Since the SW movies are just a bit over 2 hours, I would like to record them at the 3 hour setting and then stick in the trailers also.
My question is this: When I import the VOB files into DVD-Lab...will there be a problem since there is actually 3 hours of recording time, but only 2 hours of space on the DVD? Won't that send up a red flag somewhere?"
Yes, because the files are already compressed. Now, some programs can recompress the MPEG even more (I believe DVDLab will do this). However, it's generally not as good an MPEG codec as you would get from an actual mastering program. Considering that your master source is VHS, you really don't want to compress these files anymore than you need to.
Your best bet - copy the movie from the beginning ("A long time ago.....") to the final credits. You might want to time it, and see how much you can squeeze in. Mind you, my transfers had the entire intro (Fox theme, Lucasfilm theme, ending credits), but the LD master is of higher quality, and not only has fewer artifacts when compressing, but actually compresses better than a VHS capture (GIGO), so my version would still look better than yours.
So, you have three choices
1) Just stick to the immediate film (my recommendation for this particular scenario, at least until you have better options). Try to squeeze in as much as you can in the 2-hour setting. Put any extras on a separate disc.
2) Record all of what you want on the 3-hour setting, and recompress (there are a number of applications that will do this, but visual quality will suffer in all cases.)
3) Buy a dual-layer DVD burner to get past the 4.7 GB limit (You can get a great one for $60.)
"I don't think it would be because there is 3 hours of recording time (at a slightly lesser quality than shorter recording times), but the VOB files take up the same file space as a 2 hour recording would."
They would take up more space, but again, it would record everything you wanted, and you could recompress to a smaller size (quality takes a hit.)
[EDIT] It just occured to me, I don't know for sure if the VOBs would take up more space than not. It would be interesting to try it both ways and find out (if you have the patience for it.
)And keep me informed of your progress.
