Audio/Video Sync Problems

[Giselle]

Hello Everyone,

I signed up two days ago needing help desparately, only to find out I couldn't post until two days later, which this was a good thing, because I did read some of the threads and help sections, which helped tremendously. But by now I was really steaming toward the nightmare we had gone through for two weeks.

We started off purchasing a Pinnacle (Dazzle), didn't work at all, so took that back and now purchased ADS Xpress. My husband had spent hours/days burning disks only to find out an out of sync problem. Might add too, the movie would play for 15 minutes just fine, afterwards it would slip out of sync. Other burned disks were out of sync right from the beginning. Also I might mention, we went to ADS online, filled out a report for help, that was on July 20th, so far no response. We had done everything possible to try and see about correcting the problem.

The day I signed up here at this forum and read through some of the information was the day the ADS Xpress was taken back, full refund and we ordered the Canopus ADVC 300, although they had another Capture Device for a lot less. Both of these devices are stand alone that's why they are so pricey. The devices don't use your computers audio or video. they have their own built into their devices, the gentleman assured me there will be no more problems whatsoever.

Hopefully, this thread can help other people and save them a nightmare or help solve the nightmare. I did a yahoo search, found Canopus Company online, only a few stores sell them throughout the country, one just happened to be a place out of New York which we have done business with for years and are very reputable.

Best Wishes,
Giselle

[laspis59]

You could also use software like Virtualdub which when capturing can be configured to correct sync issues.

[Giselle]

I was already set to download the Virtualdub, when I was reading in another thread where a person had downloaded the software and was having more problems. We had enough problems already. Now I do believe there is some merit to the information supplied here, possible a motheboard, video or audio card issues with the capture devices. Possibly the people who have the compatible hardware for the capture device are the ones who don't seem to be having any problems. But we didn't want to go to the expense of purchasing and installing new hardware, that's why we went with the stand alone capture device.

Nice gesture on the forum to offer free software, Virtualdub, for the members. Also read where this helped correct their problems......

[SHS]

Was you talk about lower cost Canopus ADVC 100 Giselle?.

[didikai]

You could also use software like Virtualdub which when capturing can be configured to correct sync issues.

But how do you correct audio / video sync in VirtualDub?

[Giselle]

There are two stand alone capture device companies SHS, Data Video and Canopus. The lower cost stand alone capture device was Data Video DAC-100 for $199.95. There could be more companies but the place out of New York was offering these two. The other Canopus 110 is selling for $259.95. I did buy the Canopus 300 for $479. Originally my husband wanted to go with the Data Video or the the Canopus 110.

If you are interested I would be more then happy to give you the link to the place in New York, they have a website and toll-free number. I might add, these people are professionals, and can answer any technical questions on all of their products they sell. After reading some of the information here at this forum, I knew what kind of questions to ask and you are not under any obligation to purchase anything at the time, because we called back a second time after we thought it over.

[Barnabas]

Giselle,

The problems you were experiencing with the other cards are due to dropping video frames while capping. Video frames get dropped, but not audio frames so after a while, you are out of sync. The Canopus is great device for capping to DV format. Try using Virtual Dub to process the captured files. With that you can tweak the video, remove logos etc.

[Giselle]

Thank you very much Barnabas for the advice, I immediately downloaded the Virtual Dub, also will copy the information you supplied although my husband understood what you were saying.

Again thank you very much Barnabas, we really appreciate the advice and help!

[edDV]

Thank you very much Barnabas for the advice, I immediately downloaded the Virtual Dub, also will copy the information you supplied although my husband understood what you were saying.

Again thank you very much Barnabas, we really appreciate the advice and help!

Giselle, the Canopus ADVC-300 is very good. So is the ADVC-110 with less features. I own the ADVC-100.

Are you asking for a process or software to use with the ADVC?

Tell us what you want to do. VHS capture?, TV capture?, Other? Is DVD the goal?

There are many solutions that work directly with the ADVC.

[redwudz]

didikai, you can adjust audio sync in VD Mod by 'Streams > Stream List' and right clicking on the audio file. Left click on 'Interleaving' and you have a new menu with audio interleave options. If you are using VD Mod to capture there is a set of adjustments under 'Capture > Timing and Settings' also.

[Giselle]

What we are trying to do Eddv is capture vhs to DVD, we have a lot of old movies on vhs and figure in the very near future one won't be able to purchase a VCR player, like trying to purchase an old 8 track player.

I am assuming the Canopus comes with software of some sort like the other two capture devices we brought back. Or is there something else we need to purchase? Delivery for the new device won't be until Wednesday, is there something more we should know about the device?

