Help! Sound Sync is ALWAYS off no matter what!! HELP Please!

[thepunkerguy]

Ok, well here is the deal. I have a Leadtek WinFast TV 2000 XP Deluxe capture card. I use the S-Video input on it with my SVHS Deck to import old tapes and put them on DVDs. Here is what i do. I import the VHS tapes with the WinFast PVR Program and i import them as Mpeg-2 files with 720X480 resolution, 4200kbps. For the Audio codec i use Mpeg-1 Layer-II at 224kbps. Each tape is like 2 hours. So, i import the video and it works perfectly on the computer.. i can play the mpeg back in windows media player or anything and the sound stays in sync the whole time. The problem comes in when i try to author a DVD. No matter what program i use, after i autor the dvd and tell it to make the dvd folders the sound sync gets gradually off on the dvd. I have tried using Ulead DVD Movie Factory 2, Power Producer, DVD Architect, DVD Lab, TMPEG dvd authoring thingy, and a few other programs. After creting the dvd folder the sound sync is always off on the dvd. I need to make a dvd with just a basic main menu. One thing that i need to do is i need to be able to trip off the end of the video before i convert it to dvd, i need to be able to set start and ending points for the video file, as after importing i usually have extra video at the end. THe main menu needs to have a title on it and i need to be able to put a list of the contents of the tape on the title, then a play button. Thats all i need, but i just dont know why the sound sync gets off. Do i need to import the video with a different codec or program or what.. why does it get out of sync?? I need help quick because i need to import 20 vhs tapes and turn them into DVDs by Christmas.. and i need to have time left over to make 5 copies of each of those DVDs.. please help!
- Mike

[joecav]

I have the same cap card and suffered the same problem when trying to convert my VHS tapes. The only way I could get different (in sync) results was to use my DV camcorder to passthrough to the PC via firewire. After I did that I was able to edit the DVAVI file(snip out commercials), encode and author with everything looking and sounding good. I was looking at the Canopus and Datavideo boxes until I realized I could do the same thing with my camcorder.

I know there are people here that will say it can be done, but I have my doubts with the Winfast cap card.

I know it's not much of an "answer" for you, but thats what I've experienced anyway.

[Barnabas]

thepunkerguy,

Your problem is that your video card is dropping video frames, while the audio frames are not being dropped. Padding will keep the file in sync, but once you try to author it, the padding is lost. A poor source tape is at fault, but even the best VHS tapes are not great to start with, and will likely drop a few frames.

Repairing the sync does not ever work well, so your best choices are.

1: Record using VirtualDUB, and use it's "adjust video dynamically to match audio clock" feature under the timing menu.

That will allow your captured AVI files to stay in sync.

2: Buy a Time Base Corrector. JVC makes some VCR's that have a TBC, so if you are looking to buy a VCR, that's an option. Model JVC-HR-S9911U has such a feature.

3: Make small captures. Usually, the audio and video sync is not noticeable until about 20 minutes or so, so making short captures, can help.

352x480 is all you need for VHS tape to DVD conversions, as there is only so much rez in a VHS tape to start with.

[thepunkerguy]

Hmm, i will try the virtual dub thing, does that usually work pretty well? Also, i am using a JVC HR-S3911U Super VHS ET deck, does that the TBC thing? And yes, the tapes i am using are really old.. they are old family videos from 1988 onward.. I also have a Canon MiniDV cam, if i have to i guess i can put the videos on that and then import it through firewire but that takes twice as long. Thanks guys, at least now i know what the problem is. Thanks
- Mike

[thepunkerguy]

thepunkerguy,

Your problem is that your video card is dropping video frames, while the audio frames are not being dropped. Padding will keep the file in sync, but once you try to author it, the padding is lost. A poor source tape is at fault, but even the best VHS tapes are not great to start with, and will likely drop a few frames.

Repairing the sync does not ever work well, so your best choices are.

1: Record using VirtualDUB, and use it's "adjust video dynamically to match audio clock" feature under the timing menu.

That will allow your captured AVI files to stay in sync.

2: Buy a Time Base Corrector. JVC makes some VCR's that have a TBC, so if you are looking to buy a VCR, that's an option. Model JVC-HR-S9911U has such a feature.

3: Make small captures. Usually, the audio and video sync is not noticeable until about 20 minutes or so, so making short captures, can help.

352x480 is all you need for VHS tape to DVD conversions, as there is only so much rez in a VHS tape to start with.

Hey, in virtual dub, what Resolution and Pixel Depth should i use? I keep getting an error saying "Unsupported VIdeo format" if i try anything past 320X240 @ RGB 24... what do i need to change those to? I dont see 352X480. THanks man.. any other options i should change in virtual dub? I am using the latest 1.5.10 is that ok>?
- Mike

[Barnabas]

First off, I suggest you use the Huffy codec for the highest quality.

Only if your JVC says the words "digipure" will it have the TBC. A TBC will certainly help, but using VirtualDub in the manner described will allow you to capture, edit, and author, and stay in sync.

Rather than RGB, try to see if any of the following will work.

