Capturing analog video (VHSC source) methods and processes.

[nickmind]

Hello all,

I have found this thread regarding capturing analog video: https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=299184&highlight=vhsc
To be very useful, but I have a questions about processes and if there is a better way (method) to get better video quality?

After read that thread, I found that you can use your DV camcorder to convert analog video to DV, and capture to your PC using firewire. I thought that was great , but of course my camcorder can not do that, but I have a Panasonic AG-DV1000 (dv recorder) that has composite in and it works.

Here is my setup, I have a 2 yo VCR using RCA composite cables going into the AG-DV1000 (the recorder has only BNC type connecters for video, so I am using a BNC to composite adapter), also left and right audio. Then I have the AG-DV1000 plug into the PC using firewire IEEE 1394. I am using Windv to capture to AVI.

The video quality is good. But, can I get better quality going from VCR to capture card like AIW, or I have “nvidia Geforce 4 ti 4600” that has RCA composite video in? Or is what I have the best I can do? Should I use the VHSC camcorder versus a VCR? If I should use the capture card method, what program is best for capturing? (my PC had audigy 2 for sound)

If you are asking what the output will be? I will be editing the video is Premiere Pro, then to DVD.

Thanks for your time had help.

[redwudz]

A capture card 'may' get you better quality, but one of the best features of DV is the locked video/audio sync, if your setup has that. I got frustrated trying to use a capture card and battling sync problems. I got a ADVC-100 and never looked back. My VHS tapes are all non-commercial, so not the greatest quality. I've been happy with the DV to DVD quality.

A capture card using a AVI format for capture, such as Huffy or PicVideo, may be better than most DV for quality. The software likely depends on the card. But expect larger file sizes.

[davideck]

Your DV Recorder may also be providing better timebase correction capability than other methods. My MiniDV Camcorder analog passthru provides exceptional TBC performance.

Playing back on the record machine often provides picture quality advantages, so capturing with your VHS-C camcorder is definitely worth a try.

[edDV]

Hello all,

I have found this thread regarding capturing analog video: https://forum.videohelp.com/viewtopic.php?t=299184&highlight=vhsc
To be very useful, but I have a questions about processes and if there is a better way (method) to get better video quality?

After read that thread, I found that you can use your DV camcorder to convert analog video to DV, and capture to your PC using firewire. I thought that was great , but of course my camcorder can not do that, ...

If your camcorder is DV but doesn't have pass-through, you can still record your VHS-C tapes to DV tape and then transfer from the DV tape.

The two step process won't be too painful unless you have alot of VHS-C tapes to do.

Try one and compare the result to your DVD recorder's.

[nickmind]

If your camcorder is DV but doesn't have pass-through, you can still record your VHS-C tapes to DV tape and then transfer from the DV tape.

The two step process won't be too painful unless you have alot of VHS-C tapes to do.

Try one and compare the result to your DVD recorder's.

My camcorder doesn't have analog in at all. But that is ok, i am using my DV recorder. My AG-DV1000 is pretty high end device. I piad over $700 about year ago, used. It was the better miniDV recorder for the money at the time.

[nickmind]

If i were to use the "capture card" method. What capturing software is best?

Thanks for your time and help.

[vsenapati]

There are several Video capture & Editing softwares in the market but personally I feel Ulead Video Studio 10 Plus is most user friendly and gives good results.

[edDV]

If your camcorder is DV but doesn't have pass-through, you can still record your VHS-C tapes to DV tape and then transfer from the DV tape.

The two step process won't be too painful unless you have alot of VHS-C tapes to do.

Try one and compare the result to your DVD recorder's.

My camcorder doesn't have analog in at all. But that is ok, i am using my DV recorder. My AG-DV1000 is pretty high end device. I piad over $700 about year ago, used. It was the better miniDV recorder for the money at the time.

That (the AG-DV1000) should work fine importing to Premiere Pro. Are you having problems?

I'm sure you realize that quality is limited by the VHS format. These tapes must be important to you. Alternative strategies listed in order of my idea of quality no object:

1: Take it to a pro restoration service bureau.

2. Use a quality S-VHS deck with TBC.

VHS is recorded with separate luminance and chrominance to tape. Playback on a S-VHS deck allows Y/C (S-Video) output to the capture device. This skips the composite issues of combining Y and C forcing the capture device to reseparate them. Composite connection introduces unnecessary processing and loss.

A TBC removes horizontal jitter from the VHS playback. A TBC often includes a "proc-amp" that allows analog levels correction before A/D. That is important for 8 bit video.

3. S-VHS playback + TBC + uncompressed capture. Uncompressed capture has benefit for high end source video but I'm unconvinced it has any benefit for VHS. Some may argue uncompressed capture allows access to specialized filters (e.g. avisynth). Assuming you invested in #2, Uncompressed capture will only cost you about $50 more and lots of time. Try it if you like. Compare the result to DV + Premiere Pro filters.