VideoHelp Forum - Capturing and VCR https://forum.videohelp.com/ Everything about capturing analog TV, S/VHS or Cam using Video cards, TV-Cards, or MJPEG or MPEG1/2/4 hardware realtime capture cards. Also VCR, VHS hardware recording problems. en Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:00:38 GMT vBulletin 60 https://forum.videohelp.com/images/misc/rss.png VideoHelp Forum - Capturing and VCR https://forum.videohelp.com/ <![CDATA[Panasonic D-3 (AJ-D350/AJ-D351) Calibration & Alignment Discussion]]> https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420666-Panasonic-D-3-%28AJ-D350-AJ-D351%29-Calibration-Alignment-Discussion?goto=newpost Sun, 07 Jun 2026 04:14:17 GMT Hello! I've recently acquired a pair of Panasonic D-3 decks (AJ-D350/AJ-D351) that I'm working to bring back into reliable operating condition. I've spent the last several weeks going through service documentation, performing board swaps, taking measurements, comparing behavior between machines, and generally getting far deeper into these decks than I ever expected.

At this point I'm less interested in basic troubleshooting suggestions and more interested in hearing from anyone with real-world experience calibrating and aligning D-3 machines. In particular, I'd love to connect with technicians who have experience with RF/envelope evaluation, servo adjustments, tape path alignment, error-rate interpretation, and the factory calibration procedures used on these decks.

I have one machine that will intermittently play and another that exhibits a different set of transport and playback-related issues. I've gathered a considerable amount of diagnostic information already, but I'd prefer not to flood this initial post with pages of measurements and scope readings unless someone has experience in these machines and is willing to dig into the details.

D-3 expertise seems increasingly difficult to find, so if you've worked on these decks in broadcast environments, Panasonic service centers, or engineering departments, I'd greatly appreciate any guidance, calibration notes, or lessons learned.

Thanks in advance. I'm eager to learn and document the process as these machines are brought back to life! ]]> Capturing and VCR Frosty Joey https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420666-Panasonic-D-3-%28AJ-D350-AJ-D351%29-Calibration-Alignment-Discussion Squiggly lines on Panasonic DMR ES-15 https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420656-Squiggly-lines-on-Panasonic-DMR-ES-15?goto=newpost Fri, 05 Jun 2026 02:38:06 GMT Image
[Attachment 92577 - Click to enlarge]
Hi all,

I recently started having this weird issue after a power outage. I've had issues with my DVD player before with the disc try not closing, but this is the first time I'm seeing this weird squiggly lines. They appear both on S-Video as well as component. I use my DVD player as TBC passthrough for tapes. These lines only appear periodically. Anyone know what's causing them?

Here's a video sample:
https://mega.nz/file/jlEVgAaC#A6gvUMCG5lguqffezEL_GytEcGD_3eByITxdY_6r57E ]]> Capturing and VCR ChibiBoi https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420656-Squiggly-lines-on-Panasonic-DMR-ES-15 GV-USB2: lots of frame drops with AmaRecTV (VirtualDub okay) https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420643-GV-USB2-lots-of-frame-drops-with-AmaRecTV-%28VirtualDub-okay%29?goto=newpost Mon, 01 Jun 2026 23:29:44 GMT Hi everyone!

I'm working on digitizing some old family VHS-C tapes and am running into issues using my IO-DATA GV-USB2 alongside AmaRecTV 3.10. I'm getting an incredibily high amount of frame drops, to the point where I think it's not my (not great) setup but something badly configured in the process. And I say this because I've also been using VirtualDub 1.9.11 with much better results. The thing is that VirtualDub gives me audio issues on not-so-good tapes (a/v unsync or chipmunk audio), and it seems like AmaRecTV is the go-to if you have a GV-USB2. So I'd like to get that working properly.

