Convert high-def DVR files to regular DVDs via Automator

Jan 21, '10 07:30:00AM

Contributed by: llee

This hint descrbies a method I've developed for converting high definition (HD) video captured by my Hauppauge HD-PVR into a high-quality standard DVD format using a series of Automator workflows and additional software.

The combination of the Hauppauge HD-PVR video capture and conversion device and Elgato's EyeTV 3 software provides the only method of which I'm aware for capturing high definition video (1080i resolution) from any compatible source.

I do it this way because the issues of cost and portability for routinely preserving video captured at HD resolution make standard DVD format the best choice for me. I also believe that this method gives me a higher quality result, in terms of time and effort spent, than any I could achieve through exporting to iDVD or Toast or anything else that I can afford. Also, I don't believe there's any other way to preserve 5.1 audio when converting video with these specifications to standard DVD format.

I've written a set of detailed instructions for this process. The instructions cover downloading, configuring, and installing the open source software tools needed to make the workflows work, in addition to the Automator workflows themselves.

[robg adds: This hint ran last year, with all the detailed instructions posted here. However, the workflows and process are constantly-evolving, so rather than have an out-of-date method posted here, I've decided to simply link to the instructions. While this means that if the source site vanishes this hint is useless, it was pretty much that way already, given the updates to the workflows that weren't reflected in the hint.]

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