Suggestions For Backing Up Video Clips

[salyarena]

OK, I've got all my photos backed up following the instructions I was given here (thank you!)

 

When I started to back up my camera avi clips, it seems like I will be forever backing them up, if I don't want to span them.

 

Is there any suggestions that you can give me to make this easier??

 

I want to back them up to copy them back into my new pc.

 

Thank you,

 

Gloria

[salyarena]

ML: A data DVD and a Video DVD are the same thing… There is a slight difference in the way Classic and Builder handle something. I think it is in the write-out phase, but v6 and v8 Classic can write a usable DVD Movie as long as you know the file/folder structure.

 

Which brings me to my point, the only DVD file that can't be copied to a PC is one from a DVD 'dash' disc that hasn’t been finalized. OR (I haven't seen everything) one that is not in a conventional data format. That wouldn't be useable on any Player either…

 

Hi, Guys,

 

I just got back from visiting my mom and buying an external hard drive:-)

 

I browsed through your messages, copied them to a text file to read and analyze later.

 

I am going to copy everything to my new external hard drive and then copy to my new computer. I already have the photos backed up as per your instructions to dvd. I later want to back up my videos to dvd, but I would like to make them like slideshows. For example, I have them in order, by order, occasion, etc. This will take some time though.

 

Redwagon,

 

My computer is making lots of noise acceleration, when I edit my graphics or videos. These XPS do make pretty much noise as they have so many fans, but I think mine was making more than expected. The technicians weren't able to reduce the noise and even had my computer not booting into Windows at the last service. That's when the Dell guy said he would replace it for me for all the trouble I had gone through and not being even able to boot into Windows. This new XPS has a "quiet chassis" which I hope will help too. They came back and got this computer running, so I could back up. Let me tell you, I think they have replaced about every single piece of this cpu.

 

I have two internal drives in this one, so I will get two in the new one. He says it will be my same configuation or better. I still have not gotten the configuration and I still am a little incredulous that they are replacing the cpu. Anyhow, I am getting ready and did plan to backup everything for the new year as I always do. Dell has always given me great service, so I can't complain.

 

I've got to go, will come back later.

 

Have a great Sunday!

 

Gloria

[Guest mlpasley]

Just wanted to update this thread. Dell, came through and delivered my new computer. Very quiet and configured even better than what I had. I've got everything backed up using my new external drive as suggested here. I just installed Roxio 7.5 and everything is well.

 

HURRAY!

 

Thanks for letting us know that you're back up and video editing again.

[grandpabruce]

Hi,

 

Just wanted to update this thread. Dell, came through and delivered my new computer. Very quiet and configured even better than what I had. I've got everything backed up using my new external drive as suggested here. I just installed Roxio 7.5 and everything is well.

 

I really appreciate all the help given here.

 

Take care,

 

Gloria

 

High fives to Dell and you, Gloria. I am glad you are up and running.

[salyarena]

Hi,

 

Just wanted to update this thread. Dell, came through and delivered my new computer. Very quiet and configured even better than what I had. I've got everything backed up using my new external drive as suggested here. I just installed Roxio 7.5 and everything is well.

 

I really appreciate all the help given here.

 

Take care,

 

Gloria

[Guest mlpasley]

Hi,

 

I performed that search, but found only one photo, which was not related to any project. Thanks!

 

I was thinking, you all say that I should not use Packet Writing software. So shouldn't I just not install Drag to Disk?? Then I'm thinking, if I'm not going to span disks, is Roxio Retrieve only for recovering spanned discs??

 

What do you all recommend I not install? I was looking at EMC 8, but it has too many things I don't really use. I would like, however, to upgrade the ones I do use, like Videowave, the burning process, etc. It's getting a little complicated.

 

Thank you!

 

Gloria

 

I don't remember, do you have EMC 7?

 

If it were me, I'd just install EMC 7 on that new computer without the Drag to Disk. Now I'm pretty conservative so keep that in mind when I say something.

 

Since you're getting a computer similar to the old one, by installing the software that you know worked on the other computer, you'll be able to see if it works the same on the new computer. You can also judge the performance of the new computer using the same software.

 

I don't upgrade my software unless there is a feature that I really need.

