[Dirty Diaper/Maxipad Lover]

Although these are pretty much directed at DailyDi and Angela, some members might be able to answer some of the more general questions I have.

1. Are these actual factory "pressed" DVDs, or are they DVD-R copies that DailyDi is distributing? The reason I ask this question is two-fold: If Di can sell 1,000 copies of Angela's videos, it might be cheaper to press DVD copies rather than burn them, if Di can sell 2,000 copies of Angela's videos, it's almost definitely going to be cheaper to factory press the discs rather than burn them. Again, I don't know what Di's sales figures are, but I do know at what point it becomes feasible to press DVDs rather than burn them. The second reason is that I want to know what I may be purchasing.

2. If these are DVD-R copies, how did Di transfer them to DVD? Did he use a VCR and a Set-Top DVD recorder, or did he use a VCR connected to some sort of video capture box connected to his computer? Did he just "copy" the movie from the tape and then burn it to disc, or were steps taken to enhance, improve, and restore the video?

3. This is directed primarily at Angela: When you initially shot "Darling Baby Angel," and "Angela's Fantasy," what format did you master them onto? VHS, S-VHS, or something else entirely?

4. This is directed primarily at DailyDi: I noticed that you mentioned the version that you're offering as a download has an 800x600 resolution. I'm just curious, why did you take what to the best of my knowledge is a ~240 (theoretical) pixel VHS tape, and then upscale it to 800x600 pixels? Even if you restored the tape, (I'm going to assume that you didn't for a moment,) the increased resolution would likely only decrease the picture quality, because the source image was never meant to be blown up to such a high resolution. (High resolution in comparison to a ~240 VHS tape anyway.) Was there a specific reason that you didn't just stick to a 720x480 NTSC (Display Aspect Ratio) resolution? I could understand if you went from 720x480 to 640x480 for the "digital copy" of Angela's videos, but I'm admittedly having trouble understanding why you went to 800x600. (For those who are curious: 640x480 is the actual aspect ratio that the DVD plays back at; 720x480 is the "Display Aspect Ratio." DVDs use codes known as "flags" to determine how to play back a video properly. I won't go into detail here, because unless you already have a good understanding of aspect ratios, a detailed explanation will only confuse you. All you need to know is that NTSC DVDs should be encoded at 720x480, DV tape records at 720x480, and NTSC/ATSC HDTV uses an entirely different 16:9 aspect ratio. Widescreen computer monitors are another mess entirely.)

5. Did DailyDi leave the DVD version of the films interlaced? While the "streaming" preview clip would be best de-interlaced, de-interlacing the DVD or "digital copy" will actually lower the quality of the video. In the case of the DVD copy, the DVD player or TV should de-interlace the video "on-the-fly," and in the case of the digital download, most modern software comes with an option to de-interlace "on-the-fly," which is what people should use for videos transferred from VHS.

Angela and DailyDi, I really think that you should look into restoring "Darling Baby Angel" and "Angela's Fantasy," if you haven't done so already. If you still have your "camera masters" Angela, those would be the best quality source tapes to work with, and if not, DailyDi's tape, and possibly any other comparable copies combined would yield the best "restored" copy. Some things can only be fixed at the analog (VHS) level, for example stand-alone full-frame Time/Base-Corrector, or TBC is a device that might eliminate the problematic tracking lines entirely.

Furthermore, something as simple as the VCR that you use could make a huge difference in the quality of a restored video. High Quality S-VHS VCRs are best for restoring VHS tapes, and many older units (devices made in 2001 or earlier,) are actually better than the VCRs currently on the market. Although VHS separates Chroma/Luma during recording, a standard VHS VCR doesn't allow you to play back video using this method. An S-VHS VCR in contrast, will not only play S-VHS tapes, but VHS tapes as well, and it'll allow you to separate Chroma/Luma, which will provide the best quality video for restoration. There are several popular S-VHS VCR models among those who restore videotapes, they include the JVC HR-S9800U, JVC HR-S9900U, JVC HR-S9911U, and Panasonic AG-1980. (The "newer" JVC HR-S9600U is unsuitable for restoration.) All four of the VCRs that I've just mentioned are S-VHS decks that can be found on eBay, and are semi-professional devices.

