EMI/RFI Line Noise Filtering

[vhelp]

Hi, i've been searching on this for several days and am having trouble understanding and picking out something to try.

I have lots of line noise in my video captures from my vcr equipment. I can't seem to figure out what is causing it, let alone, how to resolve it.

I thought that any power strip outlet w/ some conditioner would do the job, but I seem to be wrong. So, I am hear in hopes I can be properly educated about it and to once and for all, rid my captures of this phenomena.

What is a really good "EMI/RFI Line Noise Filtering" device (if that is what it is called) that will solve my house/apt line noise problem in my video captures ?

[orsetto]

Can't remember if I've previously replied to this question in one of your VCR threads: if so, forgive the "re-run"

My house was re-wired with tinsel by the previous owner, so everything is dodgy and subject to EMI to begin with, compounded by the dirtiest, most noisy power feed of anyone I know. Aside from EMI/RFI, the dirty power was causing weird intractable problems with any Matsushita-mfd VCR in the house: within weeks, each new VCR would develop a green tint issue on the left side of the recorded frame. Some 28 years ago I read a suggestion in "Video" magazine to deploy a line conditioner-stabilizer box to clean the power to my VCRs. To my amazement, it actually worked, and all my problems with noise, interference, and weird electronic decay disappeared. I can run a hair dryer, vacuum cleaner and shaver in the next room and pick up zero noise in my video gear. Note these are not the typical surge-suppressor AC outlet strips: they are square-ish boxes, roughly the size of five stacked VHS cassettes, weighing 4-5 lbs due to heavy coils inside (they do not contain batteries and do not function as UPS: all they do is actively, continuously clean and stabilize your AC power).

So if you haven't already tried one, I suggest a line conditioning stabilizer. Mine is an old Tripp Lite 600b, pictured below. My first one, bought new, lasted more than 20 years until its filter caps wore out. I bought a second-hand replacement on eBay 6 years ago, and that one is still going strong. Brand new they cost $90- $200 depending on how many watts you need. This can be a tricky decision: a couple VCRs, a PC, and a flat screen TV can get by on a lower-spec conditioner, but the newer versions of the lower-spec Tripp Lites have inferior filtering compared to the higher-watt boxes.

The older generations of Tripp Lite, like mine pictured below, have more consistent filtering across the model range. They are also available for peanuts on eBay: some are going for as little as $15 + shipping. Look for one in a plain metal cabinet with "old fashioned" markings as in my picture. Newer, current models are easily recognized by their signature waffle-perforated case: these are much more expensive, and the low-end boxes may not be as effective as comparable older units.

The two outlet limitation is easily overcome by plugging in a standard Tripp Lite IsoBar surge-suppressor strip with four to six additional outlets. As long as the only things drawing power are a couple VCRs, one TV and one PC, you'll remain well within the operating range of the conditioner.

[pandy]

Read how to avoid grounding loop problems - even if this is not directly your problem those rules are universal and good point to start i would also strongly recommend to use ferrite chokes http://eu.mouser.com/Passive-Components/EMI-RFI-Components/EMI-RFI-Suppressors-Ferrites/_/N-bw7t4 - they really works and you can use multiple of them, also using bigger toroid core and looping cable few times trough choke (so inner core diameter must be large to allow plug pass trough) is very good method to remove interferences - use RFI/EMI suppression dedicated ferrites - they have unique characteristic.

[orsetto]

Some of the techniques pandy mentions are incorporated in the Tripp Lite boxes (when I opened my expired one, thats what I found inside).

Another tip I may have already posted in one of your VCR threads: awhile back you were expecting a Panasonic AG5710 and AG1980. Those VCRs are extremely sensitive to grounding, it was very frustrating until I thought of using one of those grounded>ungrounded (three prong>two prong) plug adapters you find in any hardware store. Breaking the ground connection got rid of some problems those particular VCRs had with audio hum.