 

However, I've seen some of the photographs that were 'stitched' together in the new program to give a panoramic effect and they are amazing. Since I don't work that much with photographs, that's not a feature I need right now, but you might.

 

Just make certain that the computer meets the specifications of the new program if you decide to buy it in the near future.

[salyarena]

You could just copy the files to the external hard drive. Not everyone knows how to do that, so I gave the safer way to put it on your external drive.

 

Since you do mostly photo projects, the only other thing you have to consider is if you've done things like rotate(and other effects) the picture in a production. Those are stored as .png files in a hidden folder and they are not stored under the original file name (if I remember correctly.) So you might want to do a Window\ Search for .png files (select the Advanced\ Search in hidden folders). By displaying the results as thumbnails, you should be able to figure out which ones are your changed pictures.

 

I forget things too. You should see my printed and handwritten stack of 'instructions.'

 

Thanks for the update. We often wonder what happens after we give advice.

 

Hi,

 

I performed that search, but found only one photo, which was not related to any project. Thanks!

 

I was thinking, you all say that I should not use Packet Writing software. So shouldn't I just not install Drag to Disk?? Then I'm thinking, if I'm not going to span disks, is Roxio Retrieve only for recovering spanned discs??

 

What do you all recommend I not install? I was looking at EMC 8, but it has too many things I don't really use. I would like, however, to upgrade the ones I do use, like Videowave, the burning process, etc. It's getting a little complicated.

 

Thank you!

 

Gloria

[Guest mlpasley]

You could just copy the files to the external hard drive. Not everyone knows how to do that, so I gave the safer way to put it on your external drive.

 

Since you do mostly photo projects, the only other thing you have to consider is if you've done things like rotate(and other effects) the picture in a production. Those are stored as .png files in a hidden folder and they are not stored under the original file name (if I remember correctly.) So you might want to do a Window\ Search for .png files (select the Advanced\ Search in hidden folders). By displaying the results as thumbnails, you should be able to figure out which ones are your changed pictures.

 

I forget things too. You should see my printed and handwritten stack of 'instructions.'

 

Thanks for the update. We often wonder what happens after we give advice.

[salyarena]

James,

 

I agree up to a point......

 

You're not taking into account write errors OR a DVD that becomes unreadable because of a flaw in the DVD disk itself. That's when I get 'corrupt' messages that turn the air blue in my house.

 

And I guess I didn't make myself clear. I capture in 20 minute segments in DV AVI and those are the files that I store on Data DVDs and/or on my external drive for backup. I suggested the File\ Output to, DV authoring\ best and burning with Creator Classic because I thought that would be quicker than having to make a DVD menu. It's also easier to just copy the mpeg2 file back onto the hard drive than having to 'capture' from a DVD. ( And yes, I know the .vob files can be renamed, but that's hard to explain.)

 

Gloria,

 

I'm glad you got the external drive. If you have any productions under construction, make certain that you back up your editing files to that drive. Open your production\project, select File\ Save As and find a folder on your external drive to store them.

 

You were wise to get the computer replaced before you had problems. Video editing is very CPU intensive and there usually is some increase in noise, but what you're describing doesn't seem normal.

 

I'd suggest backing up more than once a year.

 

Now that you have the external drive, get in the habit of doing a File\ Save, followed by a File\ Save as..... to a folder on your external drive when you're done with any file for the day. (That includes other programs other than EMC7.)

Then shut down the external drive and unplug the external drive from the wall and your computer. It's about the only way to guarantee a lightning strike, brown out, power surge or mechanical computer failure won't wipe out all your work.

(And no.... I don't always follow my own advice. However, I always back up very important work in this manner.)

 

Just wanted to give you all an update and thank you once again for your help.

 

I have everything backed up to the external hard drive.

 

mlpasley, I was wondering why you said the following and why I could not just copy/paste my Roxio files:

 

Open your production\project, select File\ Save As and find a folder on your external drive to store them.

 

I did follow your instructions and one of my productions was missing a file. That's when I realized the importance of doing it as you said.

 

I don't do much video editing, more photo editing, so I forget things I learned, if I don't repeat them too much. I have copied all your instructions for future reference.

