ADS DVD Xpress - My experience so far.

[Heavensent]

i have tested the dvd express unit for a month, and the qulity is not even remotly close to what i can get without it.
if you are happy with the qulity you must be blind !

i wouldnt use it even if they where paying me to do it !

[vhelp]

Here is a pic shot from a commercial VHS tape, using DVD Xpress.



SPECS:
* 8000 bitrate using CBR encoding mode
* VCR: JVC S-VHS HR-S3910U - includes timeStamp (from start of tape)
* vdubMOD: 704 x 480 pic to clipboard -> PshopPro -> .PNG (lossless)

** ---> See revised notes on first page.

-vhelp

[yg1968]

Great capture card. No audio sync problem as the audio is locked to the video. I have no heating problem as others have posted elsewhere. I think this issue has been resolved because my unit doesn't even get warm. Version 3.0 of the software comes with Ulead DVD Movie Factory 3.0. In Canada, it can be bought at Costco for Cdn $88 (more or less US$70). The capture software has a lot of options (CBR or VBR, higher or lower bitrates, brightness adjustements, etc).

I know that I sound like a commercial but it's a refreshing change to find a product that actually works.

[vhelp]

TGIF everyone

I agree w/ you too yg1968 ...

Yeah. I'm planning on doing a few tests w/ my VCR and pre-recordings
I'm about to do ( hopefully tonight, w/ tv show "Reba" ) in EP mode.
Well, both SP and EP modes. I want to see how ADS 's DVD Xpress
can handle home-brew tapes (vs. commercial)

I only wish they had a built-in IVTC feature, cause that would be
the bomb for this unit. I'm still amazed at this device, and hardly
anyone is even talking about it. Actually, I think they are probably
jelious; stuborn; closed minded to trueth. Anyways. It really don't
matter all that much anyways.

I still use my ADVC-100 though .. the DVD Xpress is my *alternative*
device for when I'm lazy or something..

Anyways. I gotta try a few tests this weekend w/ the DVD Xpress and
my VCR w/ EP recorded tapes. I'm not sure how it will handle those.
But, it would be intesting to see the results. Other'wise, my ADVC-100
will do those perfectly, in any case.

That pic (above) was so close to my TRV22's dv passthrough in quality.
(ie, the color space looked the same to me and ) you coudn't tell
the difference between the two. Maybe I'll post both pics for show.
Anyways.

I'm using Uleads app to capture with under my Windows 98 Gold.

Cheers,
-vhelp

[The Stinger]

I am looking into getting a new USB 2.0 capture device and from what you guys are saying, this might be the one to get. Is it still running smooth? Are there any issues to be concerned about? Is it easy to set up? Thanks for the replies.

[vhelp]

I am looking into getting a new USB 2.0 capture device and from
what you guys are saying, this might be the one to get. Is it still
running smooth? Are there any issues to be concerned about? Is it easy
to set up? Thanks for the replies.

CURRENT PROGRESS ...

No change.
.
But, I haven't done much work with it because I've ben busy with other
projects.
.
The pic I posted above is a keeper. Its a good demonstration of the level
of quality you can obtain from this unit. That was at a setting of 8000
CBR bitrate. And, I still love it.., guess that's why I keep it there. I
should move it to the first page though. I may revise it, if time allows..,
with updates of my progress. Anyways.
.
I'm using mine under Windows 98 Gold. There is no specific driver for this
OS, but I was able to get it to work w/ some tweaking around. I think the
minimum OS is win98SE, and using UL'es software instead of capWiz, because
I have too many issue with it working. I don't know what you can expect from
higher OS versions, but I suspect better performance, to name one at least.

KNOWN ISSUES ...

The only issue (as with all USB devices) is the delay time during the
initial capturing phase. There is an approx 2 second or more delay, for
the unit to prepare the MPEG capture in it's cache or something. You get
this with all hardware MPEG gizmo's.

CUTTING THE CAPTURED MPEG-2 ...

Your next step in the process of things, is the Editing and Authoring steps.
ie, cutting out commericals and things. You can use Womble's mepgvcr or
MEPGcutter etc. for this. Perhaps you're a wiz at this already. If not,
you might want to do some follow up research in this area.

If you have add'l questions, feel free to ask.

