capture card blues

[brett5]

I recently got a "Vstream Xpert DVD maker " conexant capture card for copying VHS tapes to digital but I can't seem to get it to work. It's not capturing anything and I just keep getting blank green screen files. I've tried various combinations of cable connections between the VCR and card and different software (cyberlink,video solutions, WinXP MM, etc.) and different VCR's but nothing is playing back or showing in the preview window. The VCRs have a video and audio out connection and the card has three composite jacks and an s-video cable one. The PC device manager says no conflicts with the card and switching PCI slots and re-installed it doesn't work. I have a relatively new Intel/XP 2800 mhz with a GeForce FX5200 graphics card so it should work but at this point it's not the money (the card was cheap!) but I would like to see it work and appreciate any suggestions. The "kworld"s online FAQ or support doesn't help.
Thanks!

[GKar]

I'm not sure which card you have, but here are all the kworld cards known here on this site... https://www.videohelp.com/capturecards.php?CaptureCard=kworld&Submit=Search&searchconne...earch&country=

You can read the comments left by others.

It's simply possible the card is DOA, especially if you cannot see anything in the preview window (assuming proper connectivity). You didn't list your O/S and and some cards may require a specific O/S to operate or an upgrade to run in a certain O/S. Check for updated driver and application software.

[reboot]

Did you select "Composite" as the source in your capturing software?

[thecoalman]

Those green screens have been attributed to macrovision before. Feed it a good clean signal either directly from a cable box/tuner or record a TV program to a new tape then try and capture that as a test, if you can then that's probably what it is. If your trying to capture commercial tapes that increases the chances all the more that's the problem.

[brett5]

I had the software set to "composite" with the VCR video out to the yellow capture card input and audio out to the white cable on the card. The smaller black line on the capture card is plugged into the line-in port on my pc. I updated the drivers but still can't get a signal from any type of tape - non-commercial or otherwise. I read the other comments so others have got this capture card to work, maybe I just got a dud but it only cost $10 --- (I know, you get what you paid for!)
I think I have exhausted all the possibilities on getting this capture card to work. I suppose the next step is to consider capture devices that use the USB port or something.

[brett5]

"thecoalman" quote -
""Feed it a good clean signal either directly from a cable box/tuner "
I haven't tried that so how do you get a connection from a coaxial cable to the capture card plugs?

[thecoalman]

but still can't get a signal from any type of tape - non-commercial or otherwise.

If the tape is bad shape that can cause the MV to kick in as well. If you can't connect RCA or S-video just record some new footage on a new tape, even an old one should work as long as it's fresh.

If you can capture this tape that you have just made then I can say almost 100% that the issue is MV. If you can't capture this new recording then it's something else.

[GKar]

Maybe try a non-commercial tape to find out if it is a macrovision problem, just record anything you want with your vcr and then try capturing it, at least that will eliminate the MV possibility.

[brett5]

it's not a macrovision problem as I have tried copying home made VHS tapes with no success, I still end up with a blank mpg file and a message like "failed to add video file" or specified video device not responding. Depending on the software I do get nice pink lines in the preview window!

[thecoalman]

it's not a macrovision problem as I have tried copying home made VHS tapes with no success,

I'll say it again........ just because it's a home movie doesn't mean anything unless it's freshly recorded material.

Have you looked to see if there's any new drivers? How about a different capturing program, usually the best one to use is whatever came with the card.

Yopu could check to see if it's a direct X problem as well. Type dxdiag in the run box.

I tried a green screen sea4rch but that brings up too many hits for composting to wade through.

[brett5]

I've tried all that - new recording from a VHS-c, drivers, different software, directx diag, etc. with no luck. The only thing I haven't tried is switching the capture card to another computer (I will eventually), I'm resigned to the fact my good luck with hardware has ended - the card is a dud!

[thecoalman]

the card is a dud!

This always works regardless.......

Step 1. Put it on a stump.

Step 2. Smash with a axe.

Step 3. Laugh hysterically (make sure the neighbors don't see you)

[TomT]

Sounds like you may have just gotten a bad card. I just recently bought the same card. Can't beat the price. I have been very pleased with the capturing so far. Primarly using it to capture old vhs and 8mm home movies. My only problem so far is the frequent windows error screens with the crappy Power Producer software that came with it. Been forced to use MS Movie Maker.