[ale] OT converting old videos, cataloging dvds, storing forever

[Justin Goldberg]

I've read that there's some trick to defeating the vhs copy protection
watermark that involves disassembling the vcr, or alternately, using a
special vhs copying device made for the purpose.

Also regarding scanning documents, djvu as a format is supposed to be
higher quality than pdf.

On 10/15/12, Ron Frazier (ALE) <atllinuxenthinfo at techstarship.com> wrote:
> (Sorry if this posts twice, but I didn't see it come through.)
>
> Hi guys,
>
> I wanted to share some cool info about ripping, cataloging, and storing
> video and see if you have any comments or experiences to share.
>
> I got a burr under my saddle to try to capture and convert about 100 old
> video tapes, recordings of star trek, mission impossible, etc. from 10 -
> 20 years ago to computer format to preserve them since the tapes tend to
> self destruct.  I got a video capture device called Honestech VHS to DVD
> 5.0 Deluxe from Frys.  It connects to composite or svideo and stereo
> audio and inputs the data into the computer via usb, at up to DVD
> quality using up about 4 GB / hour of storage.  It can also burn to DVD
> but I haven't tried that yet.  It's kind of mind boggling how fast it
> uses storage space.  The device's drivers only support Windows, so I
> don't know if Linux would recognize it.  Anyway, it works fine in
> Windows, but the built in editing software is a bit lame.  So, I'm
> wondering if you know of any floss (preferably) cross platform (at
> least) video editing software (like Audacity is for audio) that I can
> use just to do basic import, cutting commercials, titling, and audio
> sync.  I don't need anything very fancy.  My main goal is just to get
> the video on something that's likely to last a while.
>
> I also wanted to share a great way to track and catalog DVD's that
> you've purchased.  It's an android app called MyMovies (free - limited
> to 50 titles) and MyMovies Pro ($6 - unlimited).  It's ultra cool.  Just
> scan the bar code and it looks up the movie, adds it to your database,
> and imports cover art.  You can also change the sort order, enter some
> custom data, and generate some reports.  I really like the app.  Now, I
> can take my tablet with me when I go shopping and immediately find out
> if I have a certain title.
>
> Finally, may have found the ultimate way to save your critical data
> permanently.  It's a technology called m-disc.  They use an INORGANIC
> stone like substrate in the dvd like disc to store data.  It requires a
> special writer, which you can get for under $ 50.  It can be read on any
> dvd+r or dvd+rw compatible reader.  And, GET THIS, it's supposed to last
> for 1000 years, and that's just because the polycarbonate laminate
> breaks down.  Discs are $3 ea for a 4.7 GB disc.  So, I'm definitely not
> going to store all my 800 hours of video on this, but special things,
> like my wedding video, maybe.  I don't currently own an m-disc writer,
> but I'm thinking of getting one just because it's too cool not to.
> Check out the following links.
>
> http://millenniata.com/
> http://millenniata.com/technology/
> http://millenniata.com/m-disc/
> http://www.frys.com/search?search_type=regular&sqxts=1&query_string=m-disc&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&cat=0
> http://www.frys.com/product/6923077?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
> http://www.frys.com/product/7094061?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
>
> Please let me know if you have any tips or experience relevant to these
> issues.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Ron
>
> --
>
> (To whom it may concern.  My email address has changed.  Replying to former
> messages prior to 03/31/12 with my personal address will go to the wrong
> address.  Please send all personal correspondence to the new address.)
>
> (PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might want to
> call on the phone.  I get about 300 emails per day from alternate energy
> mailing lists and such.  I don't always see new email messages very
> quickly.)
>
> Ron Frazier
> 770-205-9422 (O)   Leave a message.
> linuxdude AT techstarship.com
>
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