 

Thanks so much to all!

 

Gloria

[Guest mlpasley]

Which brings me to my point, the only DVD file that can't be copied to a PC is one from a DVD 'dash' disc that hasn't been finalized. OR (I haven't seen everything) one that is not in a conventional data format. That wouldn't be useable on any Player either…

 

James,

 

I agree up to a point......

 

You're not taking into account write errors OR a DVD that becomes unreadable because of a flaw in the DVD disk itself. That's when I get 'corrupt' messages that turn the air blue in my house.

 

And I guess I didn't make myself clear. I capture in 20 minute segments in DV AVI and those are the files that I store on Data DVDs and/or on my external drive for backup. I suggested the File\ Output to, DV authoring\ best and burning with Creator Classic because I thought that would be quicker than having to make a DVD menu. It's also easier to just copy the mpeg2 file back onto the hard drive than having to 'capture' from a DVD. ( And yes, I know the .vob files can be renamed, but that's hard to explain.)

 

Gloria,

 

I'm glad you got the external drive. If you have any productions under construction, make certain that you back up your editing files to that drive. Open your production\project, select File\ Save As and find a folder on your external drive to store them.

 

You were wise to get the computer replaced before you had problems. Video editing is very CPU intensive and there usually is some increase in noise, but what you're describing doesn't seem normal.

 

I'd suggest backing up more than once a year.

 

Now that you have the external drive, get in the habit of doing a File\ Save, followed by a File\ Save as..... to a folder on your external drive when you're done with any file for the day. (That includes other programs other than EMC7.)

Then shut down the external drive and unplug the external drive from the wall and your computer. It's about the only way to guarantee a lightning strike, brown out, power surge or mechanical computer failure won't wipe out all your work.

(And no.... I don't always follow my own advice. However, I always back up very important work in this manner.)

[REDWAGON]

Lynn: I have run into that terminology "CPU" many times from others too. I think that most of those OP's just use that "slang" to mean their entire computer. But like you suggested "CPU" actually is the acronym for "Central Processing Unit".

 

Gloria: Thanks for the explanation of how Dell has been handling all of your computer problems for you. And wow !, they have really been nice to you. It usually takes a lot more "squeeky wheel" talk to get the results you got. I purchased Dell computer systems for years before I started building customs ones, and always had great support from them (Hardware wise). The only thing I find from others now, is that their "Out Sourcing" to others out of the US is not that good any more. Congratulations !!!

The exterior HD was a good investment too !!

 

Cheers

Frank...

[salyarena]

I think you have a terminology problem. The CPU - Central Processing Unit, I think - is the chip that does the actual calculations. There is only one of it. I think you mean, "replacing the entire computer".

 

Lynn

 

 

Oh, yes, sorry, the whole computer.

 

Gloria

[lynn98109]

Hi, Guys,

 

I just got back from visiting my mom and buying an external hard drive:-)

 

I browsed through your messages, copied them to a text file to read and analyze later.

 

I am going to copy everything to my new external hard drive and then copy to my new computer. I already have the photos backed up as per your instructions to dvd. I later want to back up my videos to dvd, but I would like to make them like slideshows. For example, I have them in order, by order, occasion, etc. This will take some time though.

 

Redwagon,

 

My computer is making lots of noise acceleration, when I edit my graphics or videos. These XPS do make pretty much noise as they have so many fans, but I think mine was making more than expected. The technicians weren't able to reduce the noise and even had my computer not booting into Windows at the last service. That's when the Dell guy said he would replace it for me for all the trouble I had gone through and not being even able to boot into Windows. This new XPS has a "quiet chassis" which I hope will help too. They came back and got this computer running, so I could back up. Let me tell you, I think they have replaced about every single piece of this cpu.

 

I have two internal drives in this one, so I will get two in the new one. He says it will be my same configuation or better. I still have not gotten the configuration and I still am a little incredulous that they are replacing the cpu. Anyhow, I am getting ready and did plan to backup everything for the new year as I always do. Dell has always given me great service, so I can't complain.

 

I've got to go, will come back later.

 

Have a great Sunday!

