VHS -> DVD -- using 8500DV - is it me or does ATI suck balls?

[8500dv]

Hi,

I'm attempting to capture VHS to mpeg so I can make a DVD. For some reason or anyother, after downloading the latest software off the ATI website I ran into some problems.

1. During installation of the encoder, It asked me for my ATI cd, I installed it and it failed to verify it was the real one.
2. After the install, the media centre doesn't give me an option to capture anything from the adapter (which has composite) input.

So, to sum it up. Did I do something wrong or does ATI in general, don't suply this software for their 8500DV card. Also, is there any good third party alternatives out there?

Thanks

[edDV]

Hi,

I'm attempting to capture VHS to mpeg so I can make a DVD. For some reason or anyother, after downloading the latest software off the ATI website I ran into some problems.

1. During installation of the encoder, It asked me for my ATI cd, I installed it and it failed to verify it was the real one.
2. After the install, the media centre doesn't give me an option to capture anything from the adapter (which has composite) input.

So, to sum it up. Did I do something wrong or does ATI in general, don't suply this software for their 8500DV card. Also, is there any good third party alternatives out there?

Thanks

First, I have an 8500DV. Before anything, turn off the DV port at that dip switch.
Second, I'm trying to understand your post.

If I understand, forget their DVD player. It sucks worse than you can imagine after jumping through all the hoops. Buy PowerDVD instead. Or use VLC if you can't afford that.

MMC 9.02 (maybe 9.03) is as high as you want to go.

[8500dv]

Thanks for the prompt reply. So should powerDVD be able to capture VHS ?

I'm running the VCR to the input adapter. But what software controls/captures from it? Also the dip switches are on the actual adapter or the actual card?

[lordsmurf]

Do this
http://www.digitalfaq.com/dvdguides/capture/atimpeg/atimpeg.htm

Or this
http://www.digitalfaq.com/dvdguides/capture/atiavi/atiavi.htm

for analog video capture.

[edDV]

DV dip switch is on the card. Turn off the DV port. ATI software must be installed in a very specific way*. Read the ATI docs and follow every step but skip the DVD player which requires ownership verification with a CD. The CD that came with the 8500DV won't get you into the v9 level. They make you pay $20 more and the result isn't worth having their crappy DVD player.

All other v9.xx software can be freely downloaded and used but don't go above 9.03** or its back to go, no $200.

* ask these guys about install http://www.rage3d.com/board/forumdisplay.php?f=24

** I'm still using 9.02 but some have reported 9.03 works.

[A_51]

8500Dv I can relate to your pain. These guys really know what they are talking about. edDV help me with a problem sililar to yours a wile a go and the guides at Lord's smurf are great. I also owne a 8500DV card, the card it self is good but dealing with drivers & upgrades from ATI is a pain in the a@#.
Hang in there and do some reading and searching on the forum.

Good luck....

[8500dv]

Thanks for all the replies. You guys are quite helpful. I'll do some reading from the documents you guys gave me and hopefully I'll be able to get through it all.

Thanks a lot

[Nelson37]

As you already know, ATI upgrades are a crap shoot. Unless there is something in the update that you really need, and others have verified that it actually works and is not just hype, then DO NOT UPDATE. These can really ruin some otherwise good days.

There are alternatives to MMC, and they can be comparable for AVI capture. However, SFAIK, no other software uses the ATI card's hardware-assisted features for MPG encoding.

There are many options and suggestions for VHS capture. Some of them are based on an incorrect understanding of theory and actual hardware methods. Strongly recommend you try various methods, and apply the simple test of LOOKING AT the results and comparing them for yourself.

[lordsmurf]

Also most ATI upgrades are for the graphics, not the video. And even then, it tends to be fixes for stupid video games, nothing important.