Best Settings to capture VHS Tape to DVD

[mlong30]

Hi All,

I finally got the money to start copying my VHS tapes to DVD.

My current software/hardware is as follows...

Sony Vegas 7
Canopus ADVC110
JVC SVHS HR-9500U
Sager Notebook with 300gig drive, and 1gig Ram, 3.0 Processor, with Firewire

I currently have the HR-9500U set with TBR, video calibration etc.... I'm using S-video from the VCR to the Canopus video converter box, and firewire from the converter box to my laptop using Sony Vegas Capture in resolution of 720X480. Is this the best way to do it, or is there a better process? Do I need to apply any filters?

Thanks.

Matt

[harley2ride]

If your notebook drive is 5400rpm, you may have problems. Also, all authoring/editing softwares recommend 2- hd's. One for software, and one for data. But try it and see. As long as you aren't getting any dropped frames in the capture (a few is ok), and your output meets your standards, all is good.

[mlong30]

<< If your notebook drive is 5400rpm, you may have problems.>>

My Notebook drive is 80gig 7200rpm

<< Also, all authoring/editing softwares recommend 2- hd's. One for software, and one for data. >>

My 300gig drive is a external harddisk in an enclosure. Connected using USB2.0. Is it better to use Firewire or USB2.0 for my extenal drive? This is were all the video is being stored. My primary 80gig drive has the software installs.

<< But try it and see. As long as you aren't getting any dropped frames in the capture (a few is ok), and your output meets your standards, all is good.>.

I copied about 3hrs worth of video as a test, and so far no dropped frames! I just wanted to know if there are filters that should be added to clean it up a little better if possible.

Thanks.

Matt

[harley2ride]

I've done a lot of reading here, and most folks suggest you try without any filters first to see what you get. If it's bad, there is hardware and software solutions that will help to some extent, but for every good thing a filter does, there seems to always be some sacrifice.

Just capture, encode at the highest bitrate you can and see how the output looks. If your tapes are old, and have lots of dust, scratches, etc, then take a look at avisynth. There are tons of filters available for it, and even suggestions as to which ones to use, what settings, etc. Most of that info is in the Restoration section.

I've done a few vhs tapes with my ADS PYRO AV/Link (even some 12 yr old tapes), and they came out as good as the original, without any adjusting at all. I've played with avisynth a bit, but I'm definately no expert at it. It does work well in some cases.