VHS to digital file on computer

[chewyluke]

Hello,

I am currently using Honestech VHS to DVD 7.0 Deluxe to convert from VHS tape via their proprietary converter box conduit with RCA cables. Out of the box the S-Video port in their conduit doesn't work. The resulting video is not a 1:1 copy. There are 7 different default conversion options they offer and only one works for me, that's .WMV. and the copy is not 1:1. The audio is fine, the speed is fine but the resolution is terrible, it's blotchy and grainy and it's also 640x480 no 720x480. All of the other options track weird, almost like a slow skipping in the resulting copy but they are clear. This is unacceptable for me, as I'm copying other people's old ice hockey footage for them.

I would like to know if there are any other options available and if anybody can suggest something so that I can get a true 1:1 of my VHS tapes.

Thank you for any/all help in advance.

[lordsmurf]

The software is junk. Use VirtualDub.
The hardware is not great. Upgrading it would be wise.

[DB83]

And there is no such thing as a 1:1 copy of VHS (unless it is another VHS tape)


You capture the video and software creates compressed (typically mpeg2) or lossless (better) formats


And the possible reason why s-video did not work. You do have a s-video vcr. If trying to capture from a vcr/dvd combi the s-video is only typically available on the dvd side.


VHS to DVD implies mpeg2. If your program can not do that it is worthless. Something is badly wrong with your work-flow.

[chewyluke]

Can anybody suggest a software with capture device that works well?

[DB83]

Firstly, try your device with virtualdub or amarectv

[lordsmurf]

And there is no such thing as a 1:1 copy of VHS (unless it is another VHS tape)

Oh, I don't know.
In terms of digital equivalency, high bitrate 4:2:2 MPEG is generally considered 1:1.
Even 4:2:0 can be.
But lossless 4:2:2 is more ideal for multiple reasons.

You can't 1:1 copy a VHS tape, because the copy is lossy -- usually VERY lossy.

You capture the video and software creates compressed (typically mpeg2) or lossless (better) formats

... like this. Contradicting yourself, but you may not realize it.

If trying to capture from a vcr/dvd combi the s-video is only typically available on the dvd side.

Not just that, but internally most of those devices are composite, even if external s-video is offered. I have samples of this, the loss is ugly. Composite itself isn't necessarily bad, but those combo units really screw up the image quality, poor composite quality.

Can anybody suggest a software with capture device that works well?

Again, use VirtualDub.

[chewyluke]

Copy that. I'll try virtual dub tonight. Are there any specific settings I should be configuring before I start to use it and find I didn't set something correctly and wind up with a bad copy again?

[lordsmurf]

Yes.

Capturing with VirtualDub [Settings Guide]