By the way, that's why I spent more money on the Canopus 300, didn't want to fool around anymore taking devices back but another reason for us is movies are our passion, it's like purchasing a digital camera, you don't want to have to buy one every six months or so, this device should do us for a few years......I hope!

[edDV]

What we are trying to do Eddv is capture vhs to DVD, we have a lot of old movies on vhs and figure in the very near future one won't be able to purchase a VCR player, like trying to purchase an old 8 track player.

I am assuming the Canopus comes with software of some sort like the other two capture devices we brought back. Or is there something else we need to purchase? Delivery for the new device won't be until Wednesday, is there something more we should know about the device?

By the way, that's why I spent more money on the Canopus 300, didn't want to fool around anymore taking devices back but another reason for us is movies are our passion, it's like purchasing a digital camera, you don't want to have to buy one every six months or so, this device should do us for a few years......I hope!

First I believe new VCR's will be around for quite some time so there is no hurry.

Second commercial VHS tapes will have Macrovision which adds some issues we cannot discuss on this forum. If the VHS tapes were recorded from TV then there is no problem dubbing them to the PC

Third, Canopus ADVC usually does not come with software since it works with almost all commercial programs directly interfacing in the same way as a DV camcorder.

Some low end beginner programs ($99 list $50-70 street) in order of my recommendation.
These programs include basic capture, editing and DVD authoring.

Sony Vegas Movie Studio
ULead Video Studio 9
Adobe Premiere Elements

Medium level semi-pro editor/authoring programs ($500-1000)

Sony Vegas 6+DVD
Adobe Premiere + Encore
ULead Media Studio Pro
Pinnacle Liquid

Good standalone DVD authoring programs
ULead DVD MovieFactory 4
TMPGEnc DVD Author

The free stuff (Virtual Dub, et al.) get quite technically envolved. If you want to get in at the bells and whistles tech level, these programs are great but more difficult to learn.

[Barnabas]

Giselle,

Some of the Canopus units come with software, but most don't. I didn't receive any software with my Canopus ADVC-55, but there are lots of programs that will work it, such as WinDV, Video Studio, Pure Motion edit Studio, and the free Movie Maker that comes with Windows.

Capping from VHS can always create sync problems. You need a decent VCR for playback, such as the JVC's that have "digipure". Digipure can really help playback issues, and has a built in Time Base Corrector. An external TBC can be added as well for REALLY troublesome tapes.

I do lots of video conversions, and own about 5 capture devices, including the Canopus, which I use most of the time, and a hardware encoding Hauppauge PVR 250 card. Capping to DV format takes longer, but lets you tweak the final product, so you can get the best results you can out of your tapes. With some practice, you should be able to make a DVD that looks better than the original, as you can correct for tint, noise, saturation, size, etc.

Good luck!

[Giselle]

Hmmmmmmmmm, did we get in way over our heads? I think so!! Will we be sending the Canopus back, maybe so!!!

Thank you for your help and advice EdDV and Barnabas, I am going to copy all the information you both wrote. Going back to the ADS Xpress device and software, yes the out of sync problem, but the one thing I did notice, one couldn't ask for a more crystal clear picture, perfect color, would like to say the device even enhanced the capture. In fact, this was an old tape, originally the movie was taped off the tv.

Yes I did make a short movie with Windows Movie Maker which was fun, that's how I learned what this was all about to some degree.

So now we are looking at software, the only thing we can do is wait for the device to arrive and see what we have. But thank you both for letting us know in advance what to expect, I would rather know now then be surprised.

[edDV]

Why go back? Which ADS product did you try? Are we talking about the Pyro A/V Link which works? or something else? Avoid USB2 products until someone can proove they work as well as IEEE-1394 (firewire).

ADS and the Canopus products both use the same types of software. The Canpous ADVC is well proven for keeping audio in sync over long captures.

[Giselle]

I was just kidding EdDV, we had the ADS Instant DVD Express, which came with software, part of the software was Ulead Movie maker, but right now I can't think of the version number.

Going over the catalog again from the company we purchased the Canopus 300, you and Barnabas are right, they mention the software you can purchase which will work well with the Canopus 100, same as what you posted below. When it comes to the Canopus 300 there is no mention of purchasing software. So am not sure what this could mean. Just have to wait for the device to be delivered before we become involved with software.

[edDV]

I was just kidding EdDV, we had the ADS Instant DVD Express, which came with software, part of the software was Ulead Movie maker, but right now I can't think of the version number.

Going over the catalog again from the company we purchased the Canopus 300, you and Barnabas are right, they mention the software you can purchase which will work well with the Canopus 100, same as what you posted below. When it comes to the Canopus 300 there is no mention of purchasing software. So am not sure what this could mean. Just have to wait for the device to be delivered before we become involved with software.

