Most of my experience is Mac-based, and I'm trying to configure for our
college a simple QuickTime-based workflow in Windows XP on Dell
Latitude D610 computers (they have a USB2.0 and a PC Card Slot). What
I'd like to do is:
1. Capture video from a miniDV camera in the QT format. Is it better to
use USB2 or some type of Firewire>PC Card interface?
I have not yet looked at the latest consumer miniDV camcorders to see
if they have either/both USB 2 and Firewire.
2. Is there a lower-end but functional application like iMovie for XP,
for capture, editing, titles, basic transitions, that works in
QuickTime and can output QuickTime files? I know back in the old days
Premiere (Pre-Pro) worked fine with QT, but even this would be too
complex. And QT Pro can capture, but I'd rather capture in a basic
editing application.
3. I'm assuming I can use QT Pro for simple compression, resizing, etc.
We're looking at compressing to MPEG4 Simple Profile (3ivx works well
here) and H.264.
Anything else at the low end, with a simple GUI? The main thing lacking
in QT Pro is a de-interlace filter, which would make a big difference
in compressed video quality.
We're looking for simple, robust and inexpensive solutions (I know, I
know....I can have any two but not three....)
Anyone have any experience setting up similar systems? Thanks,
Frank Fulchiero
Digital Media Specialist
Connecticut College