Finding an S-VHS VCR or a dedicated TBC is nearly impossible where I live, so I am locked into this setup for now. And I know it's not the proper setup, but I'm very confortable with the results VirtualDub is giving me if it weren't for the audio issues. If I can achieve those frame drop/insert numbers using AmaRecTV + the audio/video sync benefits it provides, then I'd be super stoked.

Setup:
- Samsung SV-C140N (6-head Hi-Fi, Composite output only, no S-Video).
- I-O DATA GV-USB2 (Windows 11 version package).
- SV-C140N ---composite---> GV-USB2 ---usb---> Windows 11 PC

I did a small test with both AmaRecTV 3.10 and VirtualDub 1.9.11 using the same tape, and these are my results:
- AmaRecTV shows 30 dropped frames in the report file (35 second video)
- VirtualDub shows 0 dropped frames and 4 frames inserted (51 second video)
Image
[Attachment 92540 - Click to enlarge]

I'll provide both files and the report in the post so you can check for yourself.

My settings in AmaRecTV 3.10:
Video Device: GV-USB2, Analog Capture
Input: Composite
Format: w=720, h=480, fps=29.97, fcc=YUY2, bit=16
Audio: GV-USB2, Analog Capture (also tried WaveIn, same results)
Codec: Lagarith (Lossless)
Audio Format: Uncompressed
Priority: High
Use Null Frame: Checked

I've tried EVERYTHING, from saving the files to both my drives, using different USB ports on my computer, disabling internet, disabling services, using HuffYuv instead of Lagarith, compatibility modes, run as admin, you name it. Since VirtualDub doesn't give me this amount of frame drops, one would assume that there is a setting or something on my Windows PC that's causing an issue with AmaRecTV.

Thank you in advance for your help!
Attached Files
]]> Capturing and VCR camilofabregas https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420643-GV-USB2-lots-of-frame-drops-with-AmaRecTV-%28VirtualDub-okay%29 <![CDATA[I have an older system, but it doesn't have an AGP MB interface. Options?]]> https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420627-I-have-an-older-system-but-it-doesn-t-have-an-AGP-MB-interface-Options?goto=newpost Fri, 29 May 2026 22:50:10 GMT Hi,

I have an older PCIE MB that does have old PCI slots, but no AGP slots. From what I understand, a few of the old ATI AIO AGP cards are quite good for analog video to digital due to both the hardware and the software they could use. There was some software called Soap I think?

If I can't find an old AGP computer in my area to buy, what would I be losing if I used an ATI USB 600 instead? Anything?

My current old system is running Windows XP Pro, so from an OS standpoint I should be gtg.

I'm also looking for a replacement SVHS player, as mine stopped working for unknown reasons, other then age. Anyone know of a reputable dealer out there?

I'm in Canada BTW.

Thanks for your help! ]]> Capturing and VCR Fireflyx https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420627-I-have-an-older-system-but-it-doesn-t-have-an-AGP-MB-interface-Options Panasonic NV-FS 200 (AG-1980) TBC problem https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420621-Panasonic-NV-FS-200-%28AG-1980%29-TBC-problem?goto=newpost Fri, 29 May 2026 08:16:30 GMT My Panasonic NV-FS200 (AG-1980) has developed an issue. When I cold start the unit and switch between TBC on/off, I get this strange artifact. It's now become so severe that the problem is permanent.

The main power supply has been refurbished, all capacitors on the TBC board have been replaced, and the soldering looks fine. The head amp has also been serviced. The unit is now at a repair center, but they haven't been able to identify the issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where we should look? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've uploaded the video to YT: https://youtu.be/_Nj1H2afmUM

Thanks in advance.!
Attached Files
]]> Capturing and VCR VR20D https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420621-Panasonic-NV-FS-200-%28AG-1980%29-TBC-problem Good VCRs with auto tracking https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420610-Good-VCRs-with-auto-tracking?goto=newpost Wed, 27 May 2026 00:50:17 GMT Does anyone know of any VCRs from reputable manufacturers that have auto tracking? That feature came in very handy on my Sony SLV-D360P, but I've had two of them die on me so I don't want to buy another one. Right now I'm looking at the JVC HR-VP646U. Whatever I buy, I plan to use it for digitization ]]> Capturing and VCR peanutsoup https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420610-Good-VCRs-with-auto-tracking Pinnacle 700 PCI AV/DV2 audio problem https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420594-Pinnacle-700-PCI-AV-DV2-audio-problem?goto=newpost Sat, 23 May 2026 15:16:53 GMT Does anyone have the original drivers that came on the installation CD for this graphics card?

