Trying to get a cheap EasyCap clone to work better

[andy29]

Hi... so I've bought a cheap USB EasyCap from AliExpress... I bought it not knowing much about them and it was supposed to be a UTV007, but it turns out to be a Macrosil 'AV to USB2.0', MBA22N, 0x534D:0x0021.

I'm in a PAL country (so I want 720x576) but the maximum resolution I can pick is 640x480. Nothing else works properly anyway. It does seem to do okay at capturing at the proper frame rate though. But the worst thing is that it will only output heavily compressed MJPG. It seems like a shame and maybe I'm wrong but I would have imagined that sending uncompressed video would be less taxing on the chipset, if only you could get the it to output that.

This was in Linux. For Windows I found a driver (EasyCapDC60_64bit.zip) which works, kind of, but most programs won't work properly with it.

Kind of annoyingly, the sound seems to be fine and isn't one of the ones restricted to 8000 Hz.

I'm fully expecting to be told it's junk but I wondered if anything can be done, like using a specific driver or something. How do programs get the available resolution/frame rate/codec etc. settings for capture devices - are they in the drivers or do they get communicated directly from the chip in the device? It can find some other use as a webcam or something if not.

[DB83]

Since it is the time of peace and goodwill to all men I will (try to) be kind.

The biggest issue with the cheap Chinese usb devices is driver support. You can not expect to install just any driver and expect it to work.

The second issue is the probably very old capture program, which actually, determines the output, that comes bundled with it.

I know nothing about Linux so do not know what is available. For Windows, technically, there is nothing to stop you trying other capture software but you will have to obtain the appropriate codecs if you do not already have them on your system.

One other thing. I doubt if you really meant to say 'uncompressed' which will result in gigantic files. A decent compromise between uncompressed and compressed (mpeg2,mjpeg etc) is lossless. There are various codecs available. Two of these are Huffyuv and Lagarith. The files are quite large but easier to handle than uncompressed and some compressed captures.

PS. The device is 'junk' With these you really get what you pay for.

[lingyi]

Save time and possibly money and just chalk up your purchase to a learning experience.

[andy29]

Thanks guys - it was just in case someone had got it working better. I did try a few programs and didn't really bother with the included one... I tried VLC, PotPlayer, Virtual VCR and VirtualDub. I did just meant uncompressed coming from the device and using something like Huffyuv in the software, as you say. The thing actually sends rubbish bitrate MJPEG into the computer rather than letting the software doing it.

Anyway, no need to worry about it, it is a learning process indeed and I hope I didn't waste too much of your time. I didn't expect anything from it and to be honest I was intrigued into what you would get for such a low price. I'll probably find some use for it one day. Thanks for explaining what you did

[lingyi]

Are you still looking for a good capture device? If you are, I suggest searching the forums or starting a new thread stating what you're looking to do, SD / HD capture, gaming, live streaming as each requires a different device for optimal results.

[andy29]

Not particularly for the moment, but thank you. I have now actually found a true UTV007 chipset one from not much more money from a local Amazon seller and it works great.

It's mainly for capturing VHS tapes for archiving. I do realise that these cheap sticks aren't hugely brilliant and hopefully one day I will be able to get a better quality device as well as a good VHS machine with a TBC, then I'll store everything on a nice big hard drive in a lossless format. The main problem is finding a VHS recorder with a TBC since sellers are always aware of their value, which is fair enough but I can't splash out on one for now.

I do like reading the forums and site and learning from them. One thing I did always wonder was how much quality you can get from an excellent capture device vs. a 'good' EasyCap type one if you're capturing from VHS? Assuming the same source of course. I don't know how quickly you reach diminishing returns especially as I wouldn't want the hardware to deinterlace or process it in any way before storing.

[lordsmurf]

There is a reason that Easycap is better known as "Easycrap".
Or EZcap = EZcrap.

What you want is something like the ATI 600 USB.

[andy29]

I will keep that one in mind... thank you for your help.

[lingyi]

Not particularly for the moment, but thank you. I have now actually found a true UTV007 chipset one from not much more money from a local Amazon seller and it works great.

It's mainly for capturing VHS tapes for archiving. I do realise that these cheap sticks aren't hugely brilliant and hopefully one day I will be able to get a better quality device as well as a good VHS machine with a TBC, then I'll store everything on a nice big hard drive in a lossless format. The main problem is finding a VHS recorder with a TBC since sellers are always aware of their value, which is fair enough but I can't splash out on one for now.