 

Gloria

 

I think you have a terminology problem. The CPU - Central Processing Unit, I think - is the chip that does the actual calculations. There is only one of it. I think you mean, "replacing the entire computer".

 

Lynn

[james_hardin]

Thank, Lynn. I didn't know that. (or maybe it's my bad memory)

 

However, I've had DVDs and mpeg2s play on DVDs, but not been able to copy them back to the drive with either Roxio or Windows. So playing it is no guarantee that the information on it will be able to be copied back to a hard drive.

 

So far, the most reliable method of moving or storing productions has been internal and/or external hard drives. I realize that hard drives fail eventually, so I also use Data DVDs for mpeg and 'image' files and Video DVDs for the viewing.

 

But I tend to be a bit paranoid.

 

ML: A data DVD and a Video DVD are the same thing… There is a slight difference in the way Classic and Builder handle something. I think it is in the write-out phase, but v6 and v8 Classic can write a usable DVD Movie as long as you know the file/folder structure.

 

Which brings me to my point, the only DVD file that can't be copied to a PC is one from a DVD 'dash' disc that hasn’t been finalized. OR (I haven't seen everything) one that is not in a conventional data format. That wouldn't be useable on any Player either…

[REDWAGON]

If you have everything backed up on an internal HD, then why don't you just ask Dell to swap out that HD and place it in the new computer, especially if it's not the primary HD that contains the operating system.

I have done that many times with new computers I build. once everything is backed up on another slave HD, I remove that HD from the computer and set it aside. Then when the new one is completed I just place it back into the new computer and the system devices picks it up as another HD just like the old one. You just need to set the switches on the hD as a slave. Afterwards, all the files are there to do with as you please. I just haven't understood what is happening with Dell I guess and if this is an exchange of computers or what ? I am probably making this sound to easy, but having all of ones files backed up on an interior HD is just to simple to not remove that HD and place it in another computer.

 

I'm curious as to how all of this is being handled by Dell. And your statement that you would ask Dell if you could keep the old computer until you had all of your backup files transferred. Can't figure that out either. Did I miss something along the way or what ?

 

Frank........

[Guest mlpasley]

If it's No Bridge (to get away from Joliet limitations), don't set to Verify, because that Verifies to Joliet limitaions.

Lynn

 

Thank, Lynn. I didn't know that. (or maybe it's my bad memory)

 

However, I've had DVDs and mpeg2s play on DVDs, but not been able to copy them back to the drive with either Roxio or Windows. So playing it is no guarantee that the information on it will be able to be copied back to a hard drive.

 

So far, the most reliable method of moving or storing productions has been internal and/or external hard drives. I realize that hard drives fail eventually, so I also use Data DVDs for mpeg and 'image' files and Video DVDs for the viewing.

 

But I tend to be a bit paranoid.

[lynn98109]

If you do decide to copy them all, make certain that you put those disks back into the computer and make certain that the files can be read. I lost some work because the DATA DVD was unable to be read. Also make certain that you change the Creator Classic settings so that you have the 'no bridge' option selected.

 

I didn't suggest that you install another second hard drive to switch to the new computer because I don't want to suggest anything that might void your warranty. The fact that Dell is swapping computers made me think that it might still be under warranty.

 

It's not going to be easy to switch the productions from one computer to another. So you might want to consider doing a File\ Output production to.... Video file\ for DVD authoring\ best. Then burn those productions (new mpeg2 files) to a DATA DVD with Creator Classic ( no bridge, verify files).

 

On the new computer, if editing those new mpeg2 files is difficult, you can do a File\ Output production to.... DV Camcorder to get the DV AVI files back. You MIGHT lose some quality, but if you use EMC 7+ to encode and decode, the loss will be minimal.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Whoops!

 

If it's No Bridge (to get away from Joliet limitations), don't set to Verify, because that Verifies to Joliet limitaions.

 

Just check the disc to be sure it plays.

 

Lynn

[Guest mlpasley]

I'm going to check out an external drive this weekendlost , but am not sure. I might just have to have a lot of patience and copy them all.

Gloria

 

If you do decide to copy them all, make certain that you put those disks back into the computer and make certain that the files can be read. I lost some work because the DATA DVD was unable to be read. Also make certain that you change the Creator Classic settings so that you have the 'no bridge' option selected.