-vhelp 3106

[The Stinger]

Thanks for the reply vhelp. I am really considering buying this box. But I do have 1 more question I forgot to ask. How is the synch issues? Have you done much editing with your captures? If so does the audio stay in synch after the edit? I have read many complaints about how the audio will go out of synch with these things after you edit the MPEG. I also hear that the audio goes out of synch if you capture for more than 40 min, have you experienced this? Thanks for all your help.

[vhelp]

@ The Stinger

Sorry for the delay. I've ben busy, and my sys hangs up a lot in freeze mode
and it just drains all my interests away and I loose my adrenlyn

In answer to your question. No. There is no audio sync.
.
I think that it locks the audio in the same way that my ADVC-100 does.
I don't how, but it does. I connect my audio and video to the unit, and that's
about it. The unit is a little flimszy (IYAM) but other than that, just be
careful not to use full force when inserting the cables

@ all


I will try to post other pics of various sources and bitrates, perhaps.

I'm pretty swamped with many other unfinished projects, and my wheels
just keep spining.

-vhelp 3114

[FulciLives]

Can you post a link to a short running video segment so I can get an idea of the quality? Something from a commercial grade VHS would be fine.

I've been interested in the ADS Instant DVD USB 2 but perhaps this slightly cheaper ADS DVD Xpress is good enough.

The picture you posted on the top of page 2 looks damn good!

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[vhelp]

Fulci,

First, sorry the delay in my response. I'm not has quick with my
e-mail's and their replys to the forums I visit.

Unfortunately, I don't have it connected to my system. I've gone
through several changes since. But, the unit is near by. I just
don't think I have the drivers all anymore, because I had to
re install my Win98x again a few months ago. But, I'll check.

In the mean time.. I usually keep all my test encodes, specially
those that I U/L as VOBs; MPEGS; AVI's; etc. So, I'll give a
good search around my HD's for the files. I hope its the one in
the above pic.., but no garentee.

(but read my ** note on first page, regarding MV and this unit).

Also, I know you like Interlace (leaving the Telecine in tact)
And, this unit does that, as all hardware based MPEG devices/gizmos
do.

-vhelp 3468

[FulciLives]

If you live in the USA ...

CompUSA has the ADS DVD Xpress on sale from 07/24/2005 - 07/30/2005

The normal price at CompUSA is $99.99 but you get an instant $20.00 off with another $20.00 in mail-in rebates for a final price of $59.99

It was in the Sunday paper CompUSA flyer.

Only problem is ... I sort of have my heart set on getting the more expensive ADS Instant DVD 2.0 as it has a supposedly better chipset for even better quality. Decisions decisions hehehe

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
Hey vhelp I would love to download a short clip if you could manage it my friend

[FulciLives]

Well I was looking on eBay tonight and I won a brand new never used ADS DVD Xpress on eBay for a total (with shipping) of $62.00 so no messing around with rebates for me.

I will do some testing and report back after I get it. My digital cable is due to be hooked up on August 5th so hopefully I will have this by then.

A new toy to play with hehehe

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[vhelp]

Hay Fulci pal,

I'm sorry we keep missing each other. (I don't know how your prev
mentioned situation is going, and as a result, I have been limited at
best hehe.. hope all is well though)

I know I've said this in prev threads/topics, but I feel to say it
again here, fwiw.., I don't keep up to date w/ my e-mails these days,
though mostly on account of the massive spam I keep getting each day.
I'm too lazy, so I wait a few days or so, and then check my 500-600
e-mails. So, don't take it personal, and don't be mad at me.

I'm gladd for ya.. really.

I had something I found, but was hesitant to U/L and share w/ ya
here, but only becuase it was old, and was part of a 1st BETA test
capture. Anyways.. ever since, I have now got it connected, and can
now capture at 720 x 480 (instead of my prev 704 x 480 capture limit)
I guess I have only my corrupted driver/system setup/install to blame
here. But, becuase of you, I was (am now) able to capture at 720 pix.
Thanks

And now some tip'ful words of wisdom ...

The whole idea w/ the ADS (yes, I'm a proud owner, plus my advc)
is to utilize it's 15mb captures, for re-encoding purposes. And the
aim is mainly for adding the IVTC to the final touch's for the projects.

But, because of my system OS limitation, I have not been able to
approach the 15mb range. I am thinking that its mainly on account
of my lack of driver knowledge w/ my Win98x setup. Remember, the ADS
is not supported w/ Windows 98 Gold. I'm lucky to have it working,
however.. and with good results.

I hope you find good fortune in your new toy, but if you don't find
any, (after many testings) I would understand and not hold that to you,
hehe. If anything, you'll gain new experience to use in your further
video endeavors.

