I've uploaded a sketch to YouTube but it's such a hassle (and I lost half the scenes so had to settle for an inferior run-through) that I think I'm going to ask my parents for the receipt for an exchange. 
And my bloody laptop doesn't have a damn firewire port! Didn't even think to check when I bought it recently - just assumed as it was a new multimedia laptop it would have one. So I've got to fork out £50 for an ExpressCard converter too!
Yeah firewire sucks so they kinda stop making them now.
I use song vegas platimum to edit clips off my Canon camera but I need a new video camera so if you can recommend one I'll at least look at it before deciding its way too expensive.
Quote: paul watson @ January 4, 2008, 1:32 PMYeah firewire sucks so they kinda stop making them now.
Oh really? It's the standard in the industry for video capture. The reason some pc manufacturers leave it off is because they have to pay to license it.
Quote: Godot Taxis @ January 4, 2008, 2:37 PMOh really? It's the standard in the industry for video capture. The reason some pc manufacturers leave it off is because they have to pay to license it.
He's right, you know. It's why Apple went back to USB with their iPod.
David, I liked your pylon sketch. It would have been even better if you hadn't been so close to corpsing
Thanks, Godot. Lot's of the stuff I post on here is kind of a first draft for bigger things though. There's more professional stuff to come.
Anyway, back to the USB vs Firewire debate...
USB and FireWire performance differ, depending on your operating system, and of course the version of the connectivity (USB 1.1 or 2.0, FireWire 400 or 800, etc). And the type of device, too. Nevermind your processor, BUS speed, and so on and so forth. Godot is of course correct that FireWire has become more of a "standard", but is not nearly as common as USB.
As for DVD ripping, it depends on what you're wanting to do with the files/footage exactly, and again your OS. I run Windows, and use DVD Decrypter to copy the data to my hard drive, before putting through editing software as/if necessary, and converting to AVI with Gordian Knot.
Oh, and to add confusion to the discussion, VOB is MPEG. 
I found myself wondering what happened to the steel butt plug prop for a while. It's a bit like the STD TV ad where the girl has a charm bracelet or necklace with 'gonorrohea' inscribed on it. I kept thinking 'I wonder if the prop guy took that home and gave it to his girlfriend'?
Yeah, USB, what a load of shite.
Quote: Aaron @ January 4, 2008, 3:32 PMGodot is of course correct that FireWire has become more of a "standard", but is not nearly as common as USB.
Sorry Aaron, i meant in the video industry. USB doesn't exist.
Quote: Godot Taxis @ January 4, 2008, 3:36 PMSorry Aaron, i meant in the video industry. USB doesn't exist.
I know what you meant - and it does. Just like I said, not nearly as common.
quote ="Godot Taxis" I found myself wondering what happened to the steel butt plug prop for a while. It's a bit like the STD TV ad where the girl has a charm bracelet or necklace with 'gonorrohea' inscribed on it. I kept thinking 'I wonder if the prop guy took that home and gave it to his girlfriend'?
It currently sits on my composer friend's studio shelf, alternatively delighting and alarming his clients.
Firewire is ace.
Fact.
I hope this helped.
Gonna have a bash at the youtube thang. A lot of info there to take in. I have a Canon Powershot digital camera, USB cable and Dell Inspiron running Windows XP. I will try the digital camera before getting in any deeper. I have loaded up a 'test' video on youtube but without editing it.
I want to edit on my laptop before uploading, and if needs be put on music to accompany the video clips. From previous posts Adobe premiere elements, Pinnancle, Ulead and song vegas platinum appear to be possible contenders for software that I will need but its all a bit confusing to a non tech-head like myself. What would be best to start with?
Any help greatly appreciated.. PM me if you like.
Frankly I'm hoping to keep my sketches quite simple and once I've got the right equipment try and muddle along with Windows Movie Maker. We'll see.
Premiere Elements costs a f**kload and I probably won't need it. Not that I would necessarily need to pay for it *coughs*.
I do gather from reading around, though, that Firewire is the best choice as most cameras only support USB 1.0 and so you might suffer a loss of quality if running it to your PC via USB rather then Firewire.
James, do yourself a favour and get yourself a mac - even if it's only a 2nd hand one or a mac mini. It will save you a lot of time and effort trying to get things to work and imovie and idvd are more than sophisticated enough to get stuff on the net or to producers.