Both the Canopus ADVC 100 and 300 look like a DV camcorder to the software. There are no special drivers or installation.

There is only one trick required, the camcorder device control must be shut off.

[SHS]

Giselle if smart you go for the Canopus units and as Barnabas said VHS are pain in neck

[thecoalman]

I was just kidding EdDV, we had the ADS Instant DVD Express, which came with software, part of the software was Ulead Movie maker,

May have been the source of your of your out of sync troubles. I know from reading the posts over at the Ulead forum the previous release of VS8 had many reporting out of sync errors, the same for Movie Factory as well but I don't remember which version, you can check yourself. The new release of VS9 has apparently addressed this problem.

If you experience any trouble with the canopus it's not the device. As far as software there's none needed to get the video to your computer, you can use Windows Movie Maker, any program for capturing really. There's even a few free ones in the tools section to the left.

Second commercial VHS tapes will have Macrovision which adds some issues we cannot discuss on this forum. If the VHS tapes were recorded from TV then there is no problem dubbing them to the PC

Sure you can..... :P Just do a forum search for "canopus macrovision" without the quotes.

[Giselle]

My gosh what a cornucopia of information here! Thank you all for your responses!

EdDV, we won't do anything or install anything until the Canopus arrives, even though I have downloaded the Virtul Dub, the software still isn't opened up yet. On the ADS DVD Instant Express you had a choice of capturing Camcorder or VHS.

SHS, I certainly agree with Barnabas, VCR'S can be troublesome. I have no choice now, Canopus 300 is on it's way for for delivery. Now I am sorry I didn't spend the extra few bucks for a Fedex delivery, we would have it by now.

Coalman, as of yet I haven't heard from the ADS poeple. I agree with you, I beginning to believe the device wasn't faulty at all, because my husband was doing a direct to disk capture, three movies are perfect, the rest are out of sync. As for the "Macrovision" issues, the ADS Instant DVD Express handled this issue fine, no problems. If the ADS people had contacted us and explained about upgrading the software, we would have been more then willing to purchase an upgrade, but we didn't know and how would we, we are brand new to all of this since July 5th.

I really don't want to put anybody down, but here in the Spokane, Wa. area, the salespeople aren't to knowledageable when it comes to these technical issues. I forgot to mention, there was a third unit we bought and
took back. Luckily on the inside of the flap of the box, it said, " if you are having difficulties, please call the toll free number for technical help." My husband called, the gentleman said you have a audio card and not a capture card this won't work, I might mention we already knew what to ask for because this was the second device that was purchased and taken back.

So hopefully this is the last of taking back, possibly we might need to purchase or download software. All one can do is experiment....

[thecoalman]

, because my husband was doing a direct to disk capture,...

Trying to take short cuts can result in problems as well.



Capture the footage in DV-AVI format using any of the programs mentioned above ot if you purchase software........it makes no difference because they will all produce the same thing. This really isn't capturing but transferring the footage. You can compare it to recording exactly what the Canopus is producing. You'll need about 14 gigs per hour of tape.

Where to go from there depends on what you are using for editing, encoding and authoring.

I really don't want to put anybody down, but here in the Spokane, Wa. area, the salespeople aren't to knowledageable when it comes to these technical issues.

I will. Most salespeople know little to nothing about the product they are pushing except what they were told or read on the box. That's not just a Spokane problem. Many of the usual posters around here enjoy toying with such people. :P

[Giselle]

Coalman, why did three movies come out all right then?

What I have done so far is more research into the Canopus, went directly to their website, looks there is plenty of support, also looks like no software comes with it, which is ok, at least there won't be any surprises. The one thing I think we will have to purchase is their "let's Convert It" for $50, if I am reading this correctly allows you to capture directly to disk.

Unfortunately Coalman with our sales help which appears to be a problem all over the country, really frustrated and angered us. Was trying to be polite!

[thecoalman]

Coalman, why did three movies come out all right then?

There can be a lot of reasons for out of sync video, just for example if your disc drive was fragmneted or it was approching it's capacity you could have been dropping frames. If you had a virus program or something running in the background that was constantly reading/writing to the drive. Even the tapes can cause these problems, the canopus works great though you should not have nay problems getting good video to your drive.

The one thing I think we will have to purchase is their "let's Convert It" for $50, if I am reading this correctly allows you to capture directly to disk.

I don't know how that works, I have no experience with it. The type of file created by the Canopus is nearly universal in acceptance for just about any editing application. You don't "need" Canopus software.....