I do like reading the forums and site and learning from them. One thing I did always wonder was how much quality you can get from an excellent capture device vs. a 'good' EasyCap type one if you're capturing from VHS? Assuming the same source of course. I don't know how quickly you reach diminishing returns especially as I wouldn't want the hardware to deinterlace or process it in any way before storing.

Unfortunately, quality VCRs are only going to get rarer and more expensive the longer you wait as they are used well beyond their intended lifespan. Best spend the money now and complete your transfers using quality equipment and sell it after you're done to recoup most of your cost. Or if they're just a few tapes, send them off to a quality transfer company (ask here for suggestions).

[lingyi]

I hate sounding like a lordsmurf groupie, but he's written an excellent article about "What’s in a Professional Video Workflow to Convert Analog Videotapes?" (edit: on the front page of digitalfaq.com) and the requirements for a good home capture workflow differs primarily in the amount of equipment, 1 vs. 2-3 of most things.

ls, you still have my Paypal address for the kickbacks right?

[andy29]

Unfortunately, quality VCRs are only going to get rarer and more expensive the longer you wait as they are used well beyond their intended lifespan. Best spend the money now and complete your transfers using quality equipment and sell it after you're done to recoup most of your cost. Or if they're just a few tapes, send them off to a quality transfer company (ask here for suggestions).

I had that feeling, so I'll have to get back into trying to get on with it. Never thought of reselling the equipment afterwards, I usually want to keep things like that forever once I have them

A couple of years ago I missed the chance to pick up a JVC HR-S9600 or S9700 at a car boot sale and it still hurts. At the time I only recognised some of the JVCs and that wasn't one of them so I assumed it was just some normal thing which I have a few of. I didn't even ask about it so it was quite possibly dead or too expensive to buy with no comeback, who knows. I did go back after wondering about it a couple of minutes later and it was gone. Whoops. After realising that I went through the VCR buying guide on Digital FAQ and put photos of all of them on my phone in case I am lucky again one day...

Will keep transfer services in mind but it's always more fun doing it yourself isn't it.

I hate sounding like a lordsmurf groupie, but he's written an excellent article about "What’s in a Professional Video Workflow to Convert Analog Videotapes?" (edit: on the front page of digitalfaq.com) and the requirements for a good home capture workflow differs primarily in the amount of equipment, 1 vs. 2-3 of most things.

ls, you still have my Paypal address for the kickbacks right?

I'm now reading that, thanks for pointing it out.

[lingyi]

While keeping electronics for nostalgia and for "just in case" moments is a nice thought, the truth is they're likely to die, even just sitting in storage. Capacitors dry out or burst and rubber rollers dry out and become brittle. If they're left pressed against something, even another rubber roller, it will develop a flat or indented spot. I've had several VCRs, a DVD player and other assorted electronics die even though they hadn't been used or moved in years.

lordsmurf (there's his name again! ka-ching!) has stated multiple times that almost every AG-1960/70/80 will need some parts replaced for it to work up to its vaunted specs. I just realized you're in the UK (duh, in your profile!). ls (ka-ching, ka ching! LOL) has a list of recommended PAL VCRs http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-restore/1567-vcr-buying-guide.html

[lordsmurf]

ls, you still have my Paypal address for the kickbacks right?

lordsmurf (there's his name again! ka-ching!)
ls (ka-ching, ka ching! LOL) [/URL]

Just saw this thread. That gave me a good laugh.

[andy29]

While keeping electronics for nostalgia and for "just in case" moments is a nice thought, the truth is they're likely to die, even just sitting in storage. Capacitors dry out or burst and rubber rollers dry out and become brittle. If they're left pressed against something, even another rubber roller, it will develop a flat or indented spot. I've had several VCRs, a DVD player and other assorted electronics die even though they hadn't been used or moved in years.

lordsmurf (there's his name again! ka-ching!) has stated multiple times that almost every AG-1960/70/80 will need some parts replaced for it to work up to its vaunted specs. I just realized you're in the UK (duh, in your profile!). ls (ka-ching, ka ching! LOL) has a list of recommended PAL VCRs http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/video-restore/1567-vcr-buying-guide.html

I know, I can fix some basic things and do my best with being kind to them but I know some things can't be helped Yes, I am in the UK so thank you for the list.