[slider]

Hi folks, I have been playing around with my AlchemyTV DVR PCI card.

I have been able to record and then use the MovieGate plugin to create a xx_TS file to record to DVD. My problem is the quality of the dvd when it's finished.

I am not an expert in video or all the formats, as I have been looking around the web for answers I have found that they are extensive.

My hardware is an upgraded Quicksilver, from a single 867 to a dual 1.2. 1.5GB of ram, but I found that two or the chips are PC100 instead PC133, so I thing that might be a bottle neck, but I am in the process of rectifying that. All the hard drives are 7200rpm with 8MB cache.

My OS is up to date and I have the latest AlchemyTV software, 2.2.3.

Does anybody know how to get better results for burning to a dvd?

I have not found a way to set the recorded resolution. The only thing that looks like something you can set in terms of viewing is the resolution of the window while recording. Is this what I should use or is it, as I have understood it, the size of the window while recording? Any insight would be appreciated, thanks.

[scottiB]

While I'm not at my Mac with the card, go to the preferences, I forgot which, and make sure you're using the Motion JPEG codec (A or B) and have the quality setting at least 75%.

The file will be larger (3 straight hours is around 27GBs), but it'll be better quality.

FYI: The resolution of US broadcast NTSC TV is 640x480--that can't be changed.

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Thanks for that info, any info is good as I am a totally wet newbie with this stuff. I'll give it a shot.

dan

[rotuts]

Slider:

Ive been using the AlchemyDVR card in my dual1gz for almost a year. you need to look at the different codec and try a minute or two each and then see the dif.

I use Sorensen3, but only at 320 x 240 max quality. this is 2 gb for 30 min. I collect tv shows such as PBS cooking, how to etc.

also look at the codec 3ivx. its free and you load it into quicktime and it is very very good. there is a website with a forum for this codec

you can learn a lot there:

http://forums.3ivx.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi

also there is a DVD forum with a mac componet called:

http://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=9

both forum are very very good. ask your questions there and try the 3ivx. its complicated to figure out your initial settings but do this with trial and error and ask at these tow forums.

I use an older version of the alchemy software 1010 because its scheduling "page" is more like an excel spread sheet.

also alchemy has very good email support. I learned a llot from them asking my question a little at a time. you email them day time here USA ( if you are USA) they read them England PM here and you get your anser in the AM here.

good luck. I love the alchemy card. Ive been needleing them for an HDTV card butno luck yet.

rotut