Anyways..

I did do a short pic comparison with the ADS vhs capture and an
ADVC capture. I found that the ADS is more smooth. I believe it does
a filter on the capture.. less noisey sharpness. But, I still prefer
my ADVC pic over the ADS 's because it has more sharpness (some like
to refer to as Noise)

What I would like to do next, is a battery of test scenarios on the
ADVC - ADS - Dvd Recorder outputs.. mainly to see how each encoder
handles the macroblocks (pixelations) in various bitrate ranges.

My other plan (if I ever get around to it) is to hack the ADS to
allow I-Frame only encodes (for 15mb capture, and re-encodes) so
that we get a perfect detail capture, for better re-encoding quality.
Right now, and as I see it, the ADS has VBR and CBR encodings, but
as much as it shows features for GOP settings, you can't change them.
They are grayed out. What I would like to do, is hack them to (the
GOP) to I-Frame captures. I know it should be rediculously easy to
do, but I just haven't gotten around to start tests in that area.
.
Heck.., if I can do it for the Hauppage USB1 hardware MPEG box back
in 2001, then surely I can do it for the ADS box.. hehe.
.
Fulci, if we can hack this GOP area to I-Frame only captures, then
that will make this a must-have device for re-encode projects.
(again, I state, mainly for IVTC purposes. But they can be applied
to other projects, like VHS re-conditioning, etc. )

One more thing I remembered mentioning here..

I noticed that everything is previewed inside an OVERLAY window.
That means, that the source video will look brighter. Bare that in
mind, and don't let that fool you.

Slight OT here ...

I do need your help w/ something. If you can point me to some source's
with scenes that have good demonstration of the 411 / chroma issues. That
would help out a lot w/ my further testings. I think that the ADS (as all
MPEG hardware encoders) share in this area to some degree. I feel that
I did notice this issue also. But, I'm mainly blaiming it on the Interlace
fields for this. But, I realize that it's probably on account of the
sampling method that is applied to the MPEG stream during the capture
and encoding stage.

I just wish these peoples (Canopus / ADS) would get their heads on
straight with this issue (phenomina) and clean their act up by preventing
this from happening in the first place

Sorry for the long post. But, of course you know I'm known for this hehe.

-vhelp 3474

[FulciLives]

Hay Fulci pal,

I'm sorry we keep missing each other. (I don't know how your prev
mentioned situation is going, and as a result, I have been limited at
best hehe.. hope all is well though)

Hi vhelp

Well I found a new apartment. Been here since July 1st 2005

It is a bit of a stretch on my budget but it is very nice and large so I can't complain. It is also closer to my new job which I started back in March of this year. If only my job's pay increase would have kicked in when they said. It was due to kick in on August 1st but the bastards pushed it back to October 1st. I am to have cable TV and cable internet installed on August 5th but I may have to cancel and wait til October now but I will see how much my next paycheck is (I get it August 29th) before I make that decision hehehe

I know I've said this in prev threads/topics, but I feel to say it
again here, fwiw.., I don't keep up to date w/ my e-mails these days,
though mostly on account of the massive spam I keep getting each day.
I'm too lazy, so I wait a few days or so, and then check my 500-600
e-mails. So, don't take it personal, and don't be mad at me.

I'm gladd for ya.. really.

I had something I found, but was hesitant to U/L and share w/ ya
here, but only becuase it was old, and was part of a 1st BETA test
capture. Anyways.. ever since, I have now got it connected, and can
now capture at 720 x 480 (instead of my prev 704 x 480 capture limit)
I guess I have only my corrupted driver/system setup/install to blame
here. But, becuase of you, I was (am now) able to capture at 720 pix.
Thanks

I too am happy that I got the ADS DVD Xpress for such a good price. I can't wait to try it out ... I really do need to get the AVT-8710 TBC but that will have to wait a few more months. I do intend to use the ADS DVD Xpress mostly for cable TV stuff anways so the quality of the signal will be much better than VHS so I don't expect to have capture issues like A/V loss or lock-up etc. from VHS dropouts and whatnot. So not having a TBC for now will be OK I guess.

As for your computer issues: when will you stop using Win98? I bet $50.00 USD right now that in 2008 you will still be using Win98

And now some tip'ful words of wisdom ...