Image
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I've never been able to get the RCA audio inputs on this sound card to work. I know it needs to run on Windows XP or Win7 32-bit.
I recently bought the same card and those audio inputs don't work either. The drivers I found online didn't work; someone told me I need the original CD, but I don't have it. ]]> Capturing and VCR Litaiff https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420594-Pinnacle-700-PCI-AV-DV2-audio-problem Multi Color Diagonal Lines Across Output Video in VDUB2 https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420593-Multi-Color-Diagonal-Lines-Across-Output-Video-in-VDUB2?goto=newpost Sat, 23 May 2026 08:53:46 GMT When I capture and playback video from VirtualDub2 (https://www.videohelp.com/software/VirtualDub2) I get lines across the image shown in the uploaded photo. I am using a GVUSB2 to capture the video. Everything looks fine in the preview and captures fine in OBS, but VirtualDub2 does not work. Any... When I capture and playback video from VirtualDub2 I get lines across the image shown in the uploaded photo. I am using a GVUSB2 to capture the video. Everything looks fine in the preview and captures fine in OBS, but VirtualDub2 does not work. Any suggestions?


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[Attachment 92433 - Click to enlarge] ]]> Capturing and VCR vGt3 https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420593-Multi-Color-Diagonal-Lines-Across-Output-Video-in-VDUB2 Plextor PX-M402U no preview / no Record button in WinDVD Creator 2 https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420583-Plextor-PX-M402U-no-preview-no-Record-button-in-WinDVD-Creator-2?goto=newpost Thu, 21 May 2026 12:10:24 GMT Hi everyone, I know this is a very old device and there was already a discussion here around 2007 about the Plextor ConvertX (https://www.videohelp.com/software/ConvertXtoDVD) PX-M402U, but since that thread is almost 20 years old, I decided to open a new topic and ask for help again. I... Hi everyone,

I know this is a very old device and there was already a discussion here around 2007 about the Plextor ConvertX PX-M402U, but since that thread is almost 20 years old, I decided to open a new topic and ask for help again.

I recently bought a second-hand Plextor ConvertX PX-M402U from eBay (seller from the USA). The original Plextor application CD is included, with the original serial number for InterVideo WinDVD Creator 2 printed on the sleeve.

I have been trying to get the device working for analog video capture, but I am running into the same problem on multiple systems.

Systems tested:

Microsoft Windows XP SP3 32-bit
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 32-bit

What happens:

The device is detected correctly in Device Manager
Drivers install without warning icons
The blue power LED turns on
BUT the capture LED never turns on
In WinDVD Creator 2, the preview window is black
“Record” and “Input Source” controls are missing/inactive in the Capture section
No video or audio preview appears

I also tested with several other capture applications:

AMCap
VirtualDub
Ulead VideoStudio 8
Nero Vision

Results:

AMCap sometimes gives “Unable to render the video capture stream”
VirtualDub gives Error 418 / no capture device detected
Nero Vision briefly reacts to audio detection but still no preview
No software is able to start actual capture

I also noticed another strange thing:

Inside WinDVD Creator 2, under the Help menu, there is an “Activation” option asking for:

Plextor account
email/password
even the last 4 digits of the original credit card

However:

the software never shows “trial”
there is no activation error during startup
the serial number from the original CD sleeve is accepted normally

So I am wondering:

Could the missing Record/Input Source buttons somehow be related to activation or licensing?

