Capturing analog tapes (VHS, *, Hi*, Beta) using Digital Cam

[concisa]

I've read hundreds of articles and how-to guides on about capturing my old tapes to my computer. My questions here are more specific than what I've found on all the great articles I've read:

I intend to use the passthrough A>D feature of my Sony DCR-PC330 Camcorder to convert. In doing so, I believe have two options:

(1) digitize the analog tape directly to the Memory Stick and then copy the resulting DV file from the memory stick to the computer (no computer connection here)

(2) connect the camera to the computer and capture the resulting DV file using a software such as VirtualDub.

Here are my questions:

(1) Of these, what is the best option?
(2) Is VitualDub the right tool for the capture in the 2nd option?
(3) All articles I've seen state that camera should connect to the DVI port via a proper cable. But, this camera allows connection directly to a USB port which sounds simpler to me than the DVI port. Cab I use the USB option and VirtualDub?

Thanks you very much in advance,

Armando

[Dr_Layne]

I wouldn't use the memory stick method. Unless you have a 30GB memory stick it would be useless. Go with Option 2. I'm not sure, but I don't think Virtualdub allows you to capture thru firewire or USB. You might want to try Scenalizer Live. I've never used USB for video transfers, I've only used Firewire but USB should work as well.

Steve

[junkmalle]

USB is usually only used for still frames and low res video.

[The_Doman]

Forget the whole USB cable stuff and use the Firewire/Ilink connection.
For capturing with firewire try the free WINDV.
If that fails you can check Scenalyzer Live to see if that works better.

[Jim44]

FWIW, I just recently did the same, using my Canon ZR-80 camera.

As mentioned, use the Firewire link and WinDV. No need to record to tape/memory stick. You're just using the camera as a straight analog->digital converter.

Jim

[concisa]

Thank you all for the input. As a result, bought a I-Link cable (firewire in Sony parlance), downloaded WinDV, intend to test the setup this coming week end.

Thanks again.

Armando

[concisa]

As mentioned in my thanks message, I did test the capture of a couple of home movies I had on Beta tapes. I have a Sony SuperBeta Hifi VCR model # SL-HF1000 (top of the line in its time) connect to a Sony DCR-PC330 digital camera which is tyhen connected to a Sony Vaio PCV-RZ46G via an I-Link cable. The set up worked.

Indeed the recommended software WinDV not only worked flawlesly missing no frames throughout the test, but was also extremely user-friendly and easy to use.

However, the quality of the digital output has a redish hue throughout not occuring in the original analog tapes. I wonder if there is anything I can do to prevent that from happening or whether I can use VirtualDUB (for instance) to fix that.

Thanks you very much for any further input you may have.

Armando

[junkmalle]

the digital output has a redish hue throughout not occuring in the original analog tapes.

Keep in mind that video looks different on computer monitors compared to televisions. Burn some test footage to a DVD and compare the colors on TV. If the problem persists you'll have to hunt down the source.

Rule out the particular video tape: try different video tapes. It's likely this isn't the problem but it's easy to test.

Rule out the VCR: try a different VCR. Try recording from a cable box or other video source. If your VCR and camcorder both have S-video and composite try both -- the colors may be slightly different.

Rule out the camcorder: try a different camcorder.

If none of that fixes the problem there are lots of filters that can be used to adjust colors...