Finally, if either of you are interest in restoring "Darling Baby Angel," or "Angela's Fantasy," or are interested in tips, tricks, and information pertaining to restoring those videos, please feel free to PM me, and I'll respond as soon as I can. From what I understand, "Darling Baby Angel" may be the first AB/DL video that we actually know of, and if that's the case, I think that we should all take steps to preserve it. I'm more than willing to offer my skills and/or my knowledge regarding video restoration to both DailyDi and Angela to ensure that "Darling Baby Angel" and "Angela's Fantasy" are preserved in the highest quality possible; there's a huge difference between merely "digitizing" and actually "restoring" a videotape.

[Repaid1]

If I remember correctly and I may be wrong. These were shot with a Camcorder so no S-VHS at the time. Standard VHS Res on the master. VHS to Computer Capture and Burned to DVD.

Like I said It's been a bit since this film was made, and I don't know specifics on Daily's conversion. But It didn't seem that he had enough time to do any upgrading with filters and corrections from the time he started sending copies. I have only started using software such as Virtual Dub and the like. I'm sure it could be made a bit better, but it isn't exactly a major budget film. I would doubt even as good as it is to have it would be worth Pressing the DVD's. As long as he is using a Quality DVD such as Verbatim or the other top named Blanks it's worth the $10. I don't think he is going to sell 2000 copies as he has already sent out the initial runs that were requested, but that amount of sales would be nice!

I am also assuming that the resolution was chosen for a base to play on computers rather than a stand alone Dvd. That again is just a assumption. Daily is out of town for a few days and Angela is on her way to Australia till mid December.

Personally I would have loved to see this remastered and converted to a higher level but unless like you said someone such as you devotes the hours I doubt it would happen. For $10 you can't beat the price. Especially if you knew what we used to pay for the VHS copy from the original supplier. So anyway I'll let Daily and Angela handle the real answers as Angela's husband Don is the real man behind the camera and production and was using some pretty good equipment for the day.

I know using today's cameras and technology would be sweet but at the time these things weren't really the mainstream or readily available. If daily were to allow for a upgrade then he would be left with the problem of refunding or upgrading those who already received it, probably alot more trouble than the demand I would think. Who knows??

[DailyDi]

1: These are DVD-R copies. I have talked to several pressing companies and if there is enough interest we will do a professional release of the videos, but for now the intent is to keep the price as low as possible for the ABDL community.

2: Angela transfered the movies from the best available VHS copy and sent me the DVD which I have since edited and made minor improvements too. We hope to still find the original masters and make better copies down the road.

3. Defer to Angela - she is on a trip ATM and will respond as time allows.

4: The resolution change applies ONLY to the download edition, and was the reccomended aspect ratio and size of my software.

5: I am not - by any means - a video editing expert. I made no changes to the original DVD except some editing of old notices and dead air.

The camera masters have been misplaced - but Angela hasn't given up on finding them. If they are recovered I will redo the DVD's to the best possible quality - and make replacement discs available to those who buy now - though I have to say the current copies are quite good with just a little VHS tracking-line annoyance, but good picture and sound.

[square_duck]

You said that these are DVD-R copies, but the DVD I received was a DVD+R, which, unfortunately, wont work on my silly comp. I was going to look for a way to convert it somewhere, if thats possible..since I didn't want to ask here, but since the subject has been brough up, is there a way to have it converted from DVD +R to DVD-R for those of us with odd ball machines (old Emac)

qwack

[Repaid1]

square_duck, on 01 November 2009 - 03:18 PM, said:

You said that these are DVD-R copies, but the DVD I received was a DVD+R, which, unfortunately, wont work on my silly comp. I was going to look for a way to convert it somewhere, if thats possible..since I didn't want to ask here, but since the subject has been brough up, is there a way to have it converted from DVD +R to DVD-R for those of us with odd ball machines (old Emac)

qwack

Transfer the folders and files to your harddrive, then burn back to a -R. Hopefully you can read the files but just not play. If not find someone with a PC to do it for you. Depending on your Stand alone DVD it "should" play that way too. I know that +R's can be tricky I always use -R's for my movies for friends and whatnot.