 

I didn't suggest that you install another second hard drive to switch to the new computer because I don't want to suggest anything that might void your warranty. The fact that Dell is swapping computers made me think that it might still be under warranty.

 

It's not going to be easy to switch the productions from one computer to another. So you might want to consider doing a File\ Output production to.... Video file\ for DVD authoring\ best. Then burn those productions (new mpeg2 files) to a DATA DVD with Creator Classic ( no bridge, verify files).

 

On the new computer, if editing those new mpeg2 files is difficult, you can do a File\ Output production to.... DV Camcorder to get the DV AVI files back. You MIGHT lose some quality, but if you use EMC 7+ to encode and decode, the loss will be minimal.

 

Hope that helps.

[salyarena]

I actually do have everything backed up on a second internal drive, BUT this computer is being replaced with a new one, so everything has to go:-( The benefit of having the external drive would have been perfect at this moment.

 

My computer is a Dell XPS (firewire and USB 2)

 

I'm going to check out an external drive this weekend, but am not sure. I might just have to have a lot of patience and copy them all.

 

Have a great weekend and thanks again,

 

Gloria

[lynn98109]

What's the makeup of your computer as far as your HD's are concerned and do you have an IEEE (firewire port or a USB port on the computer. Most all newer computers now come with one or more USB ports, and many also come with a firewire port as well.

 

Frank............

 

And if USB, what KIND of USB? Big difference between USB 1.1 (slow) and USB 2.0 (fast).

 

Lynn

[REDWAGON]

excellent suggestion ml. The only other thing that the OP could do depending on the physical makeup of her computer system would be to back up the AVI files to a dedicated slave drive that has been installed in the system. The OP (Gloria as I remember) didn't give the hardware components she has in her computer. Myself, I have 3 separate HD's in my computer (need to change my profile below) and I have configured one of them as a slave drive that I backup all of my data to. Since it's a slave drive, If my other system HD's go bad, I can always replace them and then install the backup drive again. Probably the same idea of backing up to an external drive like you suggested. What ever drive she uses for backing up AVI file however should probably be quite large, as AVI file take up a lot of space.

 

What's the makeup of your computer as far as your HD's are concerned and do you have an IEEE (firewire port or a USB port on the computer. Most all newer computers now come with one or more USB ports, and many also come with a firewire port as well.

 

Frank............

[salyarena]

The easy way? Invest in an external hard drive that connects with a USB 2 or IEEE 1394 port, depending on what's on your present computer. (IEEE1394 is usually faster)

 

Total up how much space you'll need and find one on sale.

 

Otherwise, you're going to have to put those avi clips onto a storyboard, edit it down to 20 minutes, output it to a DV Camcorder, and then use Creator Classic to burn the new file to a DVD. I tried it and it takes forever.

 

With DVDs costing around 50 cents and external burners on sale for around 50+ cents, there isn't a big difference in cost.

 

If you are able to, consider getting one that's the same size as your new computer's hard drive. Then in the future you can back up everything to the external drive without having to compress the files.

 

Of course, that's probably more information than you wanted.

 

 

That is the ideal solution and one I had in mind, but Christmas just passed and my first priority is a new lens for my camera! :-(

 

I think I'm going to ask Dell, if they can let me have the cpu for a couple of days after they bring the new one, so I can transfer the files. Definitely, an external is in my plans.

 

Thank you!

 

Gloria

[Guest mlpasley]

The easy way? Invest in an external hard drive that connects with a USB 2 or IEEE 1394 port, depending on what's on your present computer. (IEEE1394 is usually faster)

 

Total up how much space you'll need and find one on sale.

 

Otherwise, you're going to have to put those avi clips onto a storyboard, edit it down to 20 minutes, output it to a DV Camcorder, and then use Creator Classic to burn the new file to a DVD. I tried it and it takes forever.

 

With DVDs costing around 50 cents and external burners on sale for around 50+ cents, there isn't a big difference in cost.

 

If you are able to, consider getting one that's the same size as your new computer's hard drive. Then in the future you can back up everything to the external drive without having to compress the files.

 

Of course, that's probably more information than you wanted.