Looking for a good video encoder program

[Ryushikaze]

As the thread suggests, I'm looking for a program that will take incoming video data and encode it into an editable format, and then, if possible, convert it into video DVD format.

It doesn't have to be one program, but it does have to be relatively simple to operate, seeing as my mother will be using this to make video DVD backups of all of our old home movies. We already have a perfectly functional input device, and the program it came with isn't too bad, except that it automatically stops recording when it detects a gap in the incoming data stream, and there are tons of tiny gaps in our old VHS tapes, and this feature cannot be turned off.

So, I ask you, SD.net, what is the best program or set of programs that will allow us to record incoming video data, edit it later, convert it to DVD Video format, and does NOT have an auto cutout switch when it detects gaps in the incoming data stream?

If you have to pay, that's alright, but free would be preferred.

[Zixinus]

My dad is found of Pinnacle Studio.

[Admiral Valdemar]

Avidemux is my personal favourite when encoding files to use on my iPod/mobile or for DVD playback.

[Dominus Atheos]

As the thread suggests, I'm looking for a program that will take incoming video data and encode it into an editable format, and then, if possible, convert it into video DVD format.

It doesn't have to be one program, but it does have to be relatively simple to operate, seeing as my mother will be using this to make video DVD backups of all of our old home movies. We already have a perfectly functional input device, and the program it came with isn't too bad, except that it automatically stops recording when it detects a gap in the incoming data stream, and there are tons of tiny gaps in our old VHS tapes, and this feature cannot be turned off.

So, I ask you, SD.net, what is the best program or set of programs that will allow us to record incoming video data, edit it later, convert it to DVD Video format, and does NOT have an auto cutout switch when it detects gaps in the incoming data stream?

If you have to pay, that's alright, but free would be preferred.

It helps when you tell us what operating system you have.

[Ryushikaze]

It helps when you tell us what operating system you have.

Ah. Sorry. It's a Win XP machine. I'd rattle of more information, but seeing as it's a two hour drive away, I've got sparse details.

Anyways, thanks for the suggestions thus far.