Panasonic NV-VP31 - Image Flickers On & Off

[DTL]

I'm trying to convert some videos from VHS to my mac using a Blackmagic Shuttle Thunderbolt.

Normal tapes just show up black (presumably copy protection) - the ones I'm copying don't have that problem, but the picture just flickers on and off.

If I get hold of a Panasonic nv-hs860 would that work better?


Thanks.

[hech54]

I assume you have tried simply WATCHING the tapes on a television first?
You are in England?
Your VCR is PAL?
Your tapes are PAL?

[DTL]

Yeah the videos play fine on TV.

All PAL.

The real tapes play ok through a cheap capture device, but it outputs terrible quality.

[JVRaines]

You probably need a TBC to stabilise the signal. VHS will never look very good on a high-resolution monitor.

[hech54]

Color problems and general "flipping" are usually an NTSC/PAL issue....especially since NTSC tapes
play perfectly normal through to a modern PAL television, but are VERY difficult to capture.

[DTL]

Another thread recommends the nv-hs860, there's one for sale near me. Any thoughts on whether it would play better through the shuttle?

[hech54]

Another thread recommends the nv-hs860, there's one for sale near me. Any thoughts on whether it would play better through the shuttle?

Odds are.....no.
You just said that you can view the tape normally via your TV. Check some setting in that Blackmagic thing.
If you can view it on the TV but not through your capturing process....something is not right in your capturing process.

I can only reiterate what I've already told you....if your tapes are NTSC, there is no amount
of money and no additions as far as equipment goes that will make this capture anything other than DAMN DIFFICULT, bordering on impossible.

[Brad]

Black flashes are expected when feeding un-TBC'd VHS to Blackmagic's devices. You specifically need full frame synchronization to cure this, which the NV-HS860 won't provide. Or alternatively, a different capture device that isn't so sensitive, but options for Mac are limited.

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/376845-VHS-Capturing-noob-what-do-I-need-to-own-and...ic#post2432047

Not sure what you mean by "normal" tapes though as opposed to the ones you're playing.

Normal tapes just show up black (presumably copy protection) - the ones I'm copying don't have that problem, but the picture just flickers on and off.