YUY2, UYVY, YVU9

Go to "Custom Format" to see if you can set 352x480 with YUY2, UYVY, YVU9. If you can not, your drivers don't support X x 480 mode. If your card has a Brooktree chipset, the generic drivers from the following URL will do the trick:

http://btwincap.sourceforge.net/

That's the same version of VirtualDub I am using.

[thepunkerguy]

First off, I suggest you use the Huffy codec for the highest quality.

Only if your JVC says the words "digipure" will it have the TBC. A TBC will certainly help, but using VirtualDub in the manner described will allow you to capture, edit, and author, and stay in sync.

Rather than RGB, try to see if any of the following will work.

YUY2, UYVY, YVU9

Go to "Custom Format" to see if you can set 352x480 with YUY2, UYVY, YVU9. If you can not, your drivers don't support X x 480 mode. If your card has a Brooktree chipset, the generic drivers from the following URL will do the trick:

http://btwincap.sourceforge.net/

That's the same version of VirtualDub I am using.

Ok, cool, i got those drivers to work. Now for the next question.. is there any PVR software i can use with this card since the Winfast software wont work with it! Like you know, just to watch TV and such, program stuff to be taped, etc.. And is there anyway to make any software work with the Leadtek Winfast remote that came with it?? Thanks! Also, 352X480 is not a good resolution.. its like very tall and thin, makes the picture all squashed... did you mean something else? I am in america on the NTSC format. Also, i need to trim the beginning and end of the video, should i do that in virtual dub or later in another program. And should i use virtual dub to change the avi to mpeg or should i just let the dvd authoring program do that. If i am supposed to do it in virtual dub, which codec do i use, i dont see a Mpeg2 codec.. thanks

- Mike

[Barnabas]

352x480 IS correct. It will NOT look wrong when played back on your TV, Win DVD or Power DVD. It is a correct DVD format.

You can trim in VirtualDub, or I use TMPGenc DAD author once converted to mpeg-2. I use the TMPGenc encoder to convert the AVI to MPEG-2.

I own a Dishnetwork PVR, so don't use PVR software, as the satellite receiver does it for me. PVR software and your source tapes would put you back to sync problems again too.

[thepunkerguy]

352x480 IS correct. It will NOT look wrong when played back on your TV, Win DVD or Power DVD. It is a correct DVD format.

You can trim in VirtualDub, or I use TMPGenc DAD author once converted to mpeg-2. I use the TMPGenc encoder to convert the AVI to MPEG-2.

I own a Dishnetwork PVR, so don't use PVR software, as the satellite receiver does it for me. PVR software and your source tapes would put you back to sync problems again too.

Ok, is there a way for me to import as mpeg or something.. i just tried to capture 2 hours (a full VHS tape) at 352X480 and it ran out of diskspace! I had 108gig free! Is there any way to make the file sizes any smaller so i can import a full 120 minute tape? I need to try to make 2 hours around 70gig or less.. let me know.. thanks Also, what framerate and audio quality should i be capturing it at? I want to preserve the quality best that i can.. let me know, thanks!
- Mike
- Mike

[Barnabas]

Ok, is there a way for me to import as mpeg or something.. i just tried to capture 2 hours (a full VHS tape) at 352X480 and it ran out of diskspace! I had 108gig free! Is there any way to make the file sizes any smaller so i can import a full 120 minute tape? I need to try to make 2 hours around 70gig or less.. let me know.. thanks Also, what framerate and audio quality should i be capturing it at? I want to preserve the quality best that i can.. let me know, thanks!
- Mike
- Mike

If you are using the huffyuv codec, 2 hours at 352x480 with 44.1 khz audio should take about 30-35 gigs. You have to so select compression and then select the huffuv codec. It would sound like you did not use the Huffy codec, which is why your file was so big.

http://www.divx-digest.com/software/huffyuv.html

You can also use the PicVideo codec, which does better compression but the results will be worse.

Framerate should be 29.9697
You want 48.000 khz for audio if you card can do that. If it can't select 44.1 and have TMPGenc upsample it for you when it's encoding.

[thepunkerguy]

Ok, is there a way for me to import as mpeg or something.. i just tried to capture 2 hours (a full VHS tape) at 352X480 and it ran out of diskspace! I had 108gig free! Is there any way to make the file sizes any smaller so i can import a full 120 minute tape? I need to try to make 2 hours around 70gig or less.. let me know.. thanks Also, what framerate and audio quality should i be capturing it at? I want to preserve the quality best that i can.. let me know, thanks!
- Mike
- Mike

If you are using the huffyuv codec, 2 hours at 352x480 with 44.1 khz audio should take about 30-35 gigs. You have to so select compression and then select the huffuv codec. It would sound like you did not use the Huffy codec, which is why your file was so big.

http://www.divx-digest.com/software/huffyuv.html

You can also use the PicVideo codec, which does better compression but the results will be worse.

Framerate should be 29.9697
You want 48.000 khz for audio if you card can do that. If it can't select 44.1 and have TMPGenc upsample it for you when it's encoding.