The whole idea w/ the ADS (yes, I'm a proud owner, plus my advc)
is to utilize it's 15mb captures, for re-encoding purposes. And the
aim is mainly for adding the IVTC to the final touch's for the projects.

But, because of my system OS limitation, I have not been able to
approach the 15mb range. I am thinking that its mainly on account
of my lack of driver knowledge w/ my Win98x setup. Remember, the ADS
is not supported w/ Windows 98 Gold. I'm lucky to have it working,
however.. and with good results.

I hope you find good fortune in your new toy, but if you don't find
any, (after many testings) I would understand and not hold that to you,
hehe. If anything, you'll gain new experience to use in your further
video endeavors.

Sucks you can't get 15,000kbps captures. I will probably do most of my captures that way but starting August 1st I will be working from 3:30pm to Midnight meaning I will miss "prime time" TV so I might be recording some TV shows at 6,000kbps just to "dump" them onto a DVD+RW so I can watch on my TV then delete. But yes anything I plan on keeping I will do 15,000kbps and then re-encode with AviSynth (Convolution3D filter) and Cinema Craft Encoder. I will of course also convert to AC-3 audio.

Anyways..

I did do a short pic comparison with the ADS vhs capture and an
ADVC capture. I found that the ADS is more smooth. I believe it does
a filter on the capture.. less noisey sharpness. But, I still prefer
my ADVC pic over the ADS 's because it has more sharpness (some like
to refer to as Noise)

What I would like to do next, is a battery of test scenarios on the
ADVC - ADS - Dvd Recorder outputs.. mainly to see how each encoder
handles the macroblocks (pixelations) in various bitrate ranges.

My other plan (if I ever get around to it) is to hack the ADS to
allow I-Frame only encodes (for 15mb capture, and re-encodes) so
that we get a perfect detail capture, for better re-encoding quality.
Right now, and as I see it, the ADS has VBR and CBR encodings, but
as much as it shows features for GOP settings, you can't change them.
They are grayed out. What I would like to do, is hack them to (the
GOP) to I-Frame captures. I know it should be rediculously easy to
do, but I just haven't gotten around to start tests in that area.
.
Heck.., if I can do it for the Hauppage USB1 hardware MPEG box back
in 2001, then surely I can do it for the ADS box.. hehe.
.
Fulci, if we can hack this GOP area to I-Frame only captures, then
that will make this a must-have device for re-encode projects.
(again, I state, mainly for IVTC purposes. But they can be applied
to other projects, like VHS re-conditioning, etc. )

Well I'm no real hacker here so that is up to you but if it can do 15,000kbps I-Frame only then yeah, that would be sweat! Figure it out already!

One more thing I remembered mentioning here..

I noticed that everything is previewed inside an OVERLAY window.
That means, that the source video will look brighter. Bare that in
mind, and don't let that fool you.

Good to know but I already know that a computer monitor in general makes video look different than a TV and not a good way to adjust brightness and contrast etc.

As I said I'm using the ADS DVD Xpress mostly (for now) on cable TV stuff. I don't have much VHS stuff left I need to convert and my LaserDisc player is dead but thankfully got most of my LaserDiscs done so ... I do have friends that have some rare stuff on VHS but I think I will wait until I can get a TBC. Anyways since I'm doing cable TV stuff hopefully I will not need to adjust things like brightness and contrast and whatnot.

Slight OT here ...

I do need your help w/ something. If you can point me to some source's
with scenes that have good demonstration of the 411 / chroma issues. That
would help out a lot w/ my further testings. I think that the ADS (as all
MPEG hardware encoders) share in this area to some degree. I feel that
I did notice this issue also. But, I'm mainly blaiming it on the Interlace
fields for this. But, I realize that it's probably on account of the
sampling method that is applied to the MPEG stream during the capture
and encoding stage.

I just wish these peoples (Canopus / ADS) would get their heads on
straight with this issue (phenomina) and clean their act up by preventing
this from happening in the first place

Sorry for the long post. But, of course you know I'm known for this hehe.

-vhelp 3474

Well truth be told it is the DV format that causes the 4:1:1 "error" so Canopus has nothing to do with it ... it is part of the format. I know there is a VirtualDub filter and better yet an AviSynth filter that attempt to correct this but the damage is done when the conversion takes place to DV in the first stage. This is why I decided that 15,000kbps MPEG-2 capture was better than DV capture. No 4:1:1 issues.

I did download that FIFTH ELEMENT "choking" scene that came from VHS to DV to MPEG-2 DVD spec and it looked really good I must say.

