the usual way.
These are the main computer video file formats.
DV AVI
Digital Video Audio Video Interleaved
Very little compression, similar quality to original camcorder tape.
MPEG-1
Heavily compresses AVI files, designed to achieve space savings.
MPEG-2
An upgrade to MPEG-1, higher quality through smarter compression algorithms.
MPEG-4
Latest member of the MPEG group, based on QuickTime from Apple, delivers small file sizes with high video quality.
QuickTime
Primarily used on Apple Macs, very high quality particularly with latest H264 codec.
WMV (Windows Media Video)
Efficient compression, good video quality, range of compression settings.
RealVideo
A proprietary format from the RealPlayer people.
ASF - Active Streaming Format
An earlier Microsoft format typically for internet video. This has become more popular lately with MovieMaker users.
DivX
Based on MPEG-4 codec produces very high quality video with small file sizes. If you look at the DivX website you’ll see a range of video / DVD products for watching movies on your computer.
1Scan can convert videos into most of these file formats. Typically we suggest DivX for Windows computers and QickTime for Macs. You should check with your own video editing software to make sure you can open the file types.
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