Stopping frames from dropping

[SGB]

I have an Acer PC that has 40 gig of HD, 256 MB RAM and a 2.4 GHz Celeron CPU.

I did some video capturing experimentation this afternoon, recording from a PAL source at 320x240 and at 25fps via a USB port. But every time I do a recording, 1 or 2 frames gets dropped per minute. Granted, most people don't notice frame drops like that, but I do and it kinda irks me a little.

Is there anyway I can stop frames from dropping without needing to do any major upgrades?

[indolikaa]

* Disable/close all Windows services (like virus scanners, firewalls, IM progs, etc.) and physically disconnect your network connection if you're DSL or Cable.

* Make sure your disk-access is set for DMA and not PIO.

* Defrag your hard drive prior to capturing.

There's three possible problems that come to mind right away when frames start dropping. If you could post some more detailed information on your system, other possible problems might surface.

Also, can we assume you're using USB 2.0 and not 1.1?

[SGB]

Whoops, forgot to mention that I'm using USB 1.1. I should point out that at the moment, I'm only recording from a Sony digital video camera because I have yet to buy a firewire card or capture card (I already have one but it won't work on XP so I can't install it).

Disk access is set for DMA, and I do close all software that's running.


What other detailed info of my system do you want?

[indolikaa]

USB 1.1 has a very limited bandwidth, I'm surprised you're not dropping more frames than that.

I'll ponder some more...

[SGB]

Yeah, I know USB 1.1 isn't the best for video capturing.

That's why I intend on getting a firewire card soon.

[lordsmurf]

There is a dropped frames sticky post on this site. And it is reprinted on my own site.

[MrMungus]

Yeah, I know USB 1.1 isn't the best for video capturing.

That's why I intend on getting a firewire card soon.

Can't you just get a USB 2.0 card?

[SGB]

I have been considering that as well, but I don't know if it's widely available in Australia (where I live).

There is a dropped frames sticky post on this site. And it is reprinted on my own site.

I read that sticky, it didn't offer any help.