Or is this more likely a DirectShow / WDM driver / capture filter issue on modern Windows systems?

Another question:
Which OS is generally considered the most compatible for the PX-M402U?

XP SP2?
XP SP3?
Windows 7 32-bit?
something else?

If anyone here has previously used this device successfully, especially on Windows 7, I would really appreciate any advice, driver recommendations, required runtimes/codecs, or installation order suggestions.

Thanks a lot. ]]> Capturing and VCR OS_Man https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420583-Plextor-PX-M402U-no-preview-no-Record-button-in-WinDVD-Creator-2 Sony slv 799hf eject problem https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420575-Sony-slv-799hf-eject-problem?goto=newpost Wed, 20 May 2026 02:42:39 GMT I have a sony slv799hf that works great except when it ejects a tape it seems to strain for just a moment then shoots the tape out fast and hard. I already removed loading mechanism and cleaned mode switch. I also checked for any binding in the gears and the loading mechanism and found none. I made... I have a sony slv799hf that works great except when it ejects a tape it seems to strain for just a moment then shoots the tape out fast and hard. I already removed loading mechanism and cleaned mode switch. I also checked for any binding in the gears and the loading mechanism and found none. I made sure all alignment marks were as they should be and I applied new lubricant to all necessary places. Yet the tape still ejects really hard and fast. It will literally shoot out onto the floor if I weren't there to catch it. Any help is greatly appreciated, and if I have posted incorrectly I apologize. I am new at this ]]> Capturing and VCR Dannykwest1 https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420575-Sony-slv-799hf-eject-problem VHS tape has multiple color format that change during playback https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420563-VHS-tape-has-multiple-color-format-that-change-during-playback?goto=newpost Mon, 18 May 2026 08:26:17 GMT Hi, I got a tape that consist of a compilation of recorded footage splitted into clips that chain together. The problem is that the tape likely contains PAL format colors and SECAM format colors, I just noticed that a part of my original capture record contained noisy colors of plain blue and... Hi,
I got a tape that consist of a compilation of recorded footage splitted into clips that chain together.

The problem is that the tape likely contains PAL format colors and SECAM format colors, I just noticed that a part of my original capture record contained noisy colors of plain blue and red and when I watched that part on my CRT with my VCR it just appeared fully colored without a problem.

I use virtualdub to record the tape.

Is there a way for it to change the color format by detection during the playback ?
Or do I have to record both part aside and merge them back together after the 2 records ?


Thanks for considering ]]> Capturing and VCR Hamilthon https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420563-VHS-tape-has-multiple-color-format-that-change-during-playback Very strange problem with VHS https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420557-Very-strange-problem-with-VHS?goto=newpost Fri, 15 May 2026 20:13:31 GMT Hi everyone! I have a very strange problem with my VCRs.

I have two VCRs: a JVC HR-J770MS and a Samsung SV-DVD3E. I'm getting constant blue/colored horizontal lines/noise on the screen.

I've tested this on three different TVs (two CRTs and one LCD), and the problem appears on both.

I've already tried:

- Two different SCART cables and one composite cable
- Several different VHS tapes
- Cleaning the heads

I'm completely lost and I really don't know what to do anymore, so if anyone has any ideas I would be very grateful even if it doesn't work :)
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]]> Capturing and VCR VicTeam https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420557-Very-strange-problem-with-VHS Sony HVR-M25N Deck Problem https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420556-Sony-HVR-M25N-Deck-Problem?goto=newpost Fri, 15 May 2026 10:13:42 GMT Hello there.

I recently bought this device. I have 200 HDV tapes to convert, but it's having this problem: when I turn it on, it makes a noise and then shuts down (Attached video File). I haven't taken it to anyone to fix yet; I'd like advice from the technicians here first. If the solution is too complex I'll put it up for sale.

