NTSC VHS newbie overall summary: Capturing

[brockway]

I've spent the past year slowly plugging away at capturing some NTSC VHS tapes. I had to create notes to keep things straight, so I thought I'd share them in case they help others. I'm a newbie. Not an expert. These are not comprehensive. Take them for what they are.

Here is what I used in my setup: JVC SVHS HR-S2913U > DMR-ES15 > Pinnacle 710 USB > Windows 10 > Virtual Dub 1.9.11 .

Next summary: NTSC VHS newbie overall summary: Processing & Conversion

*** Capturing ***

Overview of capturing: https://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/j4rwk1/the_how_do_i_digitizetransfercapt...e_video_tapes/

Tips for hardware including computer setup: http://www.digitalfaq.com/guides/video/capture-dropped-frames.htm

What’s in a Professional Video Workflow to Convert Analog Videotapes: http://www.digitalfaq.com/editorials/digital-video/professional-analog-workflow.htm#ixzz79YLZz1ux

1. VCR
Professional: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-restore/1567-vcr-buying-guide.html
Budget option: VCR with S-Video out and HiFi.
See NTSC VHS newbie summary #1: VCRs & settings

2. Timebase Corrector (TBC). Some VCRs have them.
TBC FAQ: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-restore/2251-tbc-time-base.html
More TBC info: https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/400964-The-Question-of-TBC-s#post2612774
Budget option: Panasonic DMR-ES10 or DMR-ES15 have TBC(ish) functionality. Need the remote. Cost ~$100 CAD. See: NTSC VHS newbie summary #2: TBC Budget option: Panasonic DMR-ES10 ES15

3. Capture Card.
Some suggestions for best USB capture:
- http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-capture/12207-best-windows-10-a.html
- http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-capture/8848-best-external-usb.html
Budget option: For windows 10 NTSC: Pinnacle 510 / 710 USB ( ~$70 CAD). See: NTSC VHS newbie summary #3: Pinnacle 710 USB Capture Device

4. Operating System
Windows XP, 7 or 8 are better than Windows 10.

Windows 10:
If you have sync issues with Windows 10, then some recommendations:
- Disable as many background processes/tasks as possible in Windows 10.
- Disconnect from wifi / internet
- Try to use a USB2 port if possible.
- Windows 10 privacy must allow apps access to microphone & camera, otherwise may see error "VirtualDub cannot connect to the desired capture driver."
- disable windows defender temporarily (difficult on Windows 10 home) (at your own risk): https://windowsreport.com/kill-antimalware-service-executable-windows-10/

YMMV. Personally, I had no problems capturing with a 2013 Windows 10 desktop (i5-4570, 16 GB RAM, SSD). I used a USB-2 port. I was able to do other tasks & leave background processes running. However, I did have problems capturing with a 2017 Windows 10 laptop (i5-6200, 8GB RAM, SSD). I would get sync / timing issues in Virtual Dub after ~10-15 mins of capturing. On the laptop, I had to use a USB-3 port and disabled as many processes as possible.

5. Capture with VirtualDub 1.9.11
See NTSC VHS newbie summary #4: VirtualDub 1.9 Capturing + Editing
If your tape has a buzz to it, be sure the captured material includes some of that buzz.


See this thread for my next summary of processing & conversions: NTSC VHS newbie overall summary: Processing & Conversion