Dropping 100s of frames!!! Please help!!!

[Matteo693]

Hi, I'm trying to capture VHS with Virtual Dub at full resolution (720x576), but am getting shitloads of dropped frames! Capturing at any lower resolution is OK - zero dropped frames. However quality is crap! I've tried capturing at 384x576 (with 2:1 vertical reduction) = looks like crap, stupid dots everywhere. I have had great success at capturing movies less than 80mins at the smaller VCD resolution. But I wanna burn to DVD! I'm tearing my hair out over this! I'm using XP, P4, WinFast A280 card, 512MB RAM, 80GB HD, with an AC'97 onboard soundcard... As far as I'm aware I have my system tweaked to optimum performance, all unnecessary processes shut down, etc... Can anybody PLEEEEASE advise me? Do I have to go into the guts of my computer & tweak some BIOS settings? What is possibly wrong? Surely my system is powerful enough to handle full-resolution capture? (PS: I have same problem when trying to capture with Ulead Video Studio 6 that came bundled with my DVD burner - 100s of dropped frames! With UVS6, however, I can capture reasonable quality direct to MPEG2 with no or minimal dropped frames, however I like to use Virtual Dub filters to enhance the quality, which I can't do with a MPEG file!). PLEASE HELP!? Thanks...

[Nelson37]

First, please fill out your profile, it is more efficient for checking hardware specs.

Second, please do not double post.

Third, read the sticky about dropping frames, most likely your question will be answered there. These questions are asked MULTIPLE times, that's why the sticky is there. If those solutions do not work, then post again.

[Matteo693]

1) I listed my specs already in the message.

2) I already apologised for the doubling up. I fucked up. Sorry!

3) I've gone through Stikky's guide, countless other guides, etc etc. I can't find any relevant help. That's why I'm posting.

Nelson37, have you got any constructive suggestions for me??

[Nelson37]

Yes, probably the number one suggestion in all the multiple guides you must have read. Add a second capture drive on its own channel. Next would be capture without filters (filter post-capture). Try using Huffy or MJPEG. Try reducing resolution in incremental steps. Try capturing without audio. Try using different sources. If none of this sounds familiar, re-read those guides.

[Matteo693]

Tried it all, pal!

Like I've said, capturing at lower resolutions works with no dropped frames...but for burning to DVD the quality (for me) is unacceptable. I need to capture at full resolution, but when I try to do this I get 100s of dropped frames?!

Strange business, this video capture stuff...

[Matteo693]

Sorry, let me amend that... YES, I've tried EVERYTHING except adding a 2nd hard drive. Maybe that's the clincher, huh?

[indolikaa]

Shit, you're computer's horsepower blows my sysetms away.

* A couple of suggestions. Disable the onboard sound and try capturing with no sound.
* Check and make sure your hard drive is running in DMA mode.
* Check the reviews for this capture device using the link on the left. See if there's any pertinent reports.

That's all I could think of right away.

2) I already apologised for the doubling up. I fucked up. Sorry!

It happens. No harm, no foul.

[Matteo693]

Cheers, Indolikaa!

Yeah I thought my system was powerful enough to handle full-res capture! That's why I'm confused about this!!!?

* I've tried capturing without audio - still dropping 100s of frames (at full res - 720x576)!!!

* DMA is enabled!!!

* I've only read good reviews about my capture card...??! I don't think it's shit??

Hmm...sorry again for doubling up my post...however someone over on my other post has mentioned a virus - "svchost.exe" - which has caused them problems with dropped frames! I have just discovered I have this on my hard drive!?

Anyhow, I'm going back to my other post to get some more feedback on this! You moderators, please feel free to delete this post/move it over/whatever!

Thanks for the help/responses!

[lacywest]

Using swear words is not necessary either ... do you see anybody here using the F word.

Sound card wize ... it is not recommended to use the AC97 on your main board. PCClub sells SB Live sound cards for ... $40 ?? The timer chip in them will pass the ATI AIW 7500 test. Once you get past the frame dropping problem ... you then have deal with audio/video sync up correctly.

Is that the only drive you have .. is one 80 GB hard drive ... I've got 6 hard drives installed. You need another LARGE hard drive for video capture only.

Your answer might be here >>> http://www.videoguys.com

Good luck ... check my details ... I don't have any frame dropping problems with my equipment

[Matteo693]

Sorry for fracturing your fragile sensibilities, dear sir.

However, I've already pointed out that capturing with audio DISABLED still results in dropped frames...so I don't think it's my soundcard!?

6 hard drives? Congratulations! I'll try to save my pension up & get a 2nd one. Six might be a bit overkill for me, I think...?

[vitualis]

Please continue this thread here:
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=193820

Regards.