Direct DVD Recording from HDD Camcorder (No Computer)

Do the HDD camcorders which advertise "direct to DVD" burning require
a "special" DVD drive, or can they be used with a standard external
USB drive such as the Plextor PX-712? I'm considering the JVC Everio
line in particular.

thanks,

Martin

 

i've used a number of DVD camcorders. I like them a lot because you can
do 'transitions' on the fly with no "post".

Most of those cameras have an AV input that you can drive, and from
which you can record TO DVD.

 

Rick,

You misunderstood, I'm not talking about a DVD camcorder. The JVC
Everio line are camcorders which record MPEG-2 files directly to an
internal hard drive.

They also claim that, by connecting the camcorder directly to a
standalone USB-interface DVD burner, you can burn video DVDs, complete
with basic menus, directly from the camcorder without involving a
computer. In other words, it appears that any necessary burning
software is built into the camcorder.

That's my question, for anyone who has firsthand experience with the
Everio HDD camcorders - can you burn DVDs directly from the camcorder
to a generic external burner, or must you buy a "special" compatible
burner from JVC?

Martin

 

Don't know where you are coming from on this one? I recently bought a Everio
GZ-MG36E/EK but have been too busy to do much with it yet. I just now
scanned through the manual and I see no mention of any other function for
external direct DVD burning to an external unit other than the usual dubbing
function. There is an internal function to make, "Playlists", within the
camcorder that will dub the recorded stuff in a resettable order but I see
no function to output menus.
--

Robert Peffers,
Kelty,
Fife,
Scotland, (UK).

 

Hi Martin,
I'm not positive but I think you need a dvd burner that can burn dvd's
using a video input without computer, jvc makes one and sony has one, I
believe that's what their ad meant. So the work is actually done in the
burner, setting up basic menu's. But I could be wrong, things change so
rapidly in products.
AnthonyR.

 

No, this doesn't use a "video" input, it's via the camera's USB 2.0
connection. On the JVC GZ-MG155, MG255, and (I believe) the MG130
camcorders, the claim in the owner's manual is that you have built-in
DVD-burning capability. The diagram shows USB connection from the
camera to an external USB DVD burner. Of course, the burner is a
JVC. I'm wondering if "any other" brand can be used, or does the JVC
burner have some special firmware built in.

Martin

 

Robert,

Your camera doesn't have the direct-to-DVD function. The only "old"
models that do are GZ-MG27/37/57/77/505. All the 2007 models (GZ-
MG130,155,255, and 555) have direct-to-DVD.

Martin

 

Indeed, but the new models and their specs are here :-
http://www.jvc.co.uk/site/g_series/feat3.html
Which states, "With an optional SHARE STATION DVD burner or with your PC,
you can burn a full-sized DVD-Video disc at the touch of a button. Just
press the DIRECT DVD button, and the DVD burning process starts
automatically. It's smart so you can even use it to automatically transfer
only newly recorded data to the burner, just the scenes you manually select,
or pre-select using the Playlist". They show a picture with the connector
being USB 2.00 to the. *** Optional *** Share Station.

Indeed, but the new models and their specs are here :-
http://www.jvc.co.uk/site/g_series/feat3.html
Which states, "With an optional SHARE STATION DVD burner or with your *** PC
***, you can burn a full-sized DVD-Video disc at the touch of a button. Just
press the DIRECT DVD button, and the DVD burning process starts
automatically. It's smart so you can even use it to automatically transfer
only newly recorded data to the burner, just the scenes you manually select,
or pre-select using the Playlist". They show a picture with the connector
being USB 2.00 to the. *** Optional *** Share Station.
It does not mention menus - only the playlist - and that is on the old
machines too. As I said I have had little time to check the HD machine out
as I only bought it as a small pocket sized unit for convenience as my main
units are a GR-PD1 and a old, but very good, GR-DX100.
--

Robert Peffers,
Kelty,
Fife,
Scotland, (UK).

 

--

Robert,

The menus are described in the actual user manuals of the "new"
camcorders, of which I have a copy for the MG155. You can control
which files become chapters/scenes on the DVD menu. It's not in your
manual because your camera doesn't have the feature.

Anyway, now that we're on the same page, the question still remains:
Assuming I buy a DVD-Direct-capable unit, would I have to buy the JVC
"share station" DVD recorder, or is the firmware in the camera so that
I could use "any" USB DVD burner (such as one I already own)?

I realize you won't be able to answer because your camera doesn't
include this functionality. I'm just repeating the question in case
it may be seen by someone who already has used one of the new models.

BTW, I've emailed the same question to JVC customer support, but have
received no response.

Martin