[LRflex] OT: analog video8 to DVD transfer using a Mac - QUESTIONS to experts

Really Off Topic
I'm seeking information, experience report, and advice on how to transfer Video8 tapes onto DVDs with as little quality loss as possible while keeping the highest resolution present on the master tapes.. I am NOT looking for the best way to compress archives, I'm looking for the least loss in quality - space/weight of the file is no issue here. 

My equipment:
Sony Video8 player.
Pinnacle analog to Mac interface (RCA -> USB2)
IMac - 3.06 with extended ram and a 500Gb HD. Latest OS.
External HDs.
Note that : I also have a VHS/DVD player/recorder that can also burn DVDs from an external source (the Video8 player can then be plugged in by means of RCA) 
Yet creating chapters and readjusting sequences proves near impossible.
And the Mac facilities/features are lost.

My current Mac problem:
I do get converted files, in MPEG4 format, but the quality is very poor, and the images are resized to fit I-Pods ... (I'll end up hating the Mac closed world). I'd like to be able to play the DVDs on any standard DVD player, edit sequences, add titles, etc and retain the original quality. 
So far not good.

Question:
Has anyone here found a near lossless solution on the Mac and what is it?
Which interface and programmes have you used that would help me reach my after all very simple goal; best preserving my analog kids memory through the digital age. 

Thanks in anticipation for your advice drawing on experience.
Maybe better off list as this is all really OT?
Philippe


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  • » [LRflex] OT: analog video8 to DVD transfer using a Mac - QUESTIONS to experts - Philippe AMARD