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]]> Capturing and VCR Litaiff https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420556-Sony-HVR-M25N-Deck-Problem Hi8 video Capture workflow - finishing to Atomos Ninja Blade https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420545-Hi8-video-Capture-workflow-finishing-to-Atomos-Ninja-Blade?goto=newpost Wed, 13 May 2026 12:10:21 GMT Hi,

I hope anyone with skill can help,

I'm an amateur enthusiast trying to digitise my over 120 video8 tapes, (I couldn't afford using an external service for this so I decided to go solo)

I know you guys know your stuff,

Just wondered on a yay or nay in your opinion on the following setup:

Starting with a s-video out from Camcorder into the following setup:

1: SONY RDR-HXD870 (has a reasonable TBC), then out again via s-video to

2: Analgue-to-SDI converter (blackmagic design), into -

3: Decimator Design MD-HX - the out via HDMI cable to

4: Ninja Blade, (writing Pro Res LT 1080p)

Looking forward to any advice you may have

Cheers,
LP :cool: ]]> Capturing and VCR lpdg1 https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420545-Hi8-video-Capture-workflow-finishing-to-Atomos-Ninja-Blade Audio drift with VirtualDub 1.9.11? https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420521-Audio-drift-with-VirtualDub-1-9-11?goto=newpost Fri, 08 May 2026 22:45:04 GMT Hi all!

I've recently upgraded my VHS capture setup from barebones (standard VCR into ElGato) to something that is actually useful. (Please see "Capture Setup" below). I have been trying to capture through this setup, but I have noticed significant audio drift. This starts small, but by the end of an hour long capture, the audio is noticeably off (couple seconds behind).

Background
I retrofitted Windows 7 onto my HP EliteDesk 800 G3, which was a bit of a hassle, but seems to be running well now.
I have installed the recommended Windows 7 ATI TV Wonder 600 USB drivers that are available on this site.
I am sending both S-Video/Audio from the HS-U795 through the DVR-640H, and into my ATI TV Wonder 600 USB, which as far as I can tell is connected to a USB 2.0 port.
I am saving to a secondary internal SSD (OS not installed on it).
VirtualDub does not show frames being dropped.
Video is compressed with Huffyuv v2.1.1
Audio is not being compressed.
Audio Playback is disabled during capture.

Timing Settings:
[X] Drop frames when captured frames are too close together
[X] Insert null frames when captured frames are too far apart
Null frame burst limit: 10

Resync mode:
[X] Do not resync between audio and video streams

[X] Automatically disable resync when integrated audio/video capture is detected

Audio latency determination:
[X] Automatic - Number of audio blocks to use at start: 30


Things to note:
VirtualDub shows CPU usage fluctuating between 15%-50% (which seems strange to me, but maybe this is normal)
I am noticing jitter of -3ms at times, but I do not know if this is significant enough to cause a major delay.
I did try having audio bypass the DVR-640H entirely, but that resulted in worse drift.
I have experimented with multiple tapes, and drift is consistent across them.
I forget if I mentioned this, but I don't appear to be getting any dropped frames.
I did notice that the DVR-640H was set to "progressive" not "interlaced", so I'm trying an new capture now.
I wonder if some internal conversion is happening causing a progressive sync issue.

I have attached some screenshots of my configuration as well as capture in progress.

Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions. I'm looking forward to getting involved here.


Capture Setup

Hardware
VCR: Mitsubishi HS-U795
Line TBC: Pioneer DVR-640H
Capture Device: ATI TV Wonder 600 USB
Capture Software: VirtualDub 1.9.11

HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF
OS: Win7 Home Premium
Ver: 6.1.7601 SP1 Build 7601
CPU: Intel i5-7500 @3.40GHz
RAM: 16GB DDR4
C Drive: NVMe (Internal) 1TB
E Drive: SSD (Internal) 512GB
BIOS: HP P-1 Ver. 02.50
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]]> Capturing and VCR dream_emulator https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/420521-Audio-drift-with-VirtualDub-1-9-11