[square_duck]

Nope, it wont do that, my comp wont even recognize the disc, which sucks, it just sits there trying to figure out what I put in, clumking around for a bit, before it spits it back out...kind of funny really, but sad too....cant watch Angeles movie!



......help??

qwack

[Repaid1]

square_duck, on 01 November 2009 - 03:55 PM, said:

Nope, it wont do that, my comp wont even recognize the disc, which sucks, it just sits there trying to figure out what I put in, clumking around for a bit, before it spits it back out...kind of funny really, but sad too....cant watch Angeles movie!



......help??

qwack

Then you need to go to my plan B, and do it on someones PC, They don't really have to see what is on it as your just doing Data. It's that or ask Daily if you could swap it for a -R. I could do it for you in 10 minutes but I'm a bit far from you..Perhaps Bri?? You could take it to Kinko's or something but you might get some funny looks. You could just tell them it's a project or something and they can just Ditto the darn thing without looking..Don't know what else to tell you. Like I said I have to many problems with +r's. Well they play in all my DVD's and Computers but the older home DVD players don't like them. There is also a slight chance you got a coaster...have you tried a +R before?

[DailyDi]

All DVD's I send out are tested on my DVD player (not pc.) if you continue to have problems I can send you a link to the download version?

[square_duck]

Thanks for the replies!
I had thought about maybe using my brothers PC (older dell laptop) and see what I could do with that, and I also didn't know this was more for use in a DVD player and not a puter
I don't even know if I have a DVD player...we got a lot of stuff out of my dads place, but I don't think that was one of the items. he had one, but I think someone else snapped it up
So I'll tinker around with my bros puter and see if that works..or did around for a DVD player WTF..

Thanks again for all your kind thoughts


qwack

[Repaid1]

square_duck, on 02 November 2009 - 02:57 AM, said:

Thanks for the replies!
I had thought about maybe using my brothers PC (older dell laptop) and see what I could do with that, and I also didn't know this was more for use in a DVD player and not a puter
I don't even know if I have a DVD player...we got a lot of stuff out of my dads place, but I don't think that was one of the items. he had one, but I think someone else snapped it up
So I'll tinker around with my bros puter and see if that works..or did around for a DVD player WTF..

Thanks again for all your kind thoughts


qwack

I guess I meant to mention (Sorry) that unless your Bro has the software for XP or is running Vista or Win 7 your going to have a hard time burning a DVD on a PC.. Win Vista and 7 have drag and drop to DVD. XP requires a separate software. I just thought of something as your system is older have you been online to see if you can do a Firmware upgrade on your drive? I did that on my wife's old Desktop's DVD and got faster Burn Speed and compatibility. For the sake of Headaches, I think I would take Mike up on the download if your just going to watch it on your PC though. The problem there is your Dial-up though...You got issues there Duck! I thought I was bad off not running a Dual-Core yet. If I can help in any way let me know. I'm pretty good finding Drivers and stuff online, then I could just email it to ya.

These things happen, I deal with it all the time on my "Side Work", I hope you folks reading this don't think that Daily Di is shipping a inferior product, I can assure you it is not!! This is a common problem among "older" machines and equipment. Actually for the price of a DVD you can upgrade most drives today! Best of luck Duck!

[square_duck]

Thanks,
I know owning an old comp is kind of an 'issue' and being on dial up, but I have been considering buying a new comp, and update everything. I don't know if updating this one is worth it.
One other thing I realized is that, for some reason I have it associated in my head that DVD's play on computers....and I completely forgot about dvd players so it was part of my 'obsessive' thinking that this DVD 'should' be able to play on my comp.....<DUH>
I don't know what my bros lap top has, it's probably about 4 years old....and more then likely doesn't have any of the new 'whiz bang' gizmoes and software thats available today.
I'll check around for the DVD player, I know theres one around here somewhere....I think (obsessing more) and I am sure the quality of th product is top rate, or as best as can be made using what ever techniques are available for a limited release. The technical problem is mine, and only mine, but thanks for the help...it will resolve itself in time.

qwack

[lil_baby_wet_n_squishy]

Most modern dvd players/ burners for PCs will play/read +R and -R. Only times you will run into issues if your computer is 5+ years old. The eMacs can only read regular DVDs and the later models DVD-Rs. It wouldn't be worth it to put any money into upgrading as its obsolete.