Fred Thompson posts alot on doom9 about the DV 4:1:1 thing. In fact it was his comment that made me consider the ADS products. He had mentioned on the doom9 forums that he gave up on DV capture and uses the ADS Instant DVD 2.0 to capture 15,000kbps then re-encode with AviSynth and a software MPEG-2 encoder. This way he can use filters and do a true multi-pass encode.

Appartently the ADS Instant DVD 2.0 is even better than the ADS DVD Xpres but I've been impressed with what I've seen from the Xpress and for the price ... it can't be beat. I have heard though that the Xpress almost needs a TBC for quality videotape (like VHS) conversion otherwise it might hang (lock-up) or loose A/V sync on drop-outs. Apparently the Instant DVD 2.0 is better at that when not using a TBC.

When I can I will post some screen shots etc. but it will probably be a couple weeks or so before then and that is assuming I get my cable TV hehehe

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
I read a nice review of the ADS DVD Xpress which can be found (a link) on the ADS website (on the product pate for the DVD Xpress) and they mention that you can do MPEG capture with muxed MP2 audio or you can capture to a MPV/MP2 file (2 seperate files) and that the same can be done using LPCM audio.

How do you do it?

I'd like to try the seperate file method so I can use LPCM audio which would higher quality and convert better to AC-3 in the end but I am afraid that doing it that way (capturing to a separate video and audio file) might invoke A/V sync issues.

One last thing ... figure out the I-Frame hack then share

[snafu099]

I read a nice review of the ADS DVD Xpress which can be found (a link) on the ADS website (on the product pate for the DVD Xpress) and they mention that you can do MPEG capture with muxed MP2 audio or you can capture to a MPV/MP2 file (2 seperate files) and that the same can be done using LPCM audio.

How do you do it?

I'd like to try the seperate file method so I can use LPCM audio which would higher quality and convert better to AC-3 in the end but I am afraid that doing it that way (capturing to a separate video and audio file) might invoke A/V sync issues.

I have the IDVD-2 and while the capwiz software is specific to each device they very simular in interface. There is a setting to use split stream for capture to get two seperate files. If used the audio lock feature is disabled which may introduce sync issues.

For what it is worth, on my old 450 mhz sys I added a usb 2 add-in pci card and used a external usb hard drive to achieve higher bitrate captures.

[vhelp]

@ fulci

>> One last thing ... figure out the I-Frame hack then share

Done. But hack is under testing at this time. I have not weaved
it into a GUI type tool setup just yet.
.
Also, regarding the maximum bitrate I can capture under win98 gold..
It looks like I can capture 15mb, (using capwiz) but it crashes
out on me after 4.7mb capture. I dont know what the cause it.


Here is another sample #39 - (my first for 2005)

Project Plans:
* ADS DVD Xpress capture box
* Capture VHS source @ 10Mbits w/ 48khz / 192k autio
* Re-Encode to new MPEG w/ TMPGenc

This U/L sample was based on a 10Mbits capture setting on the
ADS Xpress capture box (via s-video connections) from the commercial
VHS tape movie of the animated "Animatrix", the widescreen version,
and then re-encoded with TMPGenc (see specs below for any further
questions you might have on the sample clip) ...

Purpose:
You can read about it and what lead to it, here
--> ADS DVD Xpress - My experience so far.

Basically.., to demonstrate another alternative to the capture and
encode process.., showing the effectiveness of the final encode,
in terms of quality and what to expect / achieve through this
alternative.
.
Although this is my first-time trial run with the ADS Xpress box and
re-encode, I feel it is another good alternative to the re-encode type
projects. These projects usually intail IVTC, Widescreening, filtering
and other aspects that require this capture and re-ecode route.
.
Unfurtunately, I was only able to capture as high as 10Mbits under my
limited OS setup (win98x) But, I'm still working on raising these limits.
.
There is a pit-fall to this process, which leads to Chroma issues.
I found this out through trial-n error research. When working with
ADS Xpress MPEG's, I highly recommend that you do not feed it into
vdubMOD. Apparently, vdubMOD is creating chroma artifacts.
However, when you feed it inside dvd2avi and then create an VFAPI
psuedo avi file, and frameserve to TMPGenc, all Chroma artifacts are
gone
I don't know if this is an isolated issue w/ ADS Xpress only, or not.
I only know that it does with the ADS Xpress MPEG's. My bet is that
it does this for every MPEG. Maybe the ADS Xpress does not put out
YV12 formating, and that could be the cause of chroma issues when loaded
inside vdubMOD. I don't know. I'm just speculating now

Anyways..

