WinTV-HVR 1600 (video too dark)

[jolu]

Hello. I just recently purchased the hvr-1600 card because I'm trying to put my home movies (VHS) onto DVDs. So far I've done two tapes and they both came out pretty good. The only problem I'm having is whenever there is footage in dark areas (night time, indoors with little light, etc), you can't see anything. It almost looks completely black. Is there a way to prevent this from happening? Or am I going to have to edit it later on (if this is even possible).

And my last question is about the format. One of the videos is 6.5 gigs. I don't suppose I could fit that onto a DVD right? And the file format is .ts. Could I make the quality better if I use a different one? Thanks in advance.

[edDV]

What is the camera model? Video format?

Is the video dark when you play directly from the camcorder to the TV? Or does it get dark when captured?

If the latter, how are you monitoring the video? On the computer monitor or from a test DVD playing to the TV from a DVD player?

4.4 GB will fit a single layer DVD disc.

8.0 GB will fit a dual layer DVD disc or you can split into two single layer discs.

Use a bit rate calculator to estimate time vs. average bit rate.
https://www.videohelp.com/calc

[jolu]

What is the camera model? Video format?

My dad gave the camera to relatives a very long time ago so I wouldn't be able to tell you. As far as the tape goes, it say RCA T-120H on the box. Not sure if that is what you're asking for.

Is the video dark when you play directly from the camcorder to the TV? Or does it get dark when captured?

When I play the tapes in the VCR, they look fine. It only gets dark when captured (usually in an area with poor lighting).

If the latter, how are you monitoring the video? On the computer monitor or from a test DVD playing to the TV from a DVD player?

I have my VCR hooked up to the computer and I'm using the "WinTV 7" software to capture it on my pc. It looks dark while its capturing and even when I play the video after it has finished being captured.

4.4 GB will fit a single layer DVD disc.

8.0 GB will fit a dual layer DVD disc or you can split into two single layer discs.

Good to know!

Use a bit rate calculator to estimate time vs. average bit rate.
https://www.videohelp.com/calc

Sorry I'm very new to this!

...............

[jagabo]

Use the video from this post:

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/326496-file-in-Virtualdub-has-strange-colors-when-o...=1#post2022085

to adjust your graphics card's proc amp settings. Then use the HVR 1600's proc amp settings to adjust the recording levels from the VHS deck so they look correct.

[jolu]

What is the camera model? Video format?

Is the video dark when you play directly from the camcorder to the TV? Or does it get dark when captured?

If the latter, how are you monitoring the video? On the computer monitor or from a test DVD playing to the TV from a DVD player?

4.4 GB will fit a single layer DVD disc.

8.0 GB will fit a dual layer DVD disc or you can split into two single layer discs.

Use a bit rate calculator to estimate time vs. average bit rate.
https://www.videohelp.com/calc

Is this what you were looking for?



Here are some of the advanced settings. Should I enable/disable anything to help get a better outcome? Maybe I should just have them professionally done :X




Thanks Jagabo. I'll look into that.

[edDV]

Your properties window shows you are encoding at near highest quality (~1 hour per layer) which is good as it gets. Yet this has nothing to do with your level shifts issue. We suspect the problem is just the way you are monitoring on the computer. Go ahead and burn a test DVD to see if you have a levels problem when playing the DVD to a TV from a DVD player.

[jolu]

Ok I'll go ahead and try that. What are your recommendations as far as software goes for burning a .ts file? I was able to trim it down to fit on a regular dvd disc.

[edDV]

Ok I'll go ahead and try that. What are your recommendations as far as software goes for burning a .ts file? I was able to trim it down to fit on a regular dvd disc.

You have at least four options.

1. Split the program into two single layer DVDR discs (cheapest)
2. Burn full program to a dual layer DVDR disc.
3. Encode at a lower bit rate to fit the full program to a single layer but at lower quality*.
4. Edit the program down to fit 66 miniutes (4.3 GB).

Did you say what software you were using to edit?

You will need DVD authoring software to make a formal DVD. This software will convert (multiplex) MPeg2 files to a VIDEO_TS folder. Then, use a program like ImgBurn to burn the disc.


* From the bit rate calculator you will see the required average bit rate for 1hr 43 minutes is 5692 Kbps video, 224 Kbps audio or less.

[jolu]

Your properties window shows you are encoding at near highest quality (~1 hour per layer) which is good as it gets. Yet this has nothing to do with your level shifts issue. We suspect the problem is just the way you are monitoring on the computer. Go ahead and burn a test DVD to see if you have a levels problem when playing the DVD to a TV from a DVD player.

Ok I'll go ahead and try that. What are your recommendations as far as software goes for burning a .ts file? I was able to trim it down to fit on a regular dvd disc.

You have at least four options.

1. Split the program into two single layer DVDR discs (cheapest)
2. Burn full program to a dual layer DVDR disc.
3. Encode at a lower bit rate to fit the full program to a single layer but at lower quality*.
4. Edit the program down to fit 66 miniutes (4.3 GB).

Did you say what software you were using to edit?

You will need DVD authoring software to make a formal DVD. This software will convert (multiplex) MPeg2 files to a VIDEO_TS folder. Then, use a program like ImgBurn to burn the disc.


* From the bit rate calculator you will see the required average bit rate for 1hr 43 minutes is 5692 Kbps video, 224 Kbps audio or less.


[Attachment 4798 - Click to enlarge]

I just burnt one of the videos on a DVD and it didn't turn out as dark as I thought it would. Its still noticeably darker than the original but, not as bad as it was when viewing it on the PC. Its only on certain parts so, I think we can just suck it up.

Last night I found out about "Womble EasyDVD" which seems to be a combo of authoring and burning. They make it pretty easy for people like me The program gives you the option to burn-to-fit and it will automatically take care of encoding but, I'll probably invest in the 8.5gb discs that way I don't have to cut anything out and I can keep the quality of the video intact. Other than the issue with the lighting, the video came out great. I just want to thank you guys for being patient and helping out. I'm sure you guys get these topics quite often.

[edDV]

Womble EasyDVD is a good choice for you. It allows cutting MPeg2 capture files without re-encoding. The feature is called "Smart-Render".

The DVD playback should not show a level shift. You seem to be using a Hauppauge capture device. In default mode, it should be capturing black (7.5 IRE) to digital 16 and white (100 IRE) to digital 235. The Womble software should retain those levels to the DVD output. If there is still a levels shift, it is happening during capture.

[jolu]

I don't see anything under the WinTV settings that talk about the white and black, unless there is another place to adjust this. I do see a section called "Video Renderer" and it has four options: "Overlay" "VMR7" "VMR9" "EVR" and a check box that says "Use hardware acceleration when possible". Currently, EVY is selected and the hardware acceleration box is unchecked.

[jagabo]

I don't see anything under the WinTV settings that talk about the white and black, unless there is another place to adjust this.

It's the video proc amp settings like Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Saturation, Sharpness.

[jolu]

I'm not sure what happened since I last captured a video but, everything seems to be working fine now. I don't remember playing with any settings since then but, weirder things have happened Thanks again guys!

[edDV]

weird