Not sure if this is a capture or conversion issue

[arcorob]

Or Both.

I have an analog HI 8 Video on a Sony Cam.

My capture card is an ATI AIW 128 Pro. My computer is fast and no dropped frame issue...so much for hardware.

I have been using Sonic Foundry Video Factory and trying to get progressivly better video. I can CAPTURE using Video Factory and output to MPEG 1 or 2 (I bought the plug-in) but here is the issue.

If I capture at 352 x 280 resolution(VCD) AVI clips and render as SVCD format, it works okay but not the GREATEST quality. I seriously don't think it is better than the VCD.

So I tried CAPTURE at 740 by 480. Great except two issues.

What I capture looks like it is a series of horizontal lines pressed together. Then when I render to SVCD, the picture is sharper BUT any motion make you think you've taken LSD.

I know SVCD is 480 by 480 but I figure for the AVI, go for the highest. I have also tried making the output UNCOMPRESSED AVI and using TMPG. Same issue. Is it that ATI cannot capture properly there in Video factory , Video factory itself or something else ? Should I capture the clips directly with ATI software ?

One other note. When you capture with Video Factory, you cannot set more than the size except the FPS or MS YUV or YUV2 I think it is.(only two choices)

Thanks in advance. I really am shooting for the VERY BEST qaulity because space is not an issue. My final output is to VHS via the SVCDS so if I need multiple SVCDS , thast fine.

Again folks my thanks !

[geek rock]

try virtualdub's capturing..

[arcorob]

I have Virtualdub...At what settings ? Size, codec, etc ? Thanks !!!

[gfj]

Are you sure its not interlaced video you are looking at. Try playing the SVCD on an TV. It will probably look much better. [/img]

[arcorob]

I did...It is not the LACING that is at issue ( see tha tfor some reason on the AVI). It is the NOt quite IN THIS DIMENSION look on movement. Example, a truck goes by and I want to GO ASK ALICE>...LOL

And yes, I had the motion set for VERY GOOD QUALITY (slow) when I tried TMPG. I has something to do wth the AVI capture I know. They are both AVI's, its just one is done at 352 X 240 and the other 740 X 480, same bitrate. Which is strange.

Sigh.