You can actually make your own DVD's that play on your set top DVD players.  Really, I have done DVD authoring on my computer!  It sounds all so easy, but there is a learning curve to it.

Just because you have a DVD burner drive in your computer doesn't mean you're going to be DVD authoring immediately after setting up your computer system.  You need instructions for making a DVD. But, if you are willing to read and learn you can be DVD authoring your home video footage that will play just fine.

First, you will need a camcorder.  Digital camcorders are cheaper than ever before.  You could also use that older analog camcorder if you want too.  Now, you say, how do I get the video from the camera into the computer for DVD authoring.  Well, that's relatively easy. You need a capture card.  A lot of the newer computer systems come with the ability to capture video.

Once you have the video digitized into the computer, you can edit that video with many different editing software packages.  The digitizing card you have or get will probably come with some kind of editing software.  Once, edited the video is then ready for DVD  authoring for home viewing.  This is a great way to preserve your precious family memories on a digital format that is small and will last virtually forever.

If you have questions, e-mail us at video-editing@mchsi.com, we want to help you with your individual editing needs.

Good luck with your DVD authoring projects!!

Roger Bussey
Video-Editing.com