Dropped Frames + sync loss, help please!

[mikeveli]

Hey all,

I'm using the Datavideo DAC-100 to capture from VHS sources to my computer and will ultimately be making the videos into a DVD. The problem I'm having is that I'm experiencing some dropped frames whenever there is a slight pop in the video. The number of dropped frames is very minimal compared to the total length of each video.

However, when I play back the video on my computer I notice a gradual sync loss (approx. 1 sec difference around the 90mins mark). Now I'm not really sure if this is caused by the dropped frames or from the device itself. I know the Datavideo doesn't have an A/V lock like the ADVC-100, but I've never heard anyone complain about sync issues with this device.

The main reason I ask this question is I need to know if I should buy a TBC (most likely the datavideo TBC-1000) or replace my DAC-100 with the ADVC-100? If the sync loss is caused by the dropped frames then I will buy the TBC, but if it's the device then obviously I will buy the ADVC-100.

I don't necessary care about the dropped frames on the final product as like I said they are very minimal. A/V sync is my main concern. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Mikeveli

[mikeveli]

Anybody?

[pippas]

I use the ADVC50 (same as the 100, but without the analogue out), and can confirm that the locked audio really does work! -

I'm only a newbie myself, but from what I understand, the loss of sync can be because of clock 'drift', as well as the dropped frame scenario - don't know if that applies to the DAC100 setup, or just to the mpeg2 pci type capture cards.

If the loss of sync is gradual over a long period then you might blame the clock drift idea - what you really need is a short capture with lots of dropped frames within a short time, to see if that causes loss of sync!

There's quite a lot of technical stuff on this at www.adamwilt.com - might be worth a read!

As I say, I'm only a newbie myself, but as the 'experts' haven't had the chance to reply to you yet I thought I'd put my 2 cents in- sorry if it's not what you need!

[Barnabas]

Capping from VHS tape brings many problems, but someone has FINALLY made an editor that can help. What's happens is that the video frames will drop while audio frames don't so after a while the video is shorter than the audio so it's out of sync.

http://www.drdsystems.com/VideoReDo/index.html

You can also buy a Time Base Corrector, and you will drop much less frames. Some JVC vcr's have them built in too.

[pbanders]

Your DAC (like my ADS Pyro A/V Link) is going to drop frames on VHS timing inconsistancies. The Canopus ADVC-100 is much better, but for the best performance, you'll need a TBC (either standalone or integrated into the VHS player).

Your DAC lacks the locked A/V feature, not sure what can be done to help this. The ADS and the Canopus both have locked A/V and it really does work. My suggestion is to get rid of your DAC, buy a Canopus, and if that doesn't do the trick, buy a TBC too. I'm planning on doing the same.