(Experience in many levels of the video editing/processing is
usually required, and mileage will vary from user to user, in terms
of quality)

My other purpose, is mainly for hobby; curiosity; and knowledge.

For those who are curious about my setup for this project (and the
included sample clip for D/L) ...

Complete Specs for sample clip:
* VCR: JVC S-VHS HR-S3910U
* VHS: Animatrix WideScreen AR[2.35] via 4:3AR capture
* Capture Dev: ADS DVD Xpress w/ s-video, captured at 10Mbits / 48khz / 192k audio
* Hacks: ADS Xpress's setting for GOP[I:1 G: 2]
* Editing: no filtering, other than croping of video to fit the 2.35AR
* Encoder: TMPGenc
* Mode: CQ[74], Bitrate[max:9000, min:3200]
* Final Encode Project: 720 x 480 Widescreen @ 2.35AR / 48khz / 192k audio
* PowerDVD v3.0 to test final output (for Widescreen AR)
* Notes: this was a first-time attempt to test the capture and re-encode

For demonstration purposes, I choose CQ mode for this project. The actual
movie itset is only +/- 10 minutes long. CBR would have been better, for
truer archival purposes.

The aspect ratio for this movie is 2.35 but it is "squeezed" inside
a 4:3 aspect, or non-anamorphic. In the enclosed demonstration clip, I encoded
the mpeg for a 16x9 w/ 2.35AR presentation. PowerDVD v3.0 will stretch it
out properly, to a true 16x9 @ 2.35AR, the way this movie was suppose to
be presented. Even VHS can look good w/ this re-formating to this type
of aspect ratio. It is an "anamorphic" formated mpeg. Howeverm if the
user's DVD Authroing package is not properly setup to maintain this
aspect ratio, loss of quality, or the theatricle feel could be lost.
From experience, ifoEdit does an excellent job at *keeping* the aspect
ratio of agiven MPEG when encodied to a VOB file.

DOWNLOAD:
--> VHELP'S SAMPLES..

Feel free to ask any questions. I'll try to produce more samples
from this type of process if there are any requests.

-vhelp 3475

[vhelp]

Just a little OT here ...

fulci wrote:

>> Well truth be told it is the DV format that causes the 4:1:1 "error" so
>> Canopus has nothing to do with it ... it is part of the format. I know there
>> is a VirtualDub filter and better yet an AviSynth filter that attempt to
>> correct this but the damage is done when the conversion takes place to DV
>> in the first stage. This is why I decided that 15,000kbps MPEG-2 capture was
>> better than DV capture. No 4:1:1 issues.

Well, I don't believe it is as bad as it has been stamped.

There is a missing piece to this puzzle (many puzzles, you know) that most
fall pray to, when point blaim to 411 issues. And that is that source
that is being captured. As a for instance, I'll use cartoon for this
conversion here.. I've noticed how a lot of users are capturing cartoon.
There are a lot of dot.crawl and other artifacts in these sources, but NOT
from the capture card.. though most users don't factor this in.. could be
that they are ablivious to it for the time being. Anyways. But, when DV
is inserted into the picture here, it is the first thing that is blaimed.
A lot of people blaim Composite vs. S-Video to blaim also. But, the truth
(IMO) here, is this.. The source is partly to blaim. But, also, the capture
device as well. You see, (i've noted this elsewhere's around here) capture
devices incorporate some form of filtering inside the circuitry. If you
had the ADVC-100 you would know this. It does not filter the source. Instead,
it leaves it untouched. But, other capture devices (ie, Sony TRV22 dv cam;
Winfast capture card; ADS Xpress; ADVC-300 and many other capture devices)
incorporate a built-in filter (perhaps a 2-D Comb) during the capturing stage,
and filters out the noise, mostly around edges and things.
Now, depending upon the capture device and features, some will do a better
job and others. Some, for instance, will leave dot.crawl inside the captured
file.. while others, will hardly notice it. Remeber, you have to factor
also, the source materials as well, because they will have some artifacts
as well, to add to the capture artifact-issues we are discussing here

Anyways.. as I was saying..