Good place to start for software is over to the left under tools, there's lot's of info, user ratings, comments etc. There's lot's of ways to go about this from using a all-in-one application such as that one or using individual products for each step.

There's really five steps, they can all be accomplished with one app or mutiple apps. Generally using products made specifically for each step produces better results. Some can be accomplished in one shot such as editing and converting with great results as well.

Capture>edit>convert>author>burn

[SHS]

Yes can be a lot of reasons for out of sync but mainlee is usely cuase by lots missing frames which usely playback fine on the PC but the min you run Editor or DVD Authoring boom you got problem.
Belive or not thecoalman I haven't fragmneted my drive in 6mos and before that 1 1/2year in tell I upgrade to 3 250GB drive.
Yes it alway a good idea to stop virus program or odd in's tools one that are power hunry app like Norton/McAfee Antivirus carp just name a few.
I read a few review on ADS Xpress and also saw lot people saying they where have problem it the sync and pettey sure that device is not hardware base and recall rigth the Canopus had build hardware codec.

[SHS]

Let's CONVERT not all that hot Giselle and come Bundled with NeroVision Express 2
You may as well just try out NeroVision Express 3 also try some of the other DVD authoring tools.

[vcdforme]

I guess I just had to chime in.

I had a Canopus, but I now have two ADS Pyro Link A/V's
and would not trade them for the world. AND they're half the
price of the equivalent Canopus product.
They even come with software.
But I had other software already.

If you're thinking of going the Canopus route, I'd recommend
the ADS pyro link A/V. I've made thousands of discs and
mine are PERFECT.

ADS to capture.
TMPGENC to render mpg.
TMPGENC Author

(Note: unstable sources will require a TBC when using DV capture
devices) For example...transferring a crappy old video tape.

[Giselle]

I have been researching again on the softwares, Coalman, I understand exactly what you are saying, softwares for each part of movie making. Take this one step at a time and experiment, see what we need and what will work for us, I sure know a lot more then I did last week with all the help from you and all the people here at the forum. I did see Canopus software prices, they are also selling this "Let's Convert It" I assume by what I read, this is a capture direct to disk, cuts down on the time. With
the out of sync problem it happened with the capture to disk and also capturing with the Windows Movie Maker. Will surely take your advice and look over all the tools like you suggested.

SHS is that the same "Let's Convert It" Canopus is selling? Oh boy, NeroVision! The beginning of July we purchased our first Capture Device along with the DVD Burner, which bundled NeroVision Express 3 with it. I hate feeling like this about NeroVision because I have Nero software in the other drive, no issues whatsoever, just runs perfectly. After installing the software, nothing really worked, went to their homepage and on the left side there was something about issues with WinXP please read. So I went to that page only to find out there was some real issues with WinXP SP2, which is us. I downloaded the clean tool, downloaded the supposedly corrected version, which still doesn't work properly. The Nero people also mentioned on that same page they didn't think all the issues were corrected but in so many words "Good Luck." If I remember rightly they have a toll free number but it's not a toll free number because they tell you it will cost $1.29 a minute (which is to include call waiting) well who knows what that could cost. So I have put NeroVision off to the side thinking perhaps I would try NeroVision again with the Canopus.

Vcdforme, hopefully the Canopus will work for us. The ADS Instant DVD Express Capture Device seemed to be working, I do believe it was the software.....

When the Canopus arrives I am going to try everything I have learned here first before I purchase anything.....

[thecoalman]

I did see Canopus software prices, they are also selling this "Let's Convert It" I assume by what I read, this is a capture direct to disk, cuts down on the time. ..

Having looked at your specs there's not much that's going to improve your time. Video editing requires a lot of horsepower, average convert time from DV-AVI to MPEG for you is going to be in the neighborhood of 4 hours+. The onlt reasonable way you could speed it up and maintain quality is using a harware mpeg encoder card.

the out of sync problem it happened with the capture to disk and also capturing with the Windows Movie Maker..

Again what you use to capture from the ADVC makes no difference, your going to get identical files no matter what you use if you capture DV-AVI. For all-in-one capture to burn take a look at Ulead Video Studio 9, seems that most like tha one for cheap all-in-one tool. Most of these tools have free trials so try them out first.

[bmiller]

Giselle,check your inbox.

[SHS]

Yes Giselle the same "Let's Convert It" Canopus is selling
Yup as thecoalman was saying and I think Barnabas maybe do this as well capture with Canopus ADVC 100/300 to do any edit and fix, etc, etc use the 100/300 output to Hardware MPEG Encoder like WinTV-PVR 150/250 other then that the only option is a Hardware Transcoder but there are none that are low cost one so the eazy way to this and save hours of waiting.