In this video, I reveal a lesser-known method to digitize video using a DVD-Recorder/DVR unit—without using a DVD-R disc! Instead, we’re recording directly to the DVR’s hard drive, allowing us to access a special setting that boosts the bitrate for better video quality.
But why does this matter? MPEG2, the format most DVR units use, is a lossy format, meaning it compresses the video and loses some quality. But by recording to the hard drive and extracting the files at a higher bitrate (up to 15 Mb/s), we can improve the video quality—especially in high movement scenes—without the need for complex editing or noise reduction filters.
In this video, I'll walk you through the entire process, from setting up the DVR to extracting the high-bitrate MPEG2 files. We’ll then compare the results—side-by-side—against the standard DVD recording method, as well as a high-quality SD capture card method, to see just how much of a difference the higher bitrate really makes.
🔴 What’s covered:
- How to digitize video directly to the DVR hard drive instead of using DVD-R discs.
- Accessing the high-bitrate setting for better video quality.
- A comparison between the DVD recording method, DVR hard drive method, and SD capture card method.
- Technical details about MPEG2 and how it affects your video quality.
This method is perfect if you just want to digitize your VHS tapes and get a higher-quality result without going through the hassle of complex editing. It’s a great trick for anyone wanting to preserve their home movies in the best possible quality without spending a ton of time in post-production.
RESOURCES
The SATA to USB3 adapter I used
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00EHDTRJ6
How to copy DVD-Video home video to computer
https://youtu.be/JAtksHhwErI?si=X1GFj7jrZ7zSgHAm
The discussion from Lord Smurf I mentioned in the video
https://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-capture/9898-dvd-recorder-advise.html
On Sony DVR, the top MPEG2 bitrate setting is called HQ+. On Pioneer DVR, the top MPEG2 bitrate setting is called XP+. Sony and Pioneer DVR units are said to be essentially the same.
According to this comment from Bogilein at DigitalFAQ, the following DVR units have the ability to use 15Mbps:
Pioneer DVR 540
Pioneer DVR 545
Pioneer DVR 550
Pioneer DVR 555
Pioneer DVR 560
Pioneer DVR LX60
Pioneer DVR LX61
Pioneer DVR LX70D
Sony RDR 870
Sony RDR 970
Sony RDR 1070
Sony RDR 680
Sony RDR 780
Sony RDR 785
Sony RDR 980
Sony RDR 1080
Sony RDR 790
Sony RDR 890
Sony RDR 990
Sony RDR 1090
Source: https://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-capture/9898-dvd-recorder-advise.html#post62930