Which Codec & why?

[joker2]

Hey Guys just a general question.

I am new to capture and I am using virtudub.

I have read up on codecs and notice there are many to choose from.

which ones should I use and why?

Really interetsed in freeware (without silly watermarks).

Thanks.

[bottle-necked]

I like HuffYuv. It always does a good job for me and it's very simple to use.

Good luck.

[housepig]

depends. what is your final output? (dvd, svcd, computer-played divx file, etc)

I would say if you want high quality capture, for best encoding to dvd mpeg-2, try Huffyuv (freeware) or PicVideo MJPEG at quality level 18 or above (payware). Both are relatively low-compression, and offer great quality.

also, get the codecs you need, from thier respective sites - don't grab codec packs, they are more trouble than they are worth.

[DivXExpert]

well what are you trying to do?

[Amaze]

if you use picvideo-20, you'll get the same size as huffyuy, if u set it at 19 u get HALF the size, can't tell difference in quality...

[jfrank]

I have had some problems with HuffyLV working with Studio 8 and there is no support.

PIC Video has worked well. I like that the amount of compression is adjustable. I also like that because they aren't doing this as a hobby there actually is support. Well worth the $28 IMHO

[Tommyknocker]

I thought he was intersted in freeware.

[joker2]

VHS to AVI to MPEG2 to DVD!

Thats what I Am trying to do!

[T489_33]

Hey Joker2, what are you using to capture from VHS? I used AIW Radeon 8500 and capture right to MPEG2, then just use DVDWS with AC-3. When the files that I capture exceed 4.7G I use DVD2ONE then burn with Nero.

I found the end result better than avi-mpeg2... it may be harder to work with mpeg2, however, I have had better luck getting good quality this way. Capturing to mpeg2 is also subject to your system (CPU, RAM, HDD).

[joker2]

aVER TV 203 PCI CARD.

iT SAYS YOU can capture using mpeg2 but Aver's software dont work. I couldn't cvapture with audio.

I am now using Virtudub.

[andie41]

I assume this card uses the BT8x chipset, if so I would get the driver from http://btwincap.sourceforge.net/ and use virtualvcr to capture with the HUFFYuv codec. From your "profile" evidently you only have one hard drive, so make sure you have a dedicated and defragged partition for capture and you should be able to capture with HUFFYuv without drops. As your source is only VHS, I would suggest 352x480 (NTSC) or the Pal equivalent.

I don't know of a decent freeware Mpeg2 encoder but TMPGenc for Mpeg and TMPGenc DVD Author work well and seem fairly reasonable - you can get a trial first.

[johns0]

I would capture in at least 640x576 then encode to 352x576,makes a marked difference in picture quality i found.

[andie41]

The higher resolution will be fine, if joker2's system will handle the capture without drops. However, given the lower resolution of VHS, I don't see how you would gain anything going over 352.

Also, if you were to go to higher resolution than 352, I wouldn't use 640, if your intent is to produce DVD's, because then you have to resize and that takes time. I would suggest using an DVD resolution to begin with- 352, 704, 720.

[johns0]

I`ve captured at 640x480 and at 352x480 and encoded to 352x480 and ive noticed more detail and less blockiness from the 640x480 to 352x480 encode and this is from vhs source,even though standard vhs is only 230 lines of resolution it does make a big difference capturing in higher resolution and then encoding in lower resolutions.I encode to 352x480 full screen so there is no need to resize manually.If i was encoding full dvd then i would capture at 720x480.

[joker2]

I cant capture on anything over 320 x 240 I get an error message

ERROR 418: Unsupported Video Format


What is Virtudub trying to tell me?
What can I do about it?

[Gazorgan]

VDUB won't capture any higher. You see, VDUB is stuck in the 1990's by using VFW drivers. Since no one makes those anymore, your WDM drivers aren't being used.

Solutions:

1) Capture with ANYTHING but VDUB, like IUVCR or freeVCR about anything in the tools section.
2) Use the WDM wrapper for VDUB. I've personally never got satisfactory results this way, but many people swear by it.

[SatStorm]

@Gazorgan: My friend, can you explain me then, how I'm able to capture with virtualdub on all my PCs, using w2k and wdm drivers @ 720 x 576? Or even exotic formats, like PAL60? With all my cards (hauppauge, asus, other 8X8, etc?)

@joker2: Do a search at the official virtualdub homepage. You'll find articles there of how to set up virtualdub for w2k and wxp.
Some times, you need to set the preview mode to overlay and some times not. Also you need to set up the colourspace you are using, costum framesize, etc. In other words, you need reading and experiments.

OR you use a wdm ready application, like my friend gazorgan suggest like virtual vcr for capturing.
But IMHO, try to make vdub work for you. Ain't easy, but it is worth it!

[joker2]

thanks for your help guys.