MPEG suffers these (similar, or MPEG-BUG) issues too. But, like DV, its
dependant on the source being captured -- don't forget the capture devices'
built-in filtering circuitry. So wheather MPEG or DV, either one will show a
degree of issues with certain source color areas (ie, red) and produce a certain
artifact. In other words, I have seen plenty of red areas that do not suffer from
the 411 bug.

Personally, I prefer my ADVC-100 over anything. After factoring in the above,
you can see why. Hopefully, I have educated you by one more mark, making
you a step closer to your video endeavor.. whatever that may be in you.
But, I've included my ADS Xpress box, ..as it has it's place (see the sample
clips) in the video relm.

pfew.., Now back to the ADS Xpress (re-encode) sample..

-vhelp 3484

[vhelp]

hi fulci (and others)

I have another sample clip for D/L, but first..

I have made some progress regarding my project tests with the ADS Xpress
and using it as an alternative to re-encoding projects. I'll post the next
sample clip, but this time, w/out posting any specs, to give you another
idea of its possible usefulness and capabilities - cheers

DOWNLOAD:
--> VHELP'S SAMPLES..

-vhelp 3486

[FulciLives]

vhelp ...

I just want you to know that I did download THE ANIMATRIX clip you made and I thought it looked really good ... a bit "soft" but I assumed that is due to it being a VHS source.

Overall I thought it was most impressive (I only watched it on my computer using PowerDVD then stepping through it using VirtualDubMod).

I just have been too busy to comment on it ... until now.

I am downloading this new clip you just posted and will let you know what I think of it.

My cable TV and cable internet gets hooked up tomorrow but I am still waiting on my ADS DVD Xpress to show up ... maybe I will be lucky and it will show up in the mail tomorrow

BTW I want to know how to do the "I" frame only trick as that would be very usefull. At least PM me the info if you don't think it is ready for "prime time" posting in this thread

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
I also got a chance to download the ADVC-100 clip of the "choking" scene from FIFTH ELEMENT and it looked really good as well.

A suggestion ... capture from the same source but once to the ADVC-100 then re-encode at 8,000kbps in a software encoder. Then capture the same clip on the ADS DVD Xpress using 15,000kbps "I" frame MPEG-2 then re-encode at 8,000kbps in a software encoder. Would be interesting to see the difference between the two clips.

[vhelp]

Well, it shure has been fun messing around w/ the Xpress box. I've
been pretty busy too, but I put off my projects for these past testing,
and it has kept me pretty busy, as you can see.. from finding the .reg
tweak (and others) for the I-Frame; to finally (yes) finding the secret
to raising my bitrate for 15Mbit captures (found out the trick, yesterday)
fwiw, I hadn't had a chance to do any I-Frame testing since I moved on.

Since you are using WIN XP as your OS, you may have the GOP and other
settings available to you. So, the .reg tweak may not need be applied.

Oh, yes.. I have other clips I want to U/L, but my space is limited,
hence why I only do short clips. I have a "5th Element" clip to share
as well. I like it.

But, with the Xpress box, I do suffer from the MV nonsense. Turns out it
is subject to MV. Also, I found other issues when working with VHS tapes.

You might want to make note..

* With my JVC S-VHS HR-S3910U model, it is best to set it to EDIT mode and
turn off Auto Calibration mode when working with the Xpress box.
So, test with your brand/make/model, according to its features.
warning.. if you keep everything in AUTO mode, chances are, the tracking
will muck up your field order and your capture device will cause your
IVTC to fail, on account to random intermitent field swaping during
the capturing. I found this out (something new to add to the IVTC 'less
list) when I was attempting to IVTC something that I knew I had done
previous on the same source, but I could no longer do.
So, this is another factor to consider when attempting to aid
others in IVTC blues. Find out if they are having bad tracking or similar.

* The Xpress (by default) is Upper Field (MPEG standard, I guess) but you can
change it to Buttom field (another .reg tweak I discovered) but I haven't done
any testing with it, because I do not have a need for it.

Did I forget to mention how much I hate VBR encodes, hehe.. Well, for
VHS sources (or noisy sources) its not a good way to go. CBR is definately.

I hope you like the this next clip

Will you look at the time.
Gotta go. See you all on TGIF day.

-vhelp 3488

[FulciLives]

Well I looked at the CONTACT clip and it looks very nice. I will probably be doing the same thing, capture at 15000kbps CBR (hopefully "I" frame only) then re-encode with a software encoder although I will probably be using CCE SP instead of TMPGEnc Plus.

Unfortunately there has been a SNAG with my ADS DVD Xpress.