Hey, i was wondering... is there any way to download or use a Mpeg2 codec when importing in VirtualDub like i did with the winfast program? THats what i liked about the winfast program.. i could import it directly as Mpeg2.. is there any way i can do this with VirtualDub or another program but that will still do the thing where it adjusts the audio and video so that they stay in sync?? Let me know.. thanks!
- Mike

[Barnabas]

No, capturing as I suggested is the only way to keep your sync on a real bad tape.

[thepunkerguy]

Well, then i guess i am just cut because it takes far to long to import as avi then convert to mpeg.. errr.. is there any quick way to convert to Mpeg2.. because right now it takes 2hrs to import, 3hrs to convert the freaking mpeg and make the dvd (i just put the avi in ulead dvd movie factory and let it convert it.. is there a faster way?)
- Mike

[thepunkerguy]

Hey, I just tried using TMPGEnc to convert it to mpeg. How come it just converts it to a wav and m2v files? Is there any way with any program that i can quickly convert this freaking AVI to a .mpg or.mpeg file??? ULead movie factory wont work with the .wav and .m2v file, it needs a .mpg or mpeg file. And when i just put the AVI in movie factory and let it convert it.. it looked good, but it took a VERY long time and for some reason the screen looked kind of flickery.. why is that? Gosh i am so fed up with trying to make this gay thing work.. why cant anyting be simple.. i just want to take a stupid VHS tape and put it on a DVD without it taking 5000 hours per dvd! Dang this is gay
- Mike

[thepunkerguy]

Ok, please read my other 2 posts above and try to help me with them if you can as well.. but here is another question. How do i convert the AVI to Mpeg with the TMPGEnc wizard, like what are the correct options? On the first screen i choose the NTSC option under the DVD section right? Ok, should i use Linear PCM Audio or Mpeg1? Onto the next scree, for video type should i choose interlaced or non? What should choose for field order.. a or b first? And what about the aspect ratio? What should choose for Content of video, Video Movie or Film? Since i need to select a source range, do i need to put anyting in the "Audio Gap Correct" box, or just leave it at 0? Now for the next screen.. what video resolution should i choose, 352x480 since that is my source file, or should i put 720x480? What about the Average video bitrate? HELP
- Mike

[jeg_jason]

My sister has a 1300mhz Athlon and is able to capture straight to MPEG-2 using software encoding at video bitrates as high as 7000 with no sync problems so I am sure that your system is more than capable. This is what I did to her computer. First I disabled as many Windows services as I could get away with by studying at http://www.blackviper.com/. The quickest way is to install one of the pre-made Safe registry packages. You should also disable screensavers and power management options while capturing. Then I installed a program called Enditall2 to kill all unnecessary programs especially antivirus software before capturing is attempted. The least CPU intensive software that I tried on her system was PowerVCR II Deluxe. Other capture software started dropping frames at much lower bitrates. You can go into advanced settings in the capture profile and set it to highest speed. You download a trial version of the software for free and test it yourself. You should also avoid any multitasking (turning the monitor off helps with this) and disconnect from the internet (unplug your ethernet cord) while capturing. Also make sure that the drive that you are capturing to is defragmented. I am no expert, and some of this maybe voodoo or just plain luck, but it is worth a try. The only other thing that I can think of is that your overclocking your system may have something to do with it. I think I remember hearing about capture problems with onboard sound especially after overclocking. With your system's specs, I would be frustrated too. If time is really of the essence, buy a DVD recorder from a store with a good return policy like Wallyworld. It will get the job done faster with less headache. From there you could rip the disk to your computer and reauthor. I will let your own ethics determine whether to return the unit afterwards, but don't be surprised if you accidently fall in love with while you have it.

[thepunkerguy]

Yeah, i think my problem is more crummy vhs tape from 1988 = dropped frams thus audio sync loss. If i import with Virtual Dub and use the option where it fixes the audio according to the dropped frames, then all is well. And yes, my system is tweaked out the yanghole as i am a avid overclocker and performance pc builder. Here are my current system specs:
Abit NF7-S Nforce2 mobo
2X 512mb Twinmos PC3200 DDR in dual Channel
Athlon XP 2100+ @ 2.31ghz (faster than a Atlon xp 3200+) at 420mhz fsb
2X80gig Western Digital Special Ed. Hard drives on Raid 0
ATI Radeon 9800 Pro

etc.. those are the main parts.. it seems as if i should have spend more money on a better capture card than anyting.. lol.. Its just so frustrating to have a system like mine but just not the right method of doign things to get the job done. eeerrrr! thanks for you help man, i really appreciate it!
- Mike

[thepunkerguy]

Hey, my friend is bringing a Canopus ADVC-100 (i think) over tomorrow.. will that automatically fix the audio sync issues before it his the computer? Also, if so, what program can i use with the Canopus to imort directly as Mpeg2?
- Mike

[Barnabas]

Use TMPGenc's wizard. The flicker is usually the wrong field order. Wizard will get the correct field order. It takes a LONG time to do this correctly. If your souce was better you can just use a Hardware encoding capture card like the Hauppauge PVR-250 and capture in real-time mpeg-2 format, but with a poor source, that's not possible.