[JVRaines]

Also check your video cables. If they are not properly shielded, or the shielding is not grounded, they will act as antennas and inject broadcast RF into your signal. Speaking of which, don't put your VCR and converter right up against your computer, which is another potential source of RF pollution.

[vhelp]

I picked up a couple of LS-600B units. Should have in a week or so. I wanted a four outlet but then I remembered I have a laserdisc player, a Pioneer CLD-V2600, and it has some ground loop issues...there are noticeable horizontal hum bars on occasion. But having tow separate units means portability. And I can move one in another location if necessary.

Thanks for the tips, guys.

[vhelp]

awhile back you were expecting a Panasonic AG5710 and AG1980.

Yes, I did receive them both. The AG-5710 looks a little beat up, but the AG-1980 looks great. Both produce good video quality considering their age, but the line noise is adding to the Luma and chroma distortion, making them more dirty or salt & pepper like. I believe that the AC voltage in my house is dirty and the cause of the poor quality analog captures I receive when using my desktop pc.

I'm about to run a few test captures, this time on my laptop pc instead of my desktop pc. I have the PV-9451 and AG-2560 that I will move over to the laptop, and I will test several usb2 capture cards that I have: EZ Grabber 2, an Avermedia DVD Ezmaker 7, and an older (original) version of the Hauppauge WinTV HVR 950Q, all usb2 devices.

Of all those as well as many other captured cards i've tried, only the Hauppauge's 950Q has a hardware TBC / Frame Sync function built in. Plus, a hardware filter to clean up the video noise, like a mild DigiPure of some sort, but still retain the noise or vhs detail. The 950Q straightens the picture and removes the jitters. Thus, the 950Q operate just like the Panasonic ES10 and Toshiba RD-XS34 and D-R4 dvd recorders. But I will mainly test the 950Q with the PV_9541 and the AG-2560 since they will be conveniently next to my Dell laptop. Plus, these two vcr's offer a pleasing asthetic for vhs captures. I know I mentioned this TBC like function once before, maybe two or three years ago, but I just need to double check this feature on the 950Q and then will make it official, that it has a hardware TBC/Frame Sync function built in. Will be back in a bit or tomorrow with the results.

[vhelp]

Also check your video cables. If they are not properly shielded, or the shielding is not grounded, they will act as antennas and inject broadcast RF into your signal. Speaking of which, don't put your VCR and converter right up against your computer, which is another potential source of RF pollution.

JVRaines or anyone else--I've ben re-researching this out. I noticed that I have some checker-box or hatchet in my captures. I think they are ok for these captures, however, I'd just like to determine whether what i'm seeing is:

a) s-video cable-related
b) something in the vcr, or
c) the 950Q capture card

Does anyone have any sure suggestions ? I will purchase one from bestbuy/ebay/amazon/radioshack/walmart/kmart or any other store that is close to me. Thanks.

[vhelp]

ok, I just realized. I was using a composite cable on the 950Q, not s-video. So, I guess I am looking for that cable instead. But I will probably need both cables to try. If anyone has good suggestion that produce clean or non-checkered details, that would be great, thanks.

[Brad]

Capture with composite and compare. If it's free of checkerboard I would blame the S-Video cable first.

http://avaa.bavc.org/artifactatlas/index.php/Poor_Y/C_Decoding_(S-Video_crosstalk)
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/331681-s-video-artifacts (actually you posted in this thread)

[vhelp]

We posted at the same time Am using the IE browser at the moment today, and I have to hit the refresh (F5) two or three times to get the latest responses. Anyway.

I responded above your post, regarding your suggestion.

Also, that discussion was the very one that I was looking for, today, but I could not find it. I will have to read what I said. I've forgotten many things since. Am getting old. Anyway. Thanks for the tips.

[vhelp]

I ordered 4 of the Belden 1694A RG6/U coaxial cables. Now I'm searching for the same in S-Video.