I finally contacted the eBay seller yesterday (the 10th of August) only to find out that he already mailed it with delivery confirmation which shows that it was delivered on August 5, 2005 but of course no package ever showed up here!

I was even home that day and was in and out of my apartment building several times so WTF !!!

I checked with my local post office today (the 11th) and they are to get back to me tomorrow (the 12th). The woman I talked to took a quick look about and could find no package with my name and address on it. She is going to question a couple of the truck driving delivery guys to see if they remember leaving it or whatnot. She is to get back to me tomorrow which is now 1 whole week since it was supposedly delivered so who even knows if these delivery guys even remember now (sigh).

My guess is they left it in the lobby of the building and some asswipe fuckhole stole it.

So much for getting anything expensive delivered to my new apartment building. This is the first such delivery I've had since I lived here (first thing that would not have fit in my locked mail slot).

Of course I am hoping that the local post office will find it in a truck or on a back shelf "waiting" to be delivered.

In better news I get a huge paycheck this Friday so I might be buying a new TV for myself. In very sad news (which vhelp knows about) my last TV got destroyed and at the moment I have a shithole Daewoo 13" TV. I have never had anything bigger than a 27" TV so I'm looking at a SONY 32" Flat Screen TV (tube) ... can't bring myself to pay the price of a HDTV though. The SONY 32" Flat Screen SDTV is $550 USD versus $899 USD for the same TV but in HDTV.

Anyways if my ADS DVD Xpress ever shows up I will post more about it once I get it. If it never shows up (blah) then I might just purchase a new one but that really burns me and if I have to do that it might be a while before I do so.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[vhelp]

TGIF everyone

Well, I feel your dissapointment.

I would like to think that its sitting, tucked/squeezed back in some
ups truck or whatever the package originated as such. These things
do happen.

I purchased mine at Wal-Mart for $79 bucks, (vs. online) because I
didn't want to wait (case I had to return it or something) and wanted
that last bit of insurance. If it turned out something that I did
not want after all, it was only a hop away back to the store, for
a refund -- no loss. (IOW, you could, in theory, mind
you, buy-try-before-you-really-buy [if you end up liking it]
and be happy)

BTW, on that last clip 0804.1, I did perform a color filter
on it. I can do that, you know and I did Because that was my
version of a "director's cut" for the sample. Anyways, I'm gladd
you liked it.

FWIW, my sound card is not properly installed, so I get weared sounds
from it, from any device. Like an echo. But, thats because I have too
many instances where I yank it out for one reason or another, and add
to it, my VCR is causing audio problems too. (I tripped over the 25 foot
A/V wire to it, and everything fell)

Anyways..

I have many other samples, and while I'm at it, I am also perfecting
other encoding quality scenarios.

On another note.. I picked up a new VHS movie, because it was a 2.35AR
widescreen version - "L.A.Confidential" and I couldn't pass it up for
$4.99 at a food store (they are starting to carry VHS now, but probably
to get rid of them. I love grabing Widescreen movies for the thrill
of a VHS capture and convert project)

But, the Xpress is not macrovision free as was assumed. So, that does
present a problem for me.

(Well, all in good fun, my hobby)

-vhelp 3507

[FulciLives]

But, the Xpress is not macrovision free as was assumed. So, that does
present a problem for me.

I thought you had a TBC ... in fact don't you have the DataVideo TBC-1000 and the AVT-8710 as I recall?

Surely using such a device means you should have no macrovision issues. Right?

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[vhelp]

>> I thought you had a TBC ... in fact don't you have the DataVideo TBC-1000 and
>> the AVT-8710 as I recall?

No to both.
I have the DataVideo TBC-100 (pci card version)


>> Surely using such a device means you should have no macrovision issues. Right?

Yes. That is correct.

-{ EDITED - 090405.AM }-
But, I don't like the output of the TBC-100 (on some sources) because it
seems to being making the output look "hatchy" little tiny, almost diamond
shape squares. I suspect a loose connection somewhere's, causing this to
happen in my setup. I didn't realize it at first, (I recall last talking about
it somewhere in the Star Wars thread here) but after working briefly on it
a few days ago, I am starting to put two and two together and adding them
up for a conclusion. (is it a normal effect of such TBC devices, or is it
just on my TBC, hence possibly acting faulty) I don't know, at this
time. Some tests have to be performed. Right now, I'm operating on the
assumption that this may be a TBC phenomina.

-vhelp 3509