VHS conversion help

[MickB18]

Hi guys,

I have been reading through loads of posts on here on this topic, which to be honesthave confused me more, but I need some help specific to my problem. My boss wants to start offering a service where we convert VHS ( aswell as Hi-8, miniDV etc) to computer, edit the footage and author to DVD. The editing and the authoring I am familiar with but the conversion process not so.

I am not sure if this is correct but this is what I am planning:

1. Record the VHS to a camcorder (miniDV) and then connect camcorder to the computer and capture in Final Cut
2. Edit the footage in Final Cut adding music, transitions etc
3. Using Compressor to export the footage to MPEG2 format
4. Import in DVD studio pro and author

Some points I have picked up from reading these forums are that a full frame TBC such as CTB-100 and/or a capture card such as Canopus ADVC-110 may be required to improve the quality of the footage and to keep the video and audio in synch. So the questions i want to put to the pros are:

1. Is my method correct or will I lose significant quality using this process?
2. Will I require a CTB-100 and a Canopus ADVC-110 or will one or the other do?

Thanks in advance, I need your help before I get a mouthfull from my boss

[lordsmurf]

Your boss needs to rethink that.

You need no less than these items, for professional quality work:
- Multiple high end VCRs, VTRs and/or cameras to play tapes in top quality (removes noise). You CANNOT use a cheap consumer VCR or camera without making crap.
- Audio mixers, video processors (proc amps, TBCs, etc), between the analog player and the digital converter.
- Quality lossless/uncompressed capturing setup -- DVD recorders and DV converter boxes won't cut it. Those can be handy shortcuts for some projects, but never everything you do. You're an amateur if you try, so there's zero benefits to paying you instead of buying those devices myself.
- The knowledge, experience and ability to handle flaky quality audio and video, when you see it. The idea that "the DVD is only as good as the tape" is cop-out BS (100% false, a lie). Most people fail to think about all the junk videos they'll be getting, and you have to know how to handle those.

You're talking an investment of probably $5K minimum, plus time to track down a lot of it (as some of the best gear is ONLY available used, and good luck getting it in good condition!)

About your software:
- Final Cut Pro is a good editor, yes. Adobe Premiere CS3/CS4 may be better.
- Compressor can encode to MPEG2, yes-- not sure if it's the best quality option out there right now, however. The encoder is Premiere CS3/CS4 (based on MainConcept SDK) is surely better.
- DVD Studio Pro to author, yes

It sounds like you're trying to use crappy amateur hardware mixed with professional software. That doesn't cut it.

I'll be glad to rip your boss a new one, if he needs it.

He needs to stick to the business he knows. This ain't it.

I tend to get pissy when somebody thinks their knowledge of operating a VCR and the ability to buy a capture box qualifies them to enter the video service profession. That's as bad as me opening a doctor's office in town, because I've been sick and I know how to use Tylenol -- clearly not a professional qualification of any kind.

Consider partnering with an experienced video service, if you need to add video work to your own services, rather than providing half-baked in-house service to your clients. You do them a great disservice otherwise.

[MickB18]

Ok thanks for your response. I will try talk him out of it when we have a meeting on Thursday but I still need to prove I have done my research into the method.
So the process your saying is: (please correct me if I am wrong)

1. High end VCR/camera to play back the tapes
2. A TBC connected to the VCR using S-video or composite
3. Possibly a proc amp connected to the TBC??? ( dont know if these even connect together)
4. Proc amp to the Digital converter (by digital converter do you mean something like the Canopus ADVC-110?)
5. Then capture in final cut, Author etc

Again thanks for your help and excuse my lack of knowledge but I do need to show I have looked into this