To code and decode PAL or NTSC dv frames, check out libdv. It can be optimized to
take advantage of both MMX and libXv extensions for codec and display
respectively. Note that this library needs a better API, is barely
portable to C++, and is slower than what you'd see on Windows without
a fast graphics card supported by libXv. On the other hand, it's the
only solution I know of that does a good job of DV decode on linux.
To diagnose, understand, control or otherwise spy on your 1394 setup with a GUI, check out gscanbus. It understands the protocols common to many consumer 1394 devices. To control remote DV cameras and decks from commandline programs: try coriander or dvcont. Coriander is based on libdc1394 and dvcont is based on gscanbus. libdc1394 is an api/library for controlling cameras and decks in C.
To convert DV AVIs to mjpeg AVIs (which can then be converted to MPEG) see MJPEG Tools and the Linux Video and DVD Project for more information.
dvgrab digital video grabbing program
Capture online DV capture program
dv_audio dv audio extractor program
gvplay GNOME AVI player from GA-Tech student
xdv decode dv live from ISO channel
Bill Alexander's1394 References and Programming examples
SMPTE Standard 314M
IEC Standards 61384
1394 Trade Association: One of the main DV rallying sites for industry
Adam Wilt's DV
Pages are wonderful. They have all sorts of useful DV knowlege
including: cross-reference and description of physical media for
consumer and pro grade digital video and media. Also, comparisons of
BetaCAM and many others to DV
Engdahl's Video Technology Page
DV and Firewire Central: a video consumer's info site
Video University: DV consumer site with interesting articles
SONY DVCAM Format
This is a very good intro to the vanillas of the consumer DV format
HP Tech Report :HPL-98-140Converting 2-4-8 transforms to standard 8-8 transforms.
SONY DVCAM Format
This document also